I agree with you to some extent, but I do think sometimes this point of view is taken too far. Some basis in theory is useful, not so much because you'll direct

I agree with you to some extent, but I do think sometimes this point of view is taken too far. Some basis in theory is useful, not so much because you'll directly apply something you learned in a CS class, but because it helps you learn how to think about difficult problems. Most real world work is indeed just putting pieces together to get the result you need, but there are occasionally things that really are difficult, especially to do efficiently. I think it could legitimately be a concern if an experienced programmer couldn't pass an introductory CS course. To the OP, presumably your fiancé has study materials as well as just questions—why not audit the course, and learn how to solve the problems you're having difficulty with? (Then write a Tell HN and update us on whether you feel you learned anything useful!)