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CSci 241: Applications Programming I - COBOL

Spring 1998

COURSE POLICIES


Your continuance in this course is the indication that you agree with the policies on this handout. In order to treat all students equally, there will be absolutely no individual exceptions to any written policy that appears on this or on subsequent hand outs. PLEASE REFER TO THIS HANDOUT OFTEN!



INSTRUCTOR: M.L. Manns 021 Robinson 232-5020


OFFICE HRS: Mon-Wed-Fri 9:30-10:30 (and gladly by appointment)


TEXT: Nickerson, Fundamentals of Structured COBOL



ABOUT THE COURSE:

a) CSci 241 is an introductory course in COBOL programming for students with a CSci 201 prerequisite but with no exposure to the COBOL language. Although this course will be conducted at the slowest pace possible, there can be no class tim e wasted for those who fall behind.

b) There will be three objectives in this course. Students will:

1) be introduced to the fundamental principles of the COBOL language (using business-related applications).

2) gain an appreciation of the issues and influences of the COBOL language in the workplace. (This means that instruction will include more than simply teaching syntax.)

3) sharpen the exploration skills they will need to further develop mastery of COBOL and other computer languages. (This is one of the most important skills a computer science student can learn -- the ability to search for answers - - because programming environments are ever-changing.)

I. GRADING

Exam I 50 pts.
Exam II 50 "
Paper 25 "
Assignments 125 "
TOTAL 250 pts.


b) Final letter grades will be assigned using the following scale:

230 - 250: A
209 - 229: B
188 - 208: C
167 - 187: D
below 167: F

c) In the case of "borderline" points, a student will receive the higher of the two grades only if he/she: 1) had regular class participation and, 2) completed the paper and all assignments. Class participation and quality of assignme nts have a large influence on final grades!

d) Those who do not complete the paper and all assignments cannot be eligible for a final letter grade 'A'.

e) 'I' or 'W' grades are not given lightly. The student must have had regular class attendance in order to be eligible to request an 'I'.



II. PROGRAM ASSIGNMENTS


Each program must contain all of the following. Assignments which do not contain these items WILL HAVE ONE POINT DEDUCTED.

1) The following must appear in the documentation of each program: your name, class title, assignment number, and a detailed description of the program and general description of the variables.

2)
Your signature must appear next to your printed name. (See "Academic Dishonesty Policy" in this handout.)

3) The program listing and output must be on the same continuous sheet of paper.

4) If the computer paper contains perforated ends, these ends must be ripped off.



III. EXTRA CREDIT

As assignments are graded, some often stand out because a student puts extra effort into doing more than is required. Unique assignments such as these are eligible for an extra credit "plus," which will have a positive effect on the calculation of the final course grade.



IV. ABOUT DUE DATES ...

You will be faced with many critical deadlines in the work place. In academic environments, a course can be successful only if both the instructor and the students are prepared for each class meeting. These are the reasons deadlines are taken so seriously in this course.

Deadlines appear on assignment handouts. This date refers to the day the paper(s) must be received in the hands of the instructor. One point will be deducted each day any assignment is overdue, weekends and school holidays excluded. Items which a re presented too late to earn points will receive one of the following: "check", "check plus", or "check minus". Deadline extensions will not be considered for any individual. If you are late, you should gracefully accept a lowered score.



V. CLASS ATTENDANCE

a) Class attendance may be considered in the calculation of the final grade. (See the “Grading” section on this handout.) Each student is responsible for all information and assignments discussed in class, whether or not he/she is present. When class is missed, handouts must be picked up before the next class period.

b)
Please arrive on time for class. This should be done out of respect for fellow students who will be disrupted by anyone entering the classroom during lecture.

c) If class is unexpectedly canceled for any reason, students should assume that dates for scheduled exams and assignments will not be changed. When in doubt, check the instructor's office door and/or E-mail for any messages.



VI. PAPER

A short research paper about the use of COBOL in a business environment will be assigned. More information will be provided in class.



VII. EXAMS

a) Exams will include all material from lecture and readings.

b) The dates of the exams appear on this handout.

c) Exams must be taken during designated class period(s). There will be no make-ups or opportunity for early exams. If a student must miss exam 1 the score on exam 2 will also be applied to this missed exam. (For example, if exam 1 is mi ssed and a score of 35 is later made on the second exam, 35 points will be recorded for exam 1 with no effect on the exam 2 score.) If only the final exam is missed, some type of oral exam will be administered. There are no provisions for two missed exams; therefore a zero score will be recorded.



VIII. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY POLICY

Cheating on exams or on any assignment will not be tolerated! As stated in the UNCA catalogue, “A person who knowingly assists another in cheating is likewise guilty of cheating.” There will be no second chances. Those found cheating will rec eive a zero score on the assignment or the exam in which the cheating occurred. In addition, a letter describing the event will be sent to the Office of Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

Your awareness of this policy and your confirmation that the work you submit meets an Honor System (as related in the above paragraph and on page 40 of the 97/98 UNCA catalog) will be indicated by your signature next to your printed name on all papers sub mitted for grading. Work submitted without your signature will not be graded.



IX. APPEALS

Any students who feels that he/she has been treated unfairly in this course may appeal any decision of the instructor by presenting his/her case in writing to all other students in the class.



X. “If all goes as expected” PLAN

(Chapters are subject to change.)

Chapters 1 through 4
--> EXAM 1 - Thursday, March 5th

Chapters 5 through 11
--> EXAM 2 - Thursday, May 14th