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01:640:437 - History of Mathematics

  • Course Code: 01:640:437
  • Semester(s) Offered: Spring
  • Credits: 3
  • Counts toward math major/minor?: Yes
  • Prerequisites: Math 250 and Calc III

Course Description

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 in China, India, Europe, and the Islamic world, including number systems, Euclidean geometry, algebra, combinatorics, and calculus. Recurrent themes include calculation of areas and volumes, finding zeros of polynomials, progressive enlargement of number systems, and changing concepts of rigorous proof.

Prerequisites: Math 250 and Calc III (Math 251 or Math 291)

This course may include oral or written presentations of selected topics by students. However, it does not satisfy writing requirements for the SAS core curriculum.

Textbook

For current textbook, please refer to our Master Textbook List page

Previous Semesters

  • Spring 2026: Kiessling
  • Spring 2025: Retakh
  • Fall 2021: Zeilberger

Disclaimer: Posted for informational purposes only

This material is posted by the faculty of the Mathematics Department at Rutgers New Brunswick for informational purposes. While we try to maintain it, information may not be current or may not apply to individual sections. The authority for content, textbook, syllabus, and grading policy lies with the current instructor.

Information posted prior to the beginning of the semester is frequently tentative, or based on previous semesters. Textbooks should not be purchased until confirmed with the instructor. For generally reliable textbook information—with the exception of sections with an alphabetic code like H1 or T1, and topics courses (197,395,495)—see the textbook list.