NOTE: this course was formerly numbered 01:640:436
Prerequisites
Math 251 or Math 291, and Math 250.
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
Textbook: For current textbook please refer to our Master Textbook List page
Please Note:
This revised course does not satisfy the SAS core curriculum writing requirement
This course is taught during the Fall and Spring semesters.
Schedule of Sections:
(NOTE: this course was formerly numbered 01:640:436)
Previous Semesters
Instructors
- Spring 2006: Tunnell
- Spring 2005: M. Raman
- Spring 2004: Levitt
- Spring 2003: Browder
- Spring 2001, '02: Kosinski
- Fall '99,'00: Cherlin (as 640:395)
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.
- Term papers from Spring 1999 and Spring 2000
- Term papers from Honors Program Seminar (Spring 2002)
