Computing has become widespread in today's society, largely because it helps people solve problems. However, different types of problems require fundamentally different approaches for problem solving. Computer science recognizes at least four problem-solving approaches as being fundamental to work in the discipline. Each approach involves a distinct way of thinking, and each is supported by a range of computer languages.
Grinnell's computer science curriculum explores several of these paradigms in the beginning courses:
Students with considerable background may take an accelerated introductory course, CSC 153, that covers the fundamentals of both CSC 151 and CSC 161 in a single semester.
Later courses build on this foundation to provide depth in each of these problem-solving paradigms and programming languages.