Visual RPG Programming

CIS258-01 6:00p-8:50p Tuesday/Thursday Alger 101

Summer II 2005

Instructor: Richard W. Evans
Phone: Voice 401-946-6900 (9:00a-6:00p) Fax 303-942-6144
E-mail: REvans@ric.edu 

Text:  
Programming in RPG/400 
by Judy Yaeger, Second Edition, Duke Press

The purpose of the course is to provide an introductory experience in the use of the RPG programming language and ASNA Visual RPG. The major focus will be on how RPG is used today to provide business solutions in hundreds of thousands of businesses across the world.  Emphasis will be placed on the basics of the language itself and not its implementation on one specific computer. At its completion, the student will have used RPG/400 code in a visual Windows environment to solve a number of business application problems, have an understanding of RPG as it is used on the AS/400, and had an opportunity to taste the new world of visual programming using RPG.

Each class will begin with a review of the homework that was assigned at the last class.  Expect a lecture on new material each week followed by an in class problem and solution using RPG. Homework will be assigned at the end of each class.  Since assignments must be completed outside of the regular weekly class, students should expect to spend at least two hours per week using the computer labs or their own equipment at home. This will be in addition to the time needed for study, reading and review of the text and review of notes taken during class. Each student will have a trial copy of ASNA Visual RPG (AVR) to use. 

All class material will be available through WebCT at Rhode Island College. Our focus will be on current technology to deliver this material. A course tools package called WebCT will be extensively used to deliver course materials, distribute and collect assignments, and administer exams. 

It is my intention to familiarize you with the software products used during the course. This process will follow a brief orientation on the use of WebCT. It is assumed that you are familiar with the Windows operating system and the management of files. For this course, you must acquire (and bring to class) a USB Drive of at least 64mb.

Grading Policy:

Two exams are scheduled -- a mid-term exam on the basics of AVR and a final exam on material from the entire course. The final grade will be made up of the two exams (2 @ 100 points), the assignment average and class participation. The total number of points earned will be divided by 300 to determine an average. The final grade will be determined from that average, attendance, quality of work, and class participation.   No matter how many assignments are given, the average of all assignments plus any extra credit will not exceed 100 points. 

I plan to assign a number of assignments using WebCT which will be considered in your grade. Assignments will include homework, online quizzes and other work including possible extra credit work. Each assignment generally carries a weight of 10 points. The final assignment grade will be calculated based on the potential assignment grade divided by the total you received. The total assignment grade will never exceed 100.

For example. Let's say there are 13 homework's and 4 online quizzes. You complete 11 homework's and 3 quizzes for a total of 125 points. Your homework grade would be 125/170=.735 and .735 * 100 points = a final assignment grade of 73.5.

All assignments are due before class on the due date.  In general, any assignment will either be done correctly or not (10 or 0 points). However, the following might occur for the reasons given.

Deduct 1 point for any mistake made, including spelling, grammar, etc.  If the assignment is passed in after the beginning of class, even though the same day, it is considered a late. Late assignments will receive a maximum of 5 points if turned in no later than 1 week late. After that, the assignment will receive a grade of 0.  Of course, failure to turn in an assignment will produce a 0. I may elect to return an assignment to you with a RESUBMIT request. I expect you to correct the problems and return the assignment to me within 1 week for an increased grade otherwise your grade on the assignment will be as given. Failure to show up at class because you are working on your assignment in the Lab will result in a 0 for the assignment.

All grades are posted weekly on WebCT.  This will be explained in class.  

I plan to give 2 exams during the semester, each with a value of 100 points. Relative to exams, my make-up policy is that you may make-up only the mid-term exam; and the arrangements for that make-up must be made no later than the next class meeting.

Grade/Points:

The grade of A is awarded to those individuals who have demonstrated excellence in all regular assignments and have participated in class and in any extra credit assignments that may be handed out. 

Attendance in each class is expected. If you do not make a particular class, you are expected to email me and let me know your plans for acquiring the notes, handouts, and assignments for the next week. Each absence that is not excused by receipt of a email note from you may result in a point off of your final grade.

Late Registrations:
New students will be accepted into the class up to the final add date if there is room in the class. However, all work assigned since the first class period is due when due. Exceptions will not be made for late arrivals. Any quizzes or exams given during the missed classes may not be made up. The responsibility is on the student to find out what was missed and catch up by getting the lecture material from anther student or from files that might be posted on the school computers.

Anticipated Schedule: