CSE 1301
Introduction to Computer Science
An introduction to software concepts and implementation, emphasizing problem solving through abstraction and decomposition. Introduces processes and algorithms, procedural abstraction, data abstraction, encapsulation, and object-oriented programming. Recursion, iteration, and simple data structures are covered. Concepts and skills are mastered through programming projects, many of which employ graphics to enhance conceptual understanding. Java, an object-oriented programming language, is the vehicle of exploration. Active-learning sessions are conducted in a studio setting in which students interact with each other and the professor to solve problems collaboratively. Comfort with algebra and geometry at the high school level is assumed. Patience, good planning, and organization will promote success. This course assumes no prior experience with programming. *CSE 1301 has mandatory evening exams; the specific days and times will be listed under assessments on the course section once confirmed.
Instructors
Athena MTabakhi, Bill Siever, Brian Garnett, Chris Gill, Dennis Cosgrove, Douglas Shook, Jon Turner, Jonathan Shidal, Jyoti Parwatikar, Neha Singh, Ron Cytron, Vinoo Ganesh, Yixin Chen
Reviews
Shook is an ok teacher, but the class itself is structured very poorly and makes a simple into CS course way tougher than it needs to be.
8/16/2026
Shook lectures pretty well, but it can be boring. Exams are not bad if you put the work in, however, writing out large chunks of code can be brutal. Not the end of the world if you get him, but not the highlight of my week. Also, people might call him snappy, but only when you're twenty minutes late; he's not rude if you're a decent student.
8/1/2026
I only took CSE131 because it was required for my major. I don't have anything bad to say about Dr. Shook, but I don't have anything great to say, either. Very milquetoast. Exams can be pretty tough but the review materials prepare you well. Wouldn't go out of my way to take again but wouldn't change sections to avoid him either.
5/2/2026
This class was quite the difficult feat. His lectures were honestly fine but the way the course is set up truly made it a battle. Lecture is only once per week, meaning the content is completely self-taught. Labs were stressful and made little sense. Lack of exam resources made preparing difficult. Do not recommend for first time comp sci students.
2/24/2026
I found it extremely difficult to enjoy the class or talk to him considering his attitude and behavior towards students. Little help for tests. It is not the worst thing if you get him but not good.
1/23/2026
While very easy, this class was a nightmare. Lectures, which are unhelpful and boring, are basically required as they give a quiz at the end of each one. The class is so large that you will interact almost entirely with TAs. Studios were not helpful. Uses an online textbook. If you have never coded before, beware - this class will not teach you.
12/23/2025
He had great analogies, and was easy to understand in lectures. I liked his enthusiasm for the subject. Although the class is pretty much self-taught, he clarifies material really well.
12/22/2025
Shook is a nice man from far away but deeply unpleasant when you need one on one help. His lectures are decently clear but very slow paced and boring. Studios are helpful though, just pray you got stuck with a ta that doesn't treat you like a child.
12/19/2025
Attendance isn't mandatory but you have to be there for the quizzes. I had no prior cs experience and I found it challenging at first. I spent 90% of my exam studying making the cheat sheet and I didn't really understand the material. Doing the exam prep questions and having that on the cheat sheet is all that you need to do well on the exams.
12/13/2025
I personally struggled with this class, since I don't have any previous background with CS and Java. Based on the fact that we are taking quizzes every class at the end of the session, a lot of times I just found myself reviewing for the quizzes during the class. The time I do listen to the class, I found the explanation to be a bit confusing.
12/10/2025
I personally don't like the design of the course, especially the fact that there are quizzes every class and you never know what's going to be on the quiz( concepts, what will be printed, or short written code). I found myself studying for the quiz than actually focusing on the lecture for a lot of times.
12/3/2025
Not terribly hard if you put the work in, but lectures are boring (maybe me just not liking CS), and he is snappy with students. Not the end of the world if you have to take his classes, but not the highlight of my week.
11/5/2025
Prof Shook's class is pretty easy, but he's so unresonably condescending, disrespectful, and uncooperative to students seeking assistance. I almost had to file an accomodations grievance with dr.
10/17/2025
I had no particular issues with Professor Shook, and considering I knew absolutely nothing about Java before this class, I found his lectures resourceful and clear. Grading is very lenient, making this course easy, but the material itself can be frustrating for beginners. The test reviews he provided in lectures were most useful for exam studying.
5/29/2025
While his class wasn't hard, it doesn't mean he's good professor at all- I think people who rated him high don't realize that. Shook is not a good professor and is SO disrespectful to students. I had horrible interactions and witness him yell at students multiple times. I do not understand why he is allowed to teach if he hates the responsibility.
5/12/2025
lectures were helpful and he went through example problems in all the lectures. His style of teaching made the content easy to grasp and the tests were easy.
5/12/2025
2 or less hrs/week
Really easy because you can get help from outside resources, like the cheat sheet on exams, but didn't feel like i learned anything actually applicable
4/18/2025
4-6 hrs/week
As someone with very little coding experience, this class was very difficult for me. The first few units were ok, but after the first test, it got increasingly more difficult, with the 3rd test being extremely hard. Assignments took forever to complete and I usually had no idea how to even start them. Lectures weren't super useful, and some concepts are rarely explained.
2/23/2025