This paper analyses the cognitive characteristics and cognitive laws of freshmen students in learning the C programming language. We have built a spirally ascending complete curriculum theory knowledge system and a practical teaching model of experience–verification–exploration. The knowledge system is established through programming thinking from the perspective of computer systems, designed according to the teaching structure of knowledge construction and trained based on the engineering literacy with a new engineering background. The implementation of the teaching reform has achieved the expected results. The curriculum theory knowledge system is complete, and the practical teaching content is novel and rich. It has stimulated students’ learning enthusiasm and innovative consciousness, cultivated students’ professional qualities and helped to cultivate talents that meet the needs of the industry.
 
 
 Keywords: Programming language, perspective, computer systems, knowledge construction.