TEXTS: History of Mathematics: Brief Version by
Victor Katz (Addison-Wesley Longman, Inc., 2004)
Classics of Mathematics, edited by Ron Calinger (Prentice
Hall, 1995).
SCOPE: This course will cover some of the key developments in the history of mathematics up to the work of Newton and Leibniz and their contemporaries on calculus. In this we will consider various threads related to notation for numbers, algebra, geometry, and the nature and use of the infinite. Much of the content is relevant to the mathematics currently taught in high schools (though current treatments are based on concepts developed by mathematicians who worked after the periods in history we will study).
Lectures will organize the topics to present materials not covered in the texts as well as those treated in the texts. Supplementary readings and materials will be supplied as appropriate. Summaries of lectures may be available through the course webpage.
TECHNOLOGY: We may use the computer at various stages of this course to illustrate and investigate some of the mathematics from a more modern perspective. We will also be making use of materials found through the world wide web.
ASSIGNMENTS: Students
will
do
readings from the text and original source materials.
Students will make presentations on assigned original
sources and assigned problems both individually and with
partners.
Occassionally I will make a presentation of a source or
provide a lecture connecting sources and the text.
THERE IS NO FINAL EXAMINATION.
Reading Assignment: Each student will be expected to read a short article / note / or web page about the history of mathematics and make brief written summaries/reports of these to be passed on alternate Mondays, beginning date TBA. [These will be graded Honors(4)/Good(3)/Acceptable(2)/NCr(0). Be sure to include an appropriate citation.]
Weekly
assignments will be due on a day TBA on the assignment
page. (Accepted one day tardy at most!) Students
will present solutions in class.
Cooperative Assignment: Teams will be formed to work cooperatively on making a presentation on a notation for numbers other than the current decimal system.
FINAL ASSESSMENT / TERM
PAPER: Each
student will be expected to write a history of mathematics (term)
paper based on a "primary" source.
Guidelines and advice will be
distributed separately.
Each student will be expected to make a short (no more10 minutes)
presentation of the term paper during the time allotted for the
final examnation in the university examination schedule.
GRADES: Grades will be determined primarily **based on the points you receive from your participation in the various course activities.
| Reading Assignment | 50 points |
| Class Presenations (Problems/Sources) |
100 points |
| Coop Assignment | 50 points |
| Term paper and Presentation |
150 points |
| TOTAL | 350 points |
** Active
class
participation will be considered in deciding individual grades
after a general grade range has been assigned.
FINAL GRADES: Though
final grades for the course are subject to my discretion, I will
use the following overall percentages based on the total number of
points for your work to determine the broader range of grades for
the course.
A 85-100% ; B
70- 84% ; C 60- 69% ; D 50- 59%
; F 0- 49%
Relevant
Student learning outcomes for the BA Programs in Mathematics
Outcome 1: (Competence in Mathematical Techniques) Students
demonstrate competence in the field of Mathematics, including
the following skills:
1.3 The ability to read, evaluate, and create mathematical
proof.
1.5 The ability to analyze the validity and efficacy of
mathematical work.
Outcome 2: (Fundamental Understanding) Students demonstrate a
fundamental understanding of the discipline of mathematics,
including:
2.1 The historical development of the main mathematical and
statistical areas in the undergraduate curriculum.
2.2 The ability to apply knowledge from one branch of
mathematics to another and from mathematics to other
disciplines.
2.3 The role and responsibilities of mathematicians and
mathematical work in science, engineering, education, and
broader society.
Outcome 3: (Communication) Students demonstrate fluency in
mathematical language through communication of their
mathematical work, including demonstrated competence in
3.1 Written presentations of pure and applied mathematical
work that follows normal conventions for logic and syntax.
3.2 Oral presentations of pure and applied mathematical work
which are technically correct and are engaging for the
audience.
•Students with Disabilities: Persons who wish to request disability-related accommodations should contact the Student Disability Resource Center in House 71, 826-4678 (voice) or 826-5392 (TDD). Some accommodations may take up to several weeks to arrange. http://www.humboldt.edu/disability/