Formal systems, not methods

In this paper we will present an approach for teaching formalisms to Computer Science undergraduate students that has been developed over the past 23 years at the University of Hertfordshire (formerly Hatfield Polytechnic). We discuss the background and the evolution of the approach, the theoretical underpinning, the political motivation and some of the pedagogic issues that arise. Examples of the ways in which the generic approach has been specialised for different classes of students are discussed, and some of the implications for other curriculum areas that typically accompany these courses will be briefly mentioned.