Instructor: Dr. Tamiko Murray

Email: tmurray@lamarpa.edu

Phone: (409) 984-6225

Office: Education Building I - Room 105

Office Hours: Mondays: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Tuesdays: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Wednesdays: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Thursday: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Fridays: 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Additional Contact Information: See Blackboard for additional contact information.

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.

Open educational resources (OER), readings, videos, and other content will be assigned directly in Blackboard. 

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.

None

• MRKG-1472 Graphics for Marketing

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.

• 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.

Foundations of Web Design & Content Management

Creating Basic Web Pages

Content Management & Design Tools

Landing Page Development

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Implementation & Portfolio

Week 1 — August 24

Unit: Introductions

 • Course overview and expectations

 • Introduction to web-based content management

Week 2 — August 30

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 7

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 14

Unit: Creating Basic Web Pages

 • Set up accounts and configure initial website settings

 • Build and edit core pages

Week 5 — September 21

Unit: Creating Basic Web Pages

 • Apply templates, themes, and layouts within a CMS

 • Organize site navigation with menus, headers, and footers

Week 6 — September 28

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 5

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 12

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 26

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 2

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 9

Unit: Implementation & Portfolio

 • Develop a complete, functional website as a capstone project

 • Incorporate SEO, content management, and design best practices

Week 13 — November 16

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 23

THANKSGIVING BREAK

Week 15 — November 30

Unit: Implementation & Portfolio

 • Final refinements and project submission

Week 16 — December 7

FINAL EXAM WEEK / GRADUATION

November 30, 2026 - 12:00 AM  Through  December 4, 2026 - 11:59 PM

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 

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 2026) = 10 points on any assignment (must be enrolled by December 4).

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

• 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.

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. 

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 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.

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 Accessibility Services Coordinator, Room 119, in the Ruby Fuller Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.

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.

This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.

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.

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.

For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.

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.