MAT 480
Fall 08
History of Mathematics
Instructor: Isa S. Jubran, PhD
Office: Moffett 125, Phone: Ext. 2968
WebPage: http://web.cortland.edu/jubrani
e-mail: jubrani@cortland.edu
Office Hours: Please see my WebPage.
Text: No textbook needed. Material to be used as a text can be found at http://www.math.tamu.edu/~dallen/masters/hist_frame.htm
Prerequisites : A grade of C or above in MAT 224 and either MAT 122 or 126 or 236.
Course Objectives:
- To develop an appreciation of the history of mathematics and its development in different cultures;
- To develop your own mathematical abilities and critical thinking skills, and to overcome any
inhibitions you may have of your ability to do or appreciate mathematics;
- To develop your confidence and ability to speak about mathematics both informally, and in a
formal class presentation;
- To learn to write mathematics coherently, understanding both the role of narrative and the special
role that mathematical notation plays in economy of thought;
- To give you experience at reading about mathematics in popular writing, historical sources, the
newspapers and the Web, in the hope that you might continue to do this when this course is over;
- To recognize the study of mathematics as a central part of your liberal arts education.
Assignments :
Homework problems intended to test and deepen your understanding of the
concepts presented in class will be assigned. These will be collected and graded. Sorry, no late homework
will be accepted.
Tests:
You will have 2 tests and a final exam. The dates for these exams will be announced in class
at least one week in advance.
Please see me in advance if you have a conflict with any of these times and we will make
appropriate arrangements.
Grading:Your grade will be determined as follows:
|
Homework |
30% |
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|
Tests |
40% |
|
|
Presentation |
10% |
|
Final Exam |
20% |
|
|
Total |
100% |
|
|
|
|
|
Content:
We will discuss the following topics to various degrees of depth:
Egyptian and Babylonian Mathematics ---
The Mathematics of Greece ---
Islamic Mathematics ---
The Medieval Period ---
Mathematics of the Renaissance ---
The Transition Period ---
Calculus ---
The Riemann Integral and beyond ---
Algebra and Number Theory ---
The History of Infinity (and other delights).
Attendance Policy: Attendance is very
important and shows that you value your education and take it
seriously. By choosing to miss class without having a legitimate
excuse to do so, you forfeit your right to seek my help with
material discussed during your absence.
Honor Code
You are encouraged to discuss the homework with others but be an active participant
and do not let others think for you. On the other hand, exams are to be strictly your own work.
Ask Questions - Work Hard - Have Fun
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