I still think a software engineer should know this stuff, but given the other material covered in an accredited degree program, there probably isn't enough time for computer science fundamentals like programming language concepts. That's a damn shame. I think software engineers having that level of understanding is a good thing.
PLT was part of my CS degree, but only as a senior level course, and it was extremely abstract, and extremely difficult. Double majors (common with business) were exempt from it.
I think it’s fair to say that almost none of my fellow CS degree holders from that cohort (which was neither a rinky-dink program nor full of dim witted students) could do what we’re discussing here, and if they can it’s because they either were uniquely talented at the lecture material or learned it outside of their coursework, probably after graduation.
I still think a software engineer should know this stuff, but given the other material covered in an accredited degree program, there probably isn't enough time for computer science fundamentals like programming language concepts. That's a damn shame. I think software engineers having that level of understanding is a good thing.