MAT 406 An Introduction to the History of Mathematics
Credit, 3 sem. hrs.
Prerequisites: MAT 221 or instructor=s consent
This class is a development of
areas of mathematics such as algebra, geometry, and analysis and a study of the
lives and works of outstanding mathematicians.
Rationale
This
course will help mathematics students gain an understanding of the nature of
mathematics and the relationships within it by viewing it historically. The courses emphasize the historical
development of mathematics from the perspective of many
mathematicians/philosophers from many cultures.
Professor
Dr.
Teresa Floyd - 925-3468 Office: 316 MCC e-mail: floyd@mc.edu
Office
hours: vary by semester
Learning
Objectives
At the
conclusion of the course, successful students should be able to:
-demonstrate
methods of counting and number systems used by ancient civilizations
-state
methods of recording information that provided modern knowledge of ancient
mathematics
-find
triangular, square and pentagonal numbers
-calculate
amicable, perfect, prime, abundant and deficient numbers
-name
the Platonic solids
-state
the three classic problems of antiquity with a proposed solution
-state
-name
several Greek mathematicians, their major accomplishments, and solve problems
similar to their work
-name
the accomplishments of and work problems relating to early Chinese, Hindu and
Arabic mathematicians
-list
reasons why there was minimal mathematical progress during the Dark Ages
-name
prominent mathematicians of the 17th century, identify their work and work
similar problems
-name
the major mathematicians whose work prepared the world for calculus and work
similar problems
-name
the creators of calculus and identify how their work was different
-name
prominent mathematicians of the 18th century; identify their work and work
similar problems
-name
prominent mathematicians of the 19th century; identify their work