CSE 4205
Programming Systems and Languages
A systematic study of the principles, concepts and mechanisms of computer programming languages: their syntax, semantics and pragmatics; the processing and interpretation of computer programs; programming paradigms; and language design. Illustrative examples are selected from a variety of programming language paradigms.
Instructors
Reviews
The class was well-taught. Compared to some of the other CSE coursework I've taken, I learned more in this class with the hands-on assignments. Some of them can be time-consuming, but there are lots of office hours / Cosgrove is always there to help.
12/22/2025
This class is taught through video lectures of a random UW professor. Cosgrove's lectures add nothing & often devolve into unstructured rambling. The only thing he does add is more homework, claiming this approach reflects his “high expectations” of WashU students, yet there's little evidence of the same standards for his own work. Waste of time.
1/2/2025
Prof Cosgrove is one of those professors who makes WashU what it is. Your grade is based on the completion of a number of coding tasks (all of which have the unit tests provided). He cares about you as a student and human. Don't be deterred if the first 2 weeks are hard, it gets better. JUST TAKE A CLASS FROM THIS AMAZING MAN ALREADY!!
1/17/2023
One of the most enthusiastic and engaging professors I've had for CS at WashU. This class is really interesting and Cosgrove is so dedicated to his students -- he's even willing to hop on Zoom to help provide advice on assignments in the evening. Overall, such a nice, understanding, and helpful professor. Would love to take more classes with him.
12/15/2020