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. Prerequisites: 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, Brian Garnett, Douglas Shook, Jonathan Shidal, MTabakhi, Neha Singh, Shook
Reviews
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
4-6 hrs/week
You can easily get an A in this class as long as you prepare for exams past a general understanding of the material. I made the mistake of going into the exams not knowing how to write or properly read outputs which is a big part of the exams. Put the relevant studios and assignments on your cheat sheet, a lot of the questions are based off of them. The studios are light, use the rubric to make sure you know all the important parts of the code. You can retake the online quizzes until you get a 100. Don’t procrastinate but also no need to stress. Lectured are not that useful in my opinion, you can learn more through youtube or chatgpt. You’re also allowed to use chatgpt on your code as long as you can explain it.
12/26/2024
He doesn't teach at all. His TAs try to help with assignments but sometimes even they struggle to explain it, so assignments and studios take a lot of time to finish. Test is straightforward. Nobody comes to his lecture.
10/24/2024
Shook didn't teach much at all. The lectures are a waste of time if you read the textbook, which is also terrible. I taught myself CS last semester, and it's embarrassing that WashU or Doug Shook might think they had anything to do with it.
10/10/2024
2 or less hrs/week
Exams were pretty easy study for as long as you did the past exam reading and writing questions.
6/21/2024
He was condescending and unfair to students, especially with his course policies which were very strict (no makeup exams for almost any reason). Also, many students felt uncomfortable around him. His TAs basically led the class and were amazing in answering all of the questions that he failed to teach us. Easy to do well with office hours.
5/24/2024
2 or less hrs/week
Just take the time to do the assignments, do the bare minimum for exams, and you will get an A.
5/24/2024
2 or less hrs/week
The class has changed a ton since I took it but it was pretty easy if you have a background in coding. Also, very collaboration based, and the assignments were interesting.
5/21/2024
2-4 hrs/week
i had no coding experience so found it to be hard and there was no guidance from the professor.
5/18/2024
2 or less hrs/week
It's a very easy class (can skip a bunch of lectures). I have never done any coding before and I think it provided a decent basis. The assignments got increasingly more difficult - TAs will help a lot with them. Getting an A is super easy due to the grading system used.
5/18/2024
2-4 hrs/week
So easy. TAs will do assignments for you. Exams are easy.
5/18/2024
2 or less hrs/week
Entire class taught by TAs so it matters a lot if you get a good one. Assignments are fun and office hours are very helpful. Studios are laid back. I took this class with previous knowledge so concepts were easy to grasp
5/18/2024
Professor Shook is not a good lecturer. The TAs basically teach the course for him. He also is not understanding or flexible at all, and will not accommodate personal situations in the classroom. Tests and assignments are mostly easy for this course though.
5/1/2024
Prof Shook don't even teach the class, he never showed up and there's no communication whatsoever. However, his TAs are amazing. The class was easy for me so I never had to ask questions, but if the content is new for you it might be hard.
2/7/2024
The class itself is well designed in my opinion but Professor Shook doesn't really help much with it. Rather, the TAs are the ones who are helpful. I will say though that it is somewhat difficult to rank Professor Shook since you will interact with TAs far more than you will with him, but my few interactions with him were fine.
1/20/2024
Shook was quite condescending and didn't really take well to questions. The TAs pretty much run 131 and the exams are pretty easy so you'll be fine, though.
1/12/2024
Shook doesn't really play a big role in his class. CS TA's will carry you and you have to appreciate them. My only interactions with him were through lectures where he was repeatedly passive aggressive towards students. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt since TA's have a high opinion of him. Reach out to him and I'm sure he'd be down to help.
1/12/2024
Prof Shook was nice enough, and the lectures were helpful when he did code writing problems. As others have stated the assignments are very difficult, but the tests are much easier. I didn't really enjoy the class, but it was easy enough to get an A.
1/10/2024
He manages to turn even the simplest of classes into a scripture-reciting session. His class is an unparalleled cure for insomnia. It's a rare talent to amass such a collection of poor reviews for teaching what should be the easiest of all CS courses.
1/3/2024