Sample Syllabus

 

(This is a tentative syllabus.  The detailed and updated syllabus will be posted within the COMS 201 WebCT course each semester.)

 

COMS 201
COBOL Programming via World Wide Web 

 

Textbook

 

You will need to purchase the following textbook from either the University Bookstore or Campus Bookstore:

Bundle containing

“COBOL – For The 21th Century- 11 edition”  (with the COBOL Compiler - Microfocus CD)
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Author: Nancy Stern, Robert Stern, James Ley

Both bookstores indicate that they will return books to the publisher two weeks after school starts.  To prevent problems, please purchase textbooks soon as possible.

 

Course Description 

 

COBOL Programming via World Wide Web is a three credit course.  The prerequisite for this course is COMS 107 OR COMS 207 OR COMS 227.  Students must have the beginning programming concepts before taking this course.  Topics covered will be from the COBOL beginning syntax and design through arrays and Indexed file creation and use.  Ending discussions include Relative files, hashing and Report Writer.

 

The program assignment, students can work at their own paces and schedules, but must turn in their assignments and projects on time.  Students must register for one of the face-to-face orientation sessions. Students must register for the orientation session through AccessPlus and attend the orientation session according to the schedule in the first week of the semester (orientation location: Pearson 109).  (Login to AccessPlus, click “class schedule”, then you will see Com S 201 class, section #, meeting time etc.)  After that, students will have confidence and be able to completely function within WebCT, the standard ISU classroom portal.  

After the orientation session, students do not have to return to the lab for the duration of the course.  This will allow students to learn at their own pace and study in the comfort of their home or work environment.  This online course brings educational opportunity directly to your computer 24 hours / 7 days a week.

 

Class Management System

 

For the Computer Science 201 (COBOL Programming) class, WebCT will be the curricula management system.  All of your assignments and assessments (e.g. quizzes, exams, etc.) will be managed (accessed, submitted, graded) through WebCT (online). You will need to have access to a computer and the Internet either through your own computer or computers in the computer labs on campus. Additionally, the computers you use should have the following software applications: Windows XP and Microfocus. 

You need to come to the face-to-face orientation session during the first week of the semester to learn how to use the WebCT tools and to meet with Dr. Shu-Hui (Susan) Chang and your section TA.

 

Grading 

 

 

Course Policies

 

1.    Disabled students are encouraged to contact the instructor during the orientation in the first week of the semester so that appropriate accommodations may be arranged.

 

2.   Examination, Quiz, and Homework Policy
Since this is an online class, you need to manage your own time to complete and submit all homework, quizzes, and examinations before the deadlines.  All quizzes and examinations will be taken on-line using WebCT.
A) No late quizzes, or exams will be accepted, except for the following valid reasons:

(a)   college sponsored trips

(b)   illness with a doctor's note

(c)    evidence of a personal emergency.

If you know in advance that you will be absent, it is your responsibility to make appropriate arrangements through WebCT e-mail with the instructor in advance! Make-up exams must be taken when scheduled.

B) All assignments should be turned in before the deadline. Any assignments turned in after the due date/time will receive 60% of the maximum credit. Late homework is accepted for one week after the due date. Homework turned in more than one week late will receive no credit.

However, late homework is accepted one week after the due date without penalty if you have one of the following reasons:

(a)   college sponsored trips

(b)   illness with a doctor's note

(c)    evidence of a personal emergency. 

The instructor and TAs will attempt to assist you, if necessary, in any way possible.  Note that assisting does not mean that they will do the project for you nor does it include special consideration if you miss an examination or homework.

Homework:  All materials turned in should be neatly typed.

·    You must submit all your homework to your TA through WebCT by its e-mail system in order to receive credit.

·    No hardcopies will be accepted.

·    Homework submitted after 11:00pm of the due date will be considered late.

C) How To Take the Mid-Term and Final Exam

Log in to WebCT. On the course homepage, click the "Assessment" link. On the "Assessment" page, click on the link to the exam you want to take. You will then be prompted to enter a password. The proctor will enter the password so you can access the exam. When you are finished with the test, click on the "Finish" button.
The Mid-Term and Final Exams will be taken in the room 60 Carver Hall . You will need to show the proctor your ISU picture ID.

 

3.  Regular Activities

There will be homework and quizzes for each week.  Quizzes will not be available after the deadlines.  In this class, all communications between the instructor, TAs, and students are carried out by WebCT. To communicate with the instructor and TAs, use the WebCT email after the first week of classes. To keep track of class progress, you should read the Weekly News and check your WebCT e-mail every day. Students are responsible for all of the material covered in each week and for turning in their homework on time. Any changes will be announced in the WebCT Homepage, Weekly News, e-mail and Calendar links.  Homework can be seen under the Weekly News. You can also find the deadline for each week’s homework in the Calendar.  To monitor your own progress and grades, you can click “My Grades” while you are in WebCT.  To monitor your online attendance, you can click the “My Progress” link in the course menu within WebCT Com S 201 course.

 

4.  No incompletes will be given for this class.

 

5.  Academic Dishonesty Policy

Academic dishonesty:
"Academic dishonesty occurs when a student uses or attempts to use unauthorized information in the taking of an exam; or submits as his or her own work themes, reports, drawings, laboratory notes or other products prepared by another person or knowingly assists another student in such acts.  Such behavior is abhorrent to the university, and students found guilty of academic dishonesty face suspension, conduct probation, or reprimand......"  
Iowa State University Bulletin

6.  Comments from the instructor: Dr. Shu-Hui (Susan) Chang

Instructors will make every effort to help you learn. However, it will take some extra time and effort on your part to learn the material well and earn a good grade. You need to manage your own time to complete and submit all homework, quizzes, and examinations before the deadlines.   Note: This is a 3 credit-hour course; students are expected to spend at least 7-9 hours per week in this course.

We will closely follow the syllabus throughout the semester. However, in the event that it becomes absolutely necessary in order to better manage the course, we reserve the right to modify it.