Hmm. I don't think Berkeley intentionally switched from Scheme to Python to attract so-called "non-nerds"; it was more founded upon a recognition that computer science will become essential in any field, and not to put at a disadvantage any student who wanted to learn but was new to programming. I mean the current enrollment for CS61A is well-over a thousand, the university lacks resources to properly fund the department, and to declare there's a 3.3 GPA minimum (assuming for Letters & Sciences as College of Engineering students get admitted into the major from freshmen admission).

1. That looks like an interesting book. Have you read it?

2. I think you are focusing too much on the use of the word "nerd" here. Harvey chose the use of that word, not MIT.