An integrated course in Architecture and Compilers
Sahnny Johnson, Fritz Ruehr · Journal of computing sciences in colleges · 2005
During an overhaul of our department's curriculum in the summer of 2002 we designed a new course, Architecture and Compilers. As a small department, we have difficulty fitting into the curriculum all the topics we feel should be included while still leaving room for innovation in upper-level classes. Having over time removed courses in architecture, compilers and programming languages, we saw the opportunity to introduce an innovative course which combined aspects of all three. The resulting course improves use of curricular time, presents a compelling narrative for students, and provides a cohesive integration of material from traditionally separate classes.We recently added this course as a requirement for the major and have taught it twice, once in each of the last two years, and once by each of the two co-authors. In this paper we present the context in which the course was proposed, our goals and rationale, and our approach to the syllabus. In addition, we highlight examples which demonstrate that not only is it possible to combine these subject areas, but that they can be combined to pedagogical advantage