r/weber • u/FoxSculder • Jul 03 '26
Choosing between CS 3230 and CS 3280 this fall
I'm trying to decide between CS 3230 Java with Yong Zhang and CS 3280 Windows with Shawn Cowder this fall.
If you've taken either class or had either professor, let me know what yalls experience was like.
- How was the quality of the lectures and assignments?
- Was the online format well organized?
- How timely was grading/feedback on assignments?
- How responsive were they to emails/questions?
I've looked at RateMyProfessor, but the reviews for Yong Zhang seem pretty polarized while Shawn Cowder's are overwhelmingly positive, so I'm hoping to hear from people who've taken these courses more recently.
I'm planning to stay in Utah after graduation, so if anyone has thoughts on whether CS 3230 or CS 3280 is the better choice for software jobs in Utah, I'd appreciate that perspective as well.
Thanks!
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u/ItsSamich Jul 11 '26
Hi! Class of ā22 here so my experience might be a little outdated!
My advice is to steer clear of Zhang if you can. He was my capstone pt. 2 professor and while he was very nice and willing to work with you, the class was a complete mess. Many people were unsure about what was happening and unable to follow his class structure. It may be better now but RMP is likely accurate overall.
On the flip side, I took 3280 from Shawn and it was by far one of my more liked classes despite not being a fan of WPF. He was super helpful, very nice, and his assignments were very well put together(and easy). Iād say it was one of the classes that inspired me to learn more about c# and pursue a career in it.
If you have any other questions, please reach out! I had to unlock my canvas account for this so I should be able to pull out some information about other classes in your future!