INFO70043
Introduction to Content Management Systems		 Sheridan
 
  I: Administrative Information   II: Course Details   III: Topical Outline(s)  Printable Version
 

Land Acknowledgement

Sheridan College resides on land that has been, and still is, the traditional territory of several Indigenous nations, including the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Wendat, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We recognize this territory is covered by the Dish with One Spoon treaty and the Two Row Wampum treaty, which emphasize the importance of joint stewardship, peace, and respectful relationships.

As an institution of higher learning Sheridan embraces the critical role that education must play in facilitating real transformational change. We continue our collective efforts to recognize Canada's colonial history and to take steps to meaningful Truth and Reconciliation.
Section I: Administrative Information
  Total hours: 42.0
Credit Value: 3.0
Credit Value Notes: N/A
Effective: Spring/Summer 2019
Prerequisites: N/A
Corequisites: N/A
Equivalents: N/A
Pre/Co/Equiv Notes: APPL70078, APPL70079

Program(s): Front-End Web Development
Program Coordinator(s): N/A
Course Leader or Contact: N/A
Version: 20190506_00
Status: Approved (APPR)

Section I Notes: This course is offered on-campus. The sessions may include a variety of interactive and engaging activities including discussions, workshops, group activities, role plays, case studies and presentations. Readings, video, and podcasts may be provided online, on Sheridan's Learning and Teaching Environment (SLATE), to support class activities and reinforce material covered during class sessions. Assignment details will be provided in class and on SLATE. Students will need reliable access to the internet.
 
 
Section II: Course Details

Detailed Description
Students learn how to use Content Management Systems (CMS) to install and dynamically update web pages. Through hands-on practice, students explore the fundamentals of planning dynamic CMS websites, CMS database management, and managing CSS-controlled site templates.

Program Context

 
Front-End Web Development Program Coordinator(s): N/A
This is a mandatory course in the Front-End Web Development Certificate.


Course Critical Performance and Learning Outcomes

  Critical Performance:
By the end of this course, students will have demonstrated the ability to manage content in various Content Management Systems
 
Learning Outcomes:

To achieve the critical performance, students will have demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Describe the purpose, structure, and content workflow of a Content Management System (CMS)
  2. Manage front and back-end content in a dynamic website using Joomla features and templates
  3. Manage front and back-end content in a dynamic website using Drupal features and templates
  4. Manage front and back-end content in a dynamic website using WordPress features and templates
  5. Justify the CMS option to deploy when building different websites and/or applications

Evaluation Plan
Students demonstrate their learning in the following ways:

 Evaluation Plan: IN-CLASS
 Quizzes (2 x 5%)10.0%
 Assignment 1 - Joomla17.5%
 Assignment 2 - Drupal17.5%
 Assignment 3 - WordPress20.0%
 Final Exam35.0%
Total100.0%

Evaluation Notes and Academic Missed Work Procedure:
All graded evaluations (i.e., projects, assignments, tests, exams, etc.) must be completed according to the schedule of dates specified by the instructor. Requests to submit work after the due date must be made no later than 24 hours before the due date, and must be accompanied by a valid reason that is acceptable to the instructor. Late assignments that have not received prior approval by the instructor will receive a grade deduction of 10% per business day. Students will be allowed to write a missed quiz/exam/test if they are able to provide the instructor with a valid and acceptable reason for their absence.

Provincial Context
The course meets the following Ministry of Colleges and Universities requirements:

 

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
PLAR Contact (if course is PLAR-eligible) - Office of the Registrar

  • Not Eligible for PLAR
 
 
Section III: Topical Outline
Some details of this outline may change as a result of circumstances such as weather cancellations, College and student activities, and class timetabling.
Instruction Mode: In-Class
Professor: N/A
Resource(s): N/A
Applicable student group(s): Continuing and Professional Studies Students
Course Details:
Module 1: Introduction to CMS 
  • Content Management System Overview
  • Comparison of CMS options
  • Web CMSs: Joomla, Drupal & WordPress
  • Other CMSs to consider
  • Key Principles of HTML/CSS 
  • MySQL Database Structures
  • Server Hosting & Migrations (e.g., local and production servers)
Module 2: Joomla 
  • Optimal use of the Joomla CMS
  • Resource requirements and local environment setup
  • Joomla Installation: Files & DB
  • Joomla Admin Dashboard
  • Content workflow and management (e.g., categories, articles, formatting, links, menus, and images)
  • Joomla extensions (e.g., banners, contacts, messaging, news feed, and search)
  • Installing, and modifying Joomla templates
  • User Management, Access Control and Security
Quiz 1 (5%), Assignment 1 - Joomla (17.5%)
 
Module 3: Drupal
  • Optimal use of the Drupal CMS
  • Resource requirements and local environment setup
  • Drupal Web Hosting Options
  • Drupal Installation: Files & DB
  • Drupal Admin Interface
  • Drupal Navigation (e.g., structure, menus, and reports)
  • Drupal Components (e.g., displays, views, modules, and layouts)
  • User Management and Security
Assignment 2 - Drupal  (17.5%)
 
Module 4: WordPress 
  • Optimal use of the WordPress CMS
  • Resource requirements and local environment setup
  • Installing WordPress: Files & DB
  • WordPress Admin Panel
  • Using cPanel to create a database
  • Pages and Posts (e.g., creating content, navigation, sliders, forms, SEO and metatags)
  • WordPress Plugins (e.g., photo gallery, video gallery, sliders, downloads)
  • Building new and modifying existing themes with custom CSS styles
  • Migrating WordPress sites to your server
Quiz 2 (5%), Assignment 3 - WordPress CMS web application (20%)
 
Module 5: Rationalizing CMS Options 
  • Comparison of CMS options
  • Uses of each CMS
  • Open source vs. closed source CMS options
  • Web hosting options and resource utilization
  • Choosing the CMS option
  • Community/Developer support for each CMS
Final Exam (35%)
 

Sheridan Policies

It is recommended that students read the following policies in relation to course outlines:

  • Academic Integrity
  • Copyright
  • Intellectual Property
  • Respectful Behaviour
  • Accessible Learning
All Sheridan policies can be viewed on the Sheridan policy website.

Appropriate use of generative Artificial Intelligence tools: In alignment with Sheridan's Academic Integrity Policy, students should consult with their professors and/or refer to evaluation instructions regarding the appropriate use, or prohibition, of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for coursework. Turnitin AI detection software may be used by faculty members to screen assignment submissions or exams for unauthorized use of artificial intelligence.

Course Outline Changes: The information contained in this Course Outline including but not limited to faculty and program information and course description is subject to change without notice. Nothing in this Course Outline should be viewed as a representation, offer and/or warranty. Students are responsible for reading the Important Notice and Disclaimer which applies to Programs and Courses.
[ Printable Version ]

Copyright © Sheridan College. All rights reserved.