I've been developing software for well over 25 years now. I started with basic, moved to assembler, notched up to Pascal, went to C, then C++, then Java, now C#. I've learned a smattering of other languages along the way like Ruby, Perl, Prolog, Lisp, and Ada. So you might say I've seen some different stuff.
The important thing while you're in school is to learn the concepts. No matter which route you take the concepts will be more or less portable across multiple languages. The syntax and mechanics of the language may be a little different but the ideas remain the same.
All of these languages have different strengths and weaknesses. A good developer considers what his program needs to do and selects a language that will make his job easiest and produce code that meets requirements.
This all said I highly recommend Java in this case based on your comments. Main reason is it's Linux friendly. C# has the Novel port but I think the amount of community support you'd get will be minimal if you get into trouble.
Second reason is Java is a little simpler. The differences between C# and Java fromm a language syntax standpoint are a pretty fine line but C# makes some more C++ like functionality available that makes it a lot easier to hang yourself.
Some might argue another reason is Java is also free. However you can download a 1 year version of Visual C# express right now for free (which easily covers your coursework) and the basic.NET tools (compiler etc) are also free if you don't want a fancy IDE. So I don't consider price a viable argument for your current situation if you just take the course and quit programming. Long haul Java is a cheaper choice and Eclipse is pretty darn cool if you're going to program beyond your coursework.
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The important thing while you're in school is to learn the concepts. No matter which route you take the concepts will be more or less portable across multiple languages. The syntax and mechanics of the language may be a little different but the ideas remain the same.
All of these languages have different strengths and weaknesses. A good developer considers what his program needs to do and selects a language that will make his job easiest and produce code that meets requirements.
This all said I highly recommend Java in this case based on your comments. Main reason is it's Linux friendly. C# has the Novel port but I think the amount of community support you'd get will be minimal if you get into trouble.
Second reason is Java is a little simpler. The differences between C# and Java fromm a language syntax standpoint are a pretty fine line but C# makes some more C++ like functionality available that makes it a lot easier to hang yourself.
Some might argue another reason is Java is also free. However you can download a 1 year version of Visual C# express right now for free (which easily covers your coursework) and the basic .NET tools (compiler etc) are also free if you don't want a fancy IDE. So I don't consider price a viable argument for your current situation if you just take the course and quit programming. Long haul Java is a cheaper choice and Eclipse is pretty darn cool if you're going to program beyond your coursework.
My two cents.