SYLLABUS HANDOUT
for
Fall, 2005
COBOL I
INFO 1524 (CPT 221) 5A
Th • 6:00 p.m.–9:35 p.m.
FOC 8 201
Alan R. Reinarz
WELCOME TO METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Metropolitan Community College
Page 1 of 7
Revised: 9/7/2005
SYLLABUS
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
SECTION I: THE CLASS AND THE INSTRUCTOR
COURSE SECTION AND TITLE:
ACADEMIC YEAR/QUARTER:
INSTRUCTOR’S NAME:
LOCATION OF CLASS:
LOCATION OF LABS:
INFO 1524 (CPT 221) 5A: COBOL I
Fall, 2005
Alan R. Reinarz
FOC 8 201
FOC 10 119, unused classroom on 2nd floor FOC 8, or CT lab at
any campus or center
METHODS OF CONTACTING INTRUCTOR:
areinarz@mccneb.edu
http://ctva.mccneb.edu/areinarz
METRO OFFICES
HOURS*
LOCATION
PHONE
FAX
M/W: 2:00p-3:00p
SOC MAH 300
738-4089
738-4553
T/Th: 9:30a-10:30a
T:
3:30p-4:30p
EVC 125
289-1452
289-1222
Th:
FOC 8 203
457-2624
457-2946
4:00p-5:00p
*Stated office hours may need to be changed due to special circumstances or events. If the student wishes to meet with the instructor at a time other
than scheduled office hours, the student should make an appointment with the instructor.
Home phone:
(402) 556-3071
IMPORTANT DATES:
DATE CLASS BEGINS:
DATE CLASS ENDS:
LAST DATE TO DROP CLASS:
DATES CLASS DOES NOT MEET:
9/8/2005
11/17/2005
11/2/2005
none
SECTION II: THE COURSE
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The student gains experience in using programming techniques with the language of COBOL. Students are required to program, debug,
and test specified business oriented problems using COBOL.
COURSE PREREQUISITES: INFO 1003 (CPT 105) (Introduction to Computer Programming)
Prerequisites for INFO 1524 (CPT 221) that were covered in INFO 1003 (CPT 105)
Hardware, Software, and Data
Structures: loops, case, IF-ELSE
Flowcharts and Hierarchy Charts
Counters and accumulators (including using a line counter)
Record layout/report layout
Arrays: subscripts, direct access, sequential and binary search
Variables and constants
Modularized programming (subroutines)
Numeric and non-numeric data
Control break logic
COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Describe the structure and divisions of a COBOL program.
Describe and code the Identification and Environment Divisions.
Describe and code the File Section and Working-Storage Section of the Data Division.
Code a COBOL program that performs basic I/O operations, arithmetic operations, MOVEs, and PERFORMs.
Demonstrate programming techniques used for control break processing.
Demonstrate programming techniques used for validating data.
Metropolitan Community College
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7.
8.
9.
Code COBOL programs using one-dimensional tables.
Code COBOL programs using table look-up techniques of COBOL with one-dimensional tables.
Demonstrate multiple-level table handling features of COBOL.
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Textbook: COBOL for the 21st Century
Edition: 11th Edition, Author: Stern, Stern, and Ley, Publisher: John Wiley and Sons.
Two 3.5 " diskettes or other removable, submittable media.
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:
COBOL is a highly standardized, “cross-platform” language. It is available from a number of different software vendors for a number
of different types of computers. MCC and the instructor would recommend one or more of the following options:
1. ILE COBOL on MCC’s IBM iSeries server. This service is available on all campuses via the MCC LAN, and off-campus via
the Internet. However, the traditional Application Development ToolSet (ADTS), which includes the Source Edit Utility
(SEU) and the Programming Development Manager (PDM), may be awkward to use for those not already familiar with it. A
somewhat more modern and integrated software development environment for the iSeries is CODE/400. We are currently
investigating the feasibility of making this available on select Computer Technology workstations on campus. Students may
find an older version of CODE/400, which they can install on their personal computers, bound with the textbook
Understanding CODE/400 on the AS/400 by Violaine Batthish (May, 2000; Midrange Computing; ISBN 1-58347-016-6).
This book is still in print and may be found at on-line sources, such as amazon.com ($37 to $45). There may also be copies
still available at the various MCC bookstores. We will continue to explore ways to facilitate iSeries development.
