<p>I suppose I thought it to be a bad example. Reading and quizzing yourself works well for some subjects and not as well for others. Yes, Java books are not merely compendiums of example code; but I find that to be their main use. Much of the other material should have been covered in lecture. I admit I was surprised at a “technical” major advocating a reading-centric approach to learning. Most such majors in my experience prefer to minimize reading and maximize time spent practicing problems.</p>