Advanced COBOL Programming - CIS51

Professor: Priscilla Grocer
Office: K-112

Course Description:

This course will give the student an in-depth understanding of the COBOL language. The student will work with tables, various problems in file processing, and on-line processing. By the end of the semester, the student will have learned to apply advanced programming concepts and to use the COBOL language eeffectively to accomplish programming goals.

Course Objectives:

The objective of this course is to give the student an in-depth understanding of and proficiency in the COBOL language. The student should be able to write complex COBOL programs. At the completion of this course, the following objectives should have been accomplished.

Texts: The course will rely heavily on instructor notes. For additional reference students are encouraged to purchase an advanced COBOL text. As a suggestion, a title that has been used in the past is:

Advanced Application Programming using COBOL
Kenneth Douglas

Course Outline:

  1. Tables
    1. Concepts of table handling
      1. Simple tables with direct subscripts (CIS12 review)
      2. Two and three dimension tables with direct subscripts (CIS12 review)
      3. Indirect subscripts
      4. Searching a table with an indirect subscript
    2. Advanced tables (will be added to at the end of course as time permits)
      1. Building a table (filling an empty table)
        1. Location of data
        2. Structure of data
      2. Alternative ways of setting up, building, and manipulating tables
      3. Multiple table levels
      4. Character manipulation
    3. Searching
      1. Code
      2. SEARCH verb
  2. Screen processing (CIS12 reviewed first)
    1. Setup
    2. Application
  3. Edit - handouts (CIS12 reviewed first)
    1. Logic
    2. Coding considerations
    3. Application
  4. Sort
    1. Sorting concepts
    2. Types of sorts and application
      1. Internal
      2. External
  5. Files
    1. Organization
    2. Access
    3. Considerations for use
  6. Update
    1. Logic
    2. Applications
    3. Coding considerations
      1. Sequential
      2. Random
      3. On-line
  7. Additional COBOL
    1. Debugging
    2. Additional statements
    3. Screen processing techniques
  8. Subroutines
    1. COPY statement
    2. CALL statement
  9. Additional advanced COBOL concepts and coding techniques will be introduced as time permits

Requirements:


Exams: There will be one written exam and a final examination. The final will cover the work of the semester. Any quizzes will be announced and will only be given if the instructor feels they are necessary. Quizzes will count as 1 or 2 homework assignments depending on the depth of the quiz. All exams and quizzes are open notes and open book unless otherwise announced. The student should check the Web site for information about exams and quizzes.

Homework: The student will be required to submit homework assignments two class periods from the day of the assignment unless otherwise noted. Assignments will consist mainly of program segements for the student to code, flowcharting assignments, analysis of programs and logic questions. The student should check the Web site for assignment postings.

Programs: The student will be required to write complete COBOL programs and to take standard programs and modify them. All programs should be passed in with rough coding, the programming logic flowchart (or another logic tool if it has been approved by the instructor) and the program with the output attached. The student should check the Web site for program postings.

Grading:
Evaluation: Assignments and programs are graded using either number grades or letter grades based on the following (A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, F=below 60). The students grade for the course will use the same scale and will be based on the percentages explained in the grading section. Plus and minus grades will be given.
Some of the assignments in this class are open ended - the grading will be based on how well the project demonstrates mastery of the material. Students who do a minimum of work will be graded accordingly. Resubmission is allowed on open-ended projects to improve grades.
Note: Non open-ended assignments that are completed accurately, with no errors, according to the parameters of the assignment will be graded as A. To achieve an A+, students must have done sufficient extra work in design or implementation that makes the assignment standout. In doing assignments, students must do their own work. Relying too heavily on my examples or working too closely with someone else will be penalized.

Attendance: The student is allowed to cut six one hour classes.

Methodology: The course is given using the lecture method or over the Web and the student is encouraged to ask questions at any point during the lecture or via email. Students may choose to mix and match their inclass and Web components. When appropriate, classes exercises and problem solving techniques are used.
This SYLLABUS is not to be construed as a CONTRACT in any way, shape, manner or form. This SYLLABUS is a SUGGESTED course OUTLINE and will be GENERALLY followed, subject to change according to the INSTRUCTOR'S discretion and needs. Academic FLEXIBILITY is important!


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