2. Micro Focus COBOL products. These are primarily PC-based or Linux/Unix-based products. You may find various versions
of Micro Focus products installed on selected MCC classroom and lab computers. In addition, the latest student version
(Micro Focus Net Express with .NET/University Edition) is available from Micro Focus for your personal use ($99)
(http://www.microfocus.com/academic/academicprograms_software_books.asp). This is one of the most advanced COBOL
products currently available. It operates out of a full GUI IDE, includes SQL for DB2 and other relational databases, and
implements many parts of the new COBOL 2002 standards. The older “Personal COBOL” does not support SQL.
3. IBM mainframe (zSeries). MCC belongs to the IBM Scholars zSeries program. This allows students to access an IBM zSeries
eServer over the Internet. This would be recommended primarily for students who already have mainframe experience. Check
with your instructor if you wish to pursue this option.
In addition, a student may choose other options, such as using an employer’s computing resources or purchasing a PC-based product
from other vendors. MCC support for these options must necessarily be limited. Check with your instructor.
SECTION III: STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
METHODS OF LEARNING:
The student will have specific assignments to read and master. These assignments are indicated in the course schedule and/or outlined
by the instructor. The student should have read the material prior to class meeting date.
This course requires students to work an average of 3 hours per week in hands-on, lab activity. Students are responsible for completing
all lab work outside of the classroom. While you may choose to do this lab work someplace other than the College, Metro provides
computer labs for students who do not have the required resources or facilities available to them.
RETAINING COPIES OF SUBMITTED WORK:
On very rare occasion, the instructor has been unable to find any record of work that a student claims to have submitted. There may be
several reasons this has occurred, including loss or theft of the work before it gets to the instructor, or oversight on the part of the
student or instructor. The student should understand that grades are based upon achievement of learning objectives and successful
completion of assignments. If work is missing, for whatever reason, it becomes impossible for the instructor to evaluate it and assign a
grade. It is highly recommended that students keep backup copies of all work submitted toward the unlikely event that it might need to
be resubmitted.
ATTENDANCE STATEMENT:
The course will be covered partially by assigned portions of the text and may be presented in a sequence different from the text.
Material will also be covered that is not in the text. Attendance is necessary to understand the course material. Each student is expected
to recognize the importance of class attendance and promptness. CHRONIC TARDINESS AND ABSENCES MAY RESULT IN A
REDUCTION IN THE FINAL GRADE BY 10%.
Metropolitan Community College
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Excessive absences or unsatisfactory progress will subject the student to administrative withdrawal from the course. If a student should
miss a class for any reason, he/she is expected to cover the material he/she missed on his/her own. All work must be made up to the
satisfaction of the instructor.
STUDENT WITHDRAWAL:
If you cannot attend and complete this course, you should officially withdraw by calling Central Registration, 457-5231. Failure to
officially withdraw will result in either an instructor withdraw (IW) or failing (F) grade. The last date to withdraw is identified on the
second page of this syllabus handout.
ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT:
Students are reminded that materials you may use as sources for this course may be subject to copyright protection. Additional
information about copyright is provided on the library webpage at http://www.mccneb.edu/library, by your instructor, or by the
College's Copyright Officer.
In response to incidents of student dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.), the College imposes specific actions that may include
receiving a failing grade on a test, failure in the course, suspension from the College, or dismissal from the College. The disciplinary
procedures are available in the Counseling/Advising Centers.
Please note: ANY sharing or transfer of assigned work or test contents or answers between a student and any other person or
party; in part or in whole; whether by disk exchange, E-mail, manual transcription, codevelopment of an assignment, or any
other means; unless authorized by the instructor in advance in accordance with the guidelines in the following paragraph; will
be considered academic misconduct and be sanctioned with disciplinary action in accordance with the above paragraph. Both
originating and receiving parties will be liable to such sanction.
Sharing of class notes and handouts is authorized. Obtaining assistance from others (including tutors or lab techs) for specific
programming issues or debugging is authorized. However, no further collaboration is authorized for any standard assignment. Students
wishing to collaborate further must contact the instructor for special assignments. Such special assignments must clearly identify in
advance which portions are the responsibility of each individual student wishing to collaborate. The learning objectives, level of
difficulty, and typical work involved for each portion must be comparable to that for a single student working alone on the
corresponding standard assignment. Each portion will be graded individually. Each portion must clearly represent the competency of
the individual responsible for it, and only that individual. The instructor reserves the right to refuse any request for special assignments.
