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For CS, at least, the problem is that people arrive at college knowing nothing, and the solution is to make CS/programming part of the core curriculum in high school, alongside math and science (replace home economics or something).

How many English majors would there be if everyone matriculated into college illiterate?

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this makes no sense. english majors aren't majoring in how to speak english, they are honing their reading analysis and craft of writing. cs students aren't majoring in how to write computer code, they are learning how to apply their mathematical skills cultivated throughout school.

That's almost exactly my point. Being an English major isn't about literacy, but literacy is a prerequisite. Being a CS major isn't about programming, but programming is a prerequisite. Literacy is taught from a young age; programming isn't.

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