Short Essay 2 --
Constructing a Site Map
Constructing an effective Web site is a complex process requiring planning, research, and organization. Since
even the most basic sites usually consist of many individual Web pages linked together -- this course Web site,
for example, contains over 50 individual Web pages -- one of the most important steps in creating a Web site is
building a working site map.
A site map is an outline of your Web site. It describes the major sections within your site, the content of
those sections, and where links exist. Though complex systems often include a site map on the actual Web site, the
site map is principally a tool used by Web developers to aid them in planning and organizing their site.
For your second short essay assignment you are to develop a working site map for your group Web site. You will
hand in one paper for the entire group. (Make sure everyone's name is on it!) E-mail submissions are not allowed.
At minimum you site map must include:
- A description of your home page including an abstract of your project.
- Descriptions of at least two other Web pages that will be linked to your home page.
- A preliminary list of sources you plan to use in developing your site. (These sources should be listed on
the page they will appear.)
Length: As needed.
Due: Tuesday, February 26.
Sources: Three (3) preliminary academic sources.
Grading criteria: In addition to the standard criteria that applies to all assignments (i.e. grammar,
spelling, page format, etc.), I will be evaluating your essay based on the amount of thought and planning your site map
exhibits. The more detail you provide in your site map, the better your chances for a good grade. Site maps that
exhibit little planning or appear to have been put together at the last minute will receive a poor grade.
Helpful Hints
The most important requirement for creating a site map is to have a good idea about what you want to say on your
site. Thus you should begin by sitting down with your group and brainstorming the project. What major points do you
want to cover in your web site? What kind of research will be required? How will the major elements be organized?
The site map can also be used to assign preliminary tasks to group members.
Although you should put a good deal of thought into creating your site map, remember that it is designed to be a
planning tool -- a preliminary working model of the finished Web site. Once you actually begin creating your web
site you may find that your site map needs to be modified. Be flexible.
The following is an example of a working site map. Yours may vary depending upon your organizational plan.
1. HOME PAGE
Introduction and thesis:
Philip K. Dick was a prolific writer of extraordinary intensity. Following a
series of bizarre mystical experiences in 1974 in which he felt that God (or extraterrestrials) began revealing
the secrets of the universe to him, Dick turned to Gnostic philosophy as the best representation of his changing
perceptions of the world. This philosophy is brilliantly expressed in Dick's last novels, the mystical and
autobiographical "Valis" trilogy. This site examines Gnostic allegory and themes appearing in these mystical
novels, and explores their roots in Dick's personal experiences.
Sources: None.
Links:
This page will include links to the other pages on the Web site. It will also include an e-mail
address for viewers to contact us, and a link to our course web page.
2. BACKGROUND INFO
To better understand the bizarre events depicted in the novel VALIS, it's important to understand
their roots in the life of Philip K. Dick. This page will briefly examine the religious visions Dick experienced
the final years of his life. It will also list several real-life characters and events that appear prominently
in the novel.
Sources:
1. Williams, Paul. Only Apparently Real: The World of Philip K. Dick. New York: Arbor House, 1986.
Links:
This page will include a link back to the home page.
3. MAIN CONTENT PAGE (1)
This page will examine the Gnostic allegory that appears in the novel VALIS, in particular Dick's use
of various Gnostic Gospels to construct a story of the coming of a messiah in modern times.
Sources:
1. Fitting, Peter. "Reality as an Ideological Construct: A Reading of Five Novels by Philip K. Dick."
Science-Fiction Studies March 1984: 15-24.
2. Galbreath, Robert. "Redemption and Doubt in Philip K. Dick's Valis Trilogy." Extrapolation Summer 1983:
105-115.
3. Pagels, Elaine. The Gnostic Gospels. 1979. New York: Vintage Books, 1989.
Links:
This page will include a link back to the home page.
4. BIOGRAPHICAL INFO
This page will contain biographical information on the members of our group and their principle
responsibility on this project. We will also include photographs of each of the group members.
Sources: None.
Links:
This page will include a link back to the home page as well as e-mail links to each of the group members.
5. LINKS
This page will include links to sites that may be of interest to visitors.
Sources: None.
Links:
In addition to the links mentioned above, this page will include a link back to the home page.
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