Indications of unauthorized collaboration and/or intent to defraud include, but are not restricted to, assignments, submitted by students
(not necessarily from the same section) individually under each of their respective names; but which are essentially identical; are
essentially identical except for mechanical changes such as differing variable or module names; are essentially identical except for
differing comments; or exhibit essentially identical idiosyncratic features such as errors in syntax, style, logic, output formatting, or
spelling. The same criteria apply to submissions, by one or more students, where those submissions bear indications of copying from
any other unauthorized source. Authorized sources are the student textbook for the class, lecture notes, class handouts, and
compiler/interpreter documentation and help materials.
In summary, if you want a grade attached to your name and only your name (the only way I know MCC records grades), the work you
submit must be your work and only your work.
USE OF STUDENT WORK
The ownership of student works submitted in fulfillment of classroom requirements shall remain with the student(s): By enrolling in
classes offered by Metropolitan Community College, the student gives the College license to mark on, modify, and retain the work as
may be required by the process of instruction, as described in the course syllabus. The institution shall not have the right to use the
work in any other manner without the written consent of the student(s).
Please note: Nothing in the preceding paragraph overrides the restrictions on sharing or distribution of solutions to
assignments and tests or any other policy or procedure discussed above under the Academic Honesty Statement.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
If you have a disability that may substantially limit your ability to participate in this class, please contact a Vocational Special Needs
Counselor, located in the Student Services Office on each campus. Metropolitan Community College will provide reasonable
accommodations for persons with documented qualifying disabilities. However, it is the student’s responsibility to request
accommodations. For further information, please contact the Student Services Office at your campus.
Metropolitan Community College
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Revised: 9/7/2005
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING PROGRAM
Metropolitan Community College is committed to continuous improvement of teaching and learning. You may be asked to help us to
accomplish this objective. For example, you may be asked to respond to surveys or questionnaires. In other cases, tests or assignments
you are required to do for this course may be shared with faculty and used for assessment purposes. This will be done in accordance
with FERPA guidelines.
TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES:
As you pursue your educational objectives, you may be required to use computer information technology resources at Metropolitan
Community College. Use of these resources is a privilege and carries with it a responsibility to respect the rights and privacy of others,
the integrity of facilities, and to follow Student Conduct Guidelines and College Policies.
By using the information technology systems at MCC (including the computer systems and phones) you acknowledge and consent to
the conditions of use as set forth in the Metropolitan Community College Procedures Memorandum on Acceptable Use of Information
Technology and Resources. It is your responsibility as a student to be familiar with these procedures. The full text of the Procedures
Memorandum may be found at the following website: http://www.mccneb.edu/itprocedures.htm
USE OF COLLEGE COMPUTERS
When you use computers in College computer labs, learning centers, libraries and many classrooms, you will need to login using your
student username and password. Your username is the same as your WebAdvisor username and your initial password is your student
ID with leading zeros to make it seven digits. If you need assistance, please contact staff at any of the computer labs, learning centers
and libraries; your instructor may also be able to help.
It is recommended that students save their files to removable media often as they work. The College reserves the right to take steps
necessary to maintain the confidentiality of student identity information through the use of automatic logouts and screensavers.
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES PROGRAM AREA IDENTIFICATION:
Program Area
Academic Dean
Academic Dean’s office phone
Academic Dean’s e-mail
Computer Technology and Visual Arts
Thomas C. Pensabene
457-2660
tpensabene@mccneb.edu
The Office of the Academic Dean should be contacted with any questions or problems that your instructor is not able to resolve to your
satisfaction.
SECTION IV: INSTRUCTOR RESPONSIBILITIES
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
In each lecture during this course, the instructor will cover material the student needs to learn and accomplish. In addition, written
handouts will be provided from time to time. These will be used to supplement the text material and expand the course.
Instruction will consist mainly of lecture material presented by the instructor. In some classes, group discussion and demonstration will
be utilized. In all meetings, discussion opportunities will be provided and the student is encouraged to ask questions and clarify
information as the instructor is lecturing and/or presenting material.
METHODS OF ASSESSING STUDENT PROGRESS:
Student progress is assessed through the completion of assigned projects and tests. A summary of programming assignments and tests
may be found at the end of the syllabus under the heading PROJECTED SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS. Attendance and class
participation may also be taken into consideration.
