I know what you might be thinking, “But CLARK, you’re a Computer Science MAJOR.” (you probably weren’t thinking this as you probably don’t know me, but that’s beside my point). Yes, I am taking a stand against coding, but not really. You see, I think coding is cool and interesting and can help you understand and see problems in a new light, but I feel this all comes from my personal interest in computing. If, let’s say, a geology major told me that I needed to learn geology because it would help me better understand environmental issues and the ground under which my house stands, I think that statement would be true. But that doesn’t mean that I want to take courses in geology because it doesn’t interest me in the same way that computer science does. However, if the aforementioned geology major forced me into thinking I had to take geology in order to better engage with environmentalism and that it was, in fact, required of me, I think I would be frustrated on why it was being forced upon me.
When it comes to the humanities, I feel like a very similar theory applies. Humanities students could benefit from learning code, but I don’t think that they need to, even in this time of the evolving influence of technology in the world. In fact, I think there is something a little novel about studying things without having to connect them back to what is deemed “the future” and instead study and research for the sake of understanding and collective knowledge.
I’ve been coding since High School and haven’t revisited HTML/JavaScript/CSS since then. This has been a fun opportunity to see what I remember (luckily, some). I also think that with learning other languages like Java and Python in college, the overlap of skills and understanding of things like functions and data structures really helps with the ability to pick up these other languages again despite the differences in output.
“Programming languages math and algorithms are the discourses used by computer scientists to address their concerns just as psycho analysis ethnography and material culture are some of the discourses used to address the concerns of the humanities. The discourse divide is not between the humanities and the computer sciences, but equally much between every subfield therein. Learning to program should be no more and no less enabling than reading Derrida.”
Evan Donahue in A “Hello World” Apart (why humanities students should NOT learn to program)
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MY POSITION ON THE GRAND DEBATE
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Coding is coooool - but so are lots of things?
I'd rather collaborate then push Humanties people to have push beyond
their interests for the sake everyone else.
<strong> #CSMajorsLearnHumanities </strong>
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</html>1 thought on “Clark’s blog post against coding?”
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Resonate with your perspective! As a prospective CS major myself, I understand the excitement and value of coding. However, one’s academic journey should align with personal interests. Your analogy about a geology major forcing environmental relevance resonates well – it’s essential to acknowledge that different fields contribute uniquely to our understanding of the world.
I appreciate your emphasis on the novelty of studying without always connecting back to the future. There’s beauty in exploring subjects for the sake of understanding and collective knowledge. Your point about the overlap of skills from learning various programming languages is spot on – it highlights the versatility and adaptability gained through coding experiences. Great reflection.