Com S 541 -- Programming Languages 1			January 19, 1993

		  HOMEWORK 0-G: The value of Theory

Due: January 24, 1992

Your friends all want to know: ``why are you interested in theory?''
Some say, ``you'll never make any money at it'' and others say its too
``mathematical''.  Now it's time to explain.   Why is theory interesting?
In your presentation, you should discuss both why theory is interesting
for computer science in general, and for programming languages in particular.
You should address the following points.
	* the benefits of theory and an understanding of theory for programmers
		(include personal insights if you wish)
	* the close relationship of mathematics and programming
		(i.e., how writing a program is really doing math,
		 how constructive mathematics can be thought of as programming,
		 simulation is a kind of mathematical modeling, etc.)
Be sure to include discussion of the theory of programming languages,
not just theory in a general way.

This is a group project.  Your group is to
	* prepare a written summary of your arguments, and
	* make a short (about 5-6 minute) oral presentation
The style of oral presentation is up to you; you can have one
person talk, or several.

(If you need transparencies or copies made, let Gary know
far enough in advance to have them made in time for the class.)