The majority of programming assignments (labs) require the student to take a basic set of program requirements and, based on
knowledge gained from reading and class, develop a program using the typical program development process. Work will be evaluated
on the adequacy of program planning; correctness of coding generated; usage of comments to describe and clarify program logic, data
element usage, and input/output requirements; adequacy of program testing procedures; and adequacy of program documentation. Of
course, the program should also run correctly. Full points are awarded for the inclusion of the specified item(s), with points being
deducted for notable problems. Typical point assignments for these various aspects of programming, based on a 60 point total, are as
follows:
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Revised: 9/7/2005
Planning & external documentation:
3 input layout(s)
3 printer/output layout(s)
2 hierarchy diagram
6 flowchart or pseudocode
Usage of comments in program:
2 general description (in Identification Division)
2 misc. input/output requirements
2 data item usage (esp. in Working-Storage)
5 program logic (in Procedure Division)
5 coding style, etc.
5 methodology
10 correct compile
15 correct run
--------60 total
Exams consist mostly of fill-in-the-blank questions and short programming segments.
CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING FINAL COURSE GRADE:
A percentage grade will be obtained by dividing the total points a student earns by the total possible points for the course. The points
for each assignment and test may be found in the PROJECTED SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS found at the end of the syllabus.
The percentage grade will then determine the letter grade for the course, according to the following table:
Letter Grade
A
B
C
D
F
Percentage Range
90%
80%
70%
60%
0%
100%
89.9%
79.9%
69.9%
59.9%
Point Range
585
520
454
390
0
650
584
519
453
389
MAKE-UP TEST PROCEDURES:
Students MUST be present on the day of an announced test. If the instructor is informed BEFORE THE TEST concerning a valid
absence, other arrangements MAY be made. There will be no retakes of tests. Test dates are not firm and are therefore subject to
change.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS:
Assignments tuned in late may lose 10% per class day for up to a week and may then receive a grade of 0. No assignments will be
accepted after the test has been given. Also, see “Attendance” above.
MAINTENANCE OF STUDENT RECORDS:
Test will be returned after grading for review in class and then recollected and retained for record keeping purposes. All other work is
graded and returned as soon as possible, usually by the following week. All grades are kept by the instructor in a grade book and on
computer, which students may see at any time by asking the instructor.
Metropolitan Community College
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SECTION IV: SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS: 11th ed. pp. {10th ed. pp.} [9th ed. pp.] (8th ed. pp.)
Wk
1
Date
9/8/2005
2
9/15
3
9/22
4
5
9/29
10/6
6
10/13
7
10/20
8
10/27
9
11/3
10
11
Topics
Introduction to COBOL,
IDENTIFICATION and ENVIRONMENT DIVISIONS,
DATA DIVISION (FILE SECTION),
Using IBM iSeries, Micro Focus, & other COBOL systems
DATA DIVISION (WORKING-STORAGE SECTION),
PROCEDURE DIVISION (Basic COBOL statements),
Designing and Debugging Structured Programs
Assignment #1 due
MOVE Statement, Editing Printed Output.
ACCEPTing the system date,
Arithmetic Statements
Intrinsic Functions, Defining numeric fields as
COMP or COMP-3
Assignment #2A due
Flexible week
IF statement, EVALUATE statement,
Conditions names (88 levels),
PERFORM statement, GO TO statement
PERFORM . . . VARYING
Assignment #2B due
Review
Exam #1
Control Break Processing, Line and Page Counters
Reading
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Handout
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Assignments
Punch and Run
Program
(Assignment #1)
Points
50
Input/Output
program
(Assignment #2A)
60
Chapter 6
Math Program
(Assignment #2B)
60
Chapter 7
7:281-3;
11:457-9
{7:280-2;
11:453-5}
[7:274-6]
(7:264-5)
Handout
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
150
Chapter 10
INSPECT, Data Validation
Redefining numeric data as alphanumeric
Assignment #3 due
Defining Arrays with the OCCURS clause,
Hard-coded Tables and the Redefines Clause,
Literal and Variable subscripts
Load time tables,
Assignment #4 due
Chapter 11
Handout
11/10
Searching tables
Multi-level tables
Assignment #5 due
Chapter 12
12:503-59
{496-531}
[483-518]
(465-500)
Handout
11/17
Review & Preview of COBOL II
Exam #2
Chapter 12
12:472-503
{467-95}
[456-83]
(437-65)
Control Break
Program
(Assignment #3)
Data Validation
Program
(Assignment #4)
Table Program
(Assignment #5A)
60
#5B: Program that
searches a onedimensional table
#6: Program using
multi-level tables
60
60
150
650
Metropolitan Community College
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