Not only does this give a sense of the lowest levels, but you also get to build ...

stcredzero on July 30, 2008 | parent | context | favorite | on: What if I went to a Java school Joel?

Not only does this give a sense of the lowest levels, but you also get to build your own Object Oriented language and write your own kernel and Operating System! This is one of the best and most practical ways of getting the whole enchilada I know of.