What: Mathematics 3010 is a basic course in the history of Mathematics, from ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations up until the early 20th century (and a little beyond). This particular course will emphasize how math history can be used in teaching secondary mathematics.
Text: A History of Mathematics, 3rd ed. by Victor Katz.
What else?: Scientific calculator, straight edge, compass
What do I have to do? Class participation (homework will be presented in class, rather than written) is worth 100 points. There will be exams on November 4 and December 16 in class. Each is worth 100 points. You will produce two classroom activities for high schoolers (or younger) based on course material, each worth 100 points. One of your classroom activities will be presented in class, and should be turned in with a 2-3 page writeup of what teaching goals the activity meets, and how.
| Date | What we're doing | What you have to do |
|---|---|---|
| 8/26 | Number systems | Assignment 1 |
| 9/2 | Solving linear equations, Pi, Ancient math texts | Assignment 2 |
| 9/9 | Solving quadratic equations (and more!) | Assignment 3 (Including Project 1) |
| 9/16 | The Pythagorean Theorem | Assignment 4 |
| 9/30 | Astronomy and Trigonometry | Assignment 5 |
| 10/7 | Aristotle, Euclid | |
| 10/14 | Archimedes, Apollonius | |
| 10/21 | India and China | Assignment 6 |
| 10/28 | Islamic and Medieval Mathematics | |
| 11/4 | Midterm | Presentations in class |
| 11/11 | "Precalculus" | |
| 11/18 | Calculus | Final project assignment |
| 11/25 | No class for Thanksgiving break | |
| 12/2 | Non-euclidean / 20th c. paradoxes | |
| 12/9 | Presentations | |
| 12/16 | Final exam due | Presentations |