I think there is some value in asking students to learn to program in
some high-level language. It is primarily for the algorithm/logic
discipline that is closely allied with problem solving skills. I don't
think for this purpose that it matters what language it is and I
wouldn't specify. Right now the popular one is C++, if they are looking
for jobs as programmers, but that is not really your concern. And
besides the popular language changes periodically.
Jerry Epstein