Fall 2025 Course Syllabus Course: MRKG-2479 (Section: 71, CRN: 93437) Web-Based Content Management

Instructor Information
Instructor	Danielle Nicholson
Email	nicholsondm@lamarpa.edu
Phone	(409) 681-4312
Office	Press Building - Room: 105C
Office Hours	Mondays: 11 am - 3 pm Tuesdays: 2:30 - 3 pm Wednesdays: 11 am - 3 pm Thursdays: 2:30 - 3 pm Fridays: 11 am - 3 pm
Additional Contact Information	See Blackboard for additional contact information.
Course Information
Description	An introduction to web design and content management tools such as Weebly, GoDaddy, Square Space, WIX, and WordPress. Landing page creation and modification, and on-page search engine optimization.
Required Textbooks	Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer. Open educational resources (OER), readings, videos, and other content will be assigned directly in Blackboard.
Additional Materials/Resources	None.
Corequisites/Prerequisites	MRKG-1472 Graphics for Marketing
Learning Outcomes	1. Exhibit basic web design skills through creation of basic web content. 2. Create basic web pages. 3. Understand and implement search engine optimization. 4. Effectively use web design tools. 5. Implement content management and design technologies.
Program Student Learning Outcomes	Explore current trends, emerging technologies, and future applications of social media and digital communications. Communicate effectively with intended audiences using social media and digital communications. Apply social media solutions using current best practices. Apply effective problem-solving techniques in social media and digital communications marketing.
Lecture Topics Outline	Foundations of Web Design & Content Management Creating Basic Web Pages Content Management & Design Tools Landing Page Development Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Implementation & Portfolio
Major Assignments Schedule	Week 1 — August 25 Unit: Introductions  • Course overview and expectations  • Introduction to web-based content management Week 2 — September 1 Unit: Foundations of Web Design & Content Management  • Explore major CMS platforms (Weebly, Wix, Squarespace, WordPress, GoDaddy)  • Define key web design concepts: domains, hosting, navigation, accessibility Week 3 — September 8 Unit: Foundations of Web Design & Content Management  • Identify principles of effective website layout and user experience  • Practice creating and publishing basic web content Week 4 — September 15 Unit: Creating Basic Web Pages  • Set up accounts and configure initial website settings  • Build and edit core pages Week 5 — September 22 Unit: Creating Basic Web Pages  • Apply templates, themes, and layouts within a CMS  • Organize site navigation with menus, headers, and footers Week 6 — September 29 Unit: Content Management & Design Tools  • Customize visual design with colors, fonts, and images  • Integrate multimedia content such as video, forms, and maps Week 7 — October 6 Unit: Content Management & Design Tools  • Explore plugins, widgets, and add-ons for site functionality  • Manage collaboration features and assign user roles in a CMS Week 8 — October 13 Unit: Landing Page Development  • Explain the purpose and strategy of landing pages in marketing  • Design landing pages with strong calls-to-action (CTAs) Week 9 — October 20 Unit: Landing Page Development  • Conduct A/B testing to optimize design and conversions  • Ensure accessibility and usability standards are met Week 10 — October 27 Unit: Search Engine Optimization (SEO)  • Define SEO and its importance for website visibility  • Implement on-page optimization: keywords, headings, metadata, alt text Week 11 — November 3 Unit: Search Engine Optimization (SEO)  • Structure URLs and internal links to support SEO  • Use analytics tools to measure and refine SEO performance Week 12 — November 10 Unit: Implementation & Portfolio  • Develop a complete, functional website as a capstone project  • Incorporate SEO, content management, and design best practices Week 13 — November 17 Unit: Implementation & Portfolio  • Conduct peer reviews and usability testing for improvements  • Publish and present the final website as a professional portfolio piece Week 14 — November 24 THANKSGIVING BREAK Week 15 — December 1 Unit: Implementation & Portfolio  • Final refinements and project submission Week 16 — December 8 FINAL EXAM WEEK / GRADUATION
Final Exam Date	December 1, 2025 - 12:00 AM   Through  December 5, 2025 - 11:59 PM
Grading Scale	100-90 = A 80-89 = B 70-79 = C 60-69 = D Below 59 = F Extra credit option 1 = 10 points on any assignment Extra credit option 2 = 10 points on any assignment
Determination of Final Grade	The course is made up of weekly assignments. Your average assignment grade at the end of the semester will determine your final grade. Each weekly assignment is worth approximately 8% of your grade. Extra Credit Option 1 = Referral program (enroll a new student for Spring 2025) = 10 points on any assignment (must be enrolled by December 5). Extra Credit Option 2 = Provide a testimonial video promoting Lamar State College Port Arthur and/or the Social Media and Digital Communications program for future students = 10 points on any assignment
Course Policies
Instructor Policies	Assignments will be given each week. You will have one or two weeks, depending on the assignment, to complete it. No late work is accepted. Students are responsible for reading all content, watching all videos, etc. in Blackboard to be successful in the course. Academic dishonesty will result in a zero on any assignment (first offense); a second incidence of academic dishonesty will result in failure of the class. DO NOT wait until the last minute to complete class work or exams. I recommend you set up email notifications from Blackboard so you do not miss any information. If you are confused or need help, do not hesitate to contact me. I will share my cell phone in Blackboard. Some assignments in this course will require the use of AI tools, such as ChatGPT. AI may only be used when specifically permitted and must follow the instructions provided for that assignment, including proper citation and documentation of your process. Unauthorized or improperly cited use of AI will result in a grade of 0 for the assignment.
Attendance Policy	Students must check Blackboard 2-3 times each week to stay on top of assignments. Students must submit their assignments within the timeframes indicated on Blackboard.
Additional Information
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA	Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty	Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
ADA Considerations	The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Room 117, in the Student Sucess Center. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
COVID 19 Information	The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
Facility Policies	No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
HB 2504	This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect	As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct	LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting	For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
Grievance / Complaint / Concern	If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Department Information	Business and Industrial Technology Chair: CASP Email: CASP Phone: (409) 983-4921