MATH 400 Syllabus

History of Mathematics

Revised: September 2020

Course Description

Topics include the development of mathematics from ancient to modern times in many cultures with emphasis on methods, techniques, and algorithms of particular times and cultures. Additional topics include connecting the mathematics of a time and place with other types of academic/artistic thought. Prerequisites: MATH 153 or MATH 140. Three semester hours

Student Learning Objectives

By the end of the course students will be able to:

• Investigate how mathematics develops in particular social and historical contexts;
• Recognize the historical origins of the mathematics you study in your other courses;
• Analyze and interpret primary source mathematical texts; and
• Craft and defend a historical argument in the context of a research project

Text

June Barrow-Green, Jeremy Gray, and Robin Wilson, The History of Mathematics: A Source-Based Approach. MAA Press, 2019 

Plus various electronic resources (available via Canvas)

Grading Procedure

Grading procedures and factors influencing course grade are left to the discretion of individual instructors, subject to general university policy.

Attendance Policy

Attendance policy is left to the discretion of individual instructors, subject to general university policy.

Course Outline

This course covers the development of mathematics from ancient times through the 1600’s. Emphasis is on the mathematics of the time period and culture in relation to other forms of intellectual thought.