I realize this is a subject of hot debate, but I'm interested in opinions that relate to my specific situation.

I want to learn the basics and fundamentals of programming, so I'm already taking a college course in general programming concepts. It isn't covering a specific language, but it's giving me a solid foundation that I can build upon when I move on to a class that teaches a specific language.

My two options for a specific language are Java and C because those are the two languages taught at the college I want to take classes from.

What I want to do is learn a complex language so that I can apply that knowledge to languages that I use, or will eventually use, in my current job building web pages: XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, XML, ActionScript.

I'm not necessariy interested in becoming a Java developer or a C developer in the immediate future, but I do have aspirations of developing web applications and iPod/iPhone applications.

So, basically, I'm looking for answers to these questions and the reasoning behind them:

• Do I take the introductory course in Java first, and then take the intro course in C, or

• Do I take C first and then take Java?

• Is there any reason not to take them concurrently?

• Should I skip C altogether as Java covers everything I need to know?

EDIT: Thanks everyone for your thoughtful and insightful responses.