Math 436 - History of Mathematics
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General Information
Prerequisites
Four semesters of calculus.
This course will present an overview of the development of mathematics from ancient civilizations to the beginning of the 19th century. Selected topics from the history of mathematics including number systems; Euclidean geometry; the development of algebra in India, Arabia, and the West; and calculus. Special emphasis will be placed on some recurrent themes, e.g., calculation of areas, progressive enlargement of number systems, changing concepts of rigorous proof.
Besides lectures, part of the course will be devoted to presentations of selected topics by participants, either in class or in the form of papers.
Textbook
A History of Mathematics: Brief Edition by Victor Katz,
Pearson Education, 2004. ISBN: 0-321-16193-9
Spring 2012 Schedule
| Instructor | Type | Index | Section | Day(s)/ Period |
Time | Room (click for map) |
Campus |
| Cozzens, Midge | L | 65126 | 1 | T6 T7 |
5:00 PM - 6:20 PM 6:40 PM - 8:00 PM |
LSH-B110 |
LIV |
(This course is taught during the Spring semester.)
| Previous Semesters of 640:436 | |
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Term Papers
As part of the SAS core curriculum writing requirement, there will be a term paper consisting of at least 4,000 words. (This is about 8 single-spaced pages, or 16 double-spaced pages.) Students are expected to select a branch of mathematics, approved by the professor, and write about how it has evolved over the course of history.
Honors Program Seminar (not the same course)
Honors Seminar, History of Algebra, Spring 2002
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