| COURSE: |
An Introduction to the HISTORY
OF MATHematics (MATH 360) |
| TIME/PLACE: |
Autumn
2012 |
M11, T4, W11, R6
|
KRH
345 |
| TEXT: |
A
History of Mathematics: Brief Version (2004),
by V. J. Katz |
| INSTRUCTOR: |
T. M. Thompson |
KRH 332 |
ph: 2181
|
Office
Hours
|
| BULLETIN: |
Introduction to
the history of mathematics from the beginning of
hieroglyphic writing in Egypt and cuneiform in Mesopotamia
to the influence of computers in the 20th century. Topics
will include ancient mathematics, geometry and algebra
from Greece, mathematics from China, India, and Islam,
medieval algebra and geometry, mathematics from the
Renaissance and the scientific revolution including
analytic geometry and calculus, analysis and algebra
through parts of the 19th century, and topics from the
20th century. Prerequisite: MATH 283 or permission of
instructor. Offered even years only. |
| OBJECTIVES: |
After finishing
this course, the student should be acquainted with the
known origins of and contributors to many of the major
mathematical ideas from ancient Egypt through a portion of
the nineteenth century. The student will also have
practice reading and interpreting translations of primary
mathematical material of historical interest. In addition,
the student will set up a web page with descriptions,
interpretations, and web links on a topic of historical
mathematical interest.
Those seeking Washington state
teaching certification please see: http://math.wallawalla.edu/teacherEd/
|
| EXAMINATION: |
Two-hour
final: |
11 Dec (10
a.m. Tue)
|
 |
|
| HOMEWORK: |
The weekly
assignments are due on Monday, 11:00 a.m. UNLESS
stated otherwise.
|
|
TOPICS &
ASSIGNMENTS
SUGGESTIONS
ON WRITING
UP
SOLUTIONS
|
Late homework more than one
class day late is deducted at the rate of 20% per class
day late --- see me about late work due to illness. |
|
| Paper should be
approximately 8.5 by 11; one or both sides may be used. |
|
| Must be neat. |
|
Must be done in
pencil to be accepted, or alternatively, typeset with TeX.
|
|
| Papers are to be
folded as a book with name and assignment number on the
outside as illustrated. |
|
| GRADING: |
Homework: |
20% |
|
|
Classroom Presentations: |
20% |
|
|
|
Exam: |
25% |
|
|
|
Web Page Project/Paper: |
20% |
|
|
|
Attendance/participation: |
15% |
|
|
|
|
A:
A-:
B+: |
92-100%
90-91
88-89 |
|
B:
B-:
C+: |
82-87%
80-81
78-79 |
|
C:
C-:
D+: |
67-77%
65-66
63-64 |
|
D:
D-:
F: |
57-62%
55-56
0-54 |
|
|
Appropriate
(to me) modification of these percentages may be made in
individual cases for progress, unusual circumstances, etc. |
|
All materials
submitted by a student will be evaluated in a timely
manner (typically 2 weeks). Exams will be scored
(with overall class grades attached) and be accessible for
viewing by a student before the next exam. |
| ELECTRONIC DEVICES: |
Please do NOT
use cell phones, computers, personal organizers, etc.,
during class UNLESS
PRIOR PERMISSION is obtained. |
| DISABILITIES: |
If you have a
physical and/or learning disability and require
accommodations, please contact me or the Disability
Support Services at 527-2366 or their website.
Furthermore, this syllabus is available in alternative
print formats upon request. |
