CSci 241: Applications Programming I - COBOL
Spring 1999
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 handouts. PLEASE REFER TO THIS HANDOUT OFTEN!
INSTRUCTOR: M.L. Manns
021 Robinson
232-5020
manns@bulldog.unca.edu
OFFICE HRS: Monday & Wednesday 10:15-11:30 (and gladly by appointment)
TEXT: Grauer, Villar, Buss, COBOL: From Micro to Mainframe
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 time 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
a)
| Exam I | 50 pts. |
| Exam II | 50 " |
| Report | 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 assignments 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
Documentation must appear throughout your program code. In addition, the
following must appear in the beginning of each program: your name,
assignment number, and a detailed description of the program and general
description of the variables.
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 are 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. REPORT
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) Exam 1 will be on Thursday, March 4th. Exam 2 will be on Tuesday, May 18th.
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 missed 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 receive 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. (See
page 40 of the 98/99 UNCA catalog for more information.)
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.