ABSTRACT
Computer scientists often use the word "programming" to refer to the entire process of problem solving, including specification formulation, design, algorithm development, coding, testing, and analysis. From this perspective, "programming" covers a broad range of topics – much of the entire field of computer science (CS). The title of CS 1A invites some confusion and may reinforce a common prejudice that computer science is narrow and reasonably trivial. The title "Java Programming" also leaves open the question as to whether students will receive guided, hands-on instruction within a laboratory environment. Course description CS 1A focuses on the many low-level details that must be mastered as part of the programming process. Fluency in problem solving certainly requires that practitioners master syntax and semantics, control structures, data structures, etc. Overall, description CS 1B may help create a positive image of the discipline, although this description may not publicize how computer science can contribute to society.
