Programming Languages (Spring 2026)

Logistics

• Course Number: POSTECH CSED321
• Course PLMS: https://plms.postech.ac.kr/course/view.php?id=14720
• Staff: Wonyeol Lee (Instructor), Taejun Yoon (TA)
• Lectures: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:30am—10:45am (Mueunjae Bldg #307; 무은재 307호)
• Office Hours: By appointment via email (PIAI #335; 인공지능연구원 335호)

Overview

• This course covers the basics of the theory of programming languages. We will begin with an introduction to functional programming and the mathematical foundation for programming language theory, and then proceed to the techniques for formally defining programming languages such as abstract syntax, operational semantics, and type systems.
• We will investigate important features found in modern programming languages and their implementation issues. This course places a strong emphasis on the role of type theory in modern programming languages. To complement our theoretical study with practical programming, we will learn a higher-order functional language in the ML family.

Prerequisites

• Requirements: None, as this course is self-contained. However, familiarity with Discrete Mathematics and Data Structures is recommended.
• Expectations: A strong interest in both Computer Science and Mathematics, and a strong willingness to learn new and challenging material.

Grades

• Attendance (0%): Fail if you are absent for ≥ 8 classes (based on the electronic attendance system).
• Participation (5%): Full credit if you ask ≥ 4 in-person questions during or after class.
• Homework (65%): You will have 9 programming assignments (with nonuniform weights).
• Exams (30%): You will have 2 exams: a midterm (15%) and a final (15%).

Books

• Textbook: Programming Languages Course Notes (by Sungwoo Park) (Updated on March 2)
• Reference: Types and Programming Languages (by Benjamin Pierce)

Links

• Schedule
• Homework