Computer Science Department
Hamilton College
Clinton, NY 13323
shirshfi@hamilton.edu
There are currently many "conflicting" views as to where Java best fits into the undergraduate curriculum. Proponents of introducing Java in CS 1 cite its object-orientation, its relative simplicity, and its GUI support. Proponents of introducing Java in CS 2 point to (without using pointers) its builtin support of data structures. Others, who regard Java as an "advanced" topic, think it should come later in the curriculum, perhaps in the context of courses in programming languages or software engineering. Our experience working with and teaching Java over the past year and a half indicates that these views are not at all in conflict. Java works well at all of these levels, and serves to unify the curriculum in a number of interesting and beneficial ways.
Colloquia Series page.