Course Objectives: To give the student a reasonably full account of how mathematics has developed over the past 5000 years; beginning with the origin of math in the ancient civilization of antiquity progressing through the 20th century. Considerable prominence is given to the lives of the people responsible for progress in the mathematical enterprise. The course will concern itself primarily with mathematical content.
Text: The History of Mathematics by David Burton (6th ed).
Other References: (on reserve)
Math through the Ages by Berlinghoff & Gouge
Journey through Genius: The Great Theorems of Mathematics by William Dunham
Remarkable Mathematicians by Ioan James
Notable women in mathematics : a biographical dictionary by C Morrow and Teri Perl
Men of Mathematics by E.T. Bell
Attendance Policy: Attendance is absolutely essential to success in this class. You are expected to attend every class; please notify the professor if you know you are going to be absent. All exams must be taken at the scheduled time, and assignments will not be accepted late.
Student Disability Policy: If you have any documented special educational needs, you are encouraged to work with the Cushing Center for Counseling and Academic Support to prepare a written request for the accommodations you need in this course. To receive accommodations in this course, the professor must receive a written request from CCAS at the beginning of the course, or as soon as the disability is diagnosed.
College Policies: Please note that all college policies pertaining to academic dishonesty, drop/add procedures, and grade appeal should be followed by students enrolled in this class. Consult the undergraduate college catalog or ask the professor if you have questions about these policies.
Teaching Methods: In order to succeed in this course, you need to be an active participant in learning – both in class and out of class. Class time will be spent on lecture as well as discussion of homework problems and some group work. To actively participate in class, you need to prepare by reading the textbook and doing all assigned homework before class (homework will be assigned each class period, to be discussed the following period). You should be prepared to discuss your homework (including presenting your solutions to the class) at each class meeting. You are encouraged to work together with other students and to ask questions and seek help from the professor, both in and out of class.
Grading and Testing Procedures: Your grade will be calculated from your grades on weekly assignments, three exams and a final exam, using the scheme
| Reading, Participation & Attendance | 10 % |
| Weekly Problem Sets | 35 % |
| Book Review | 15 % |
| Biography of a Mathematician | 15 % |
| Final Exam | 25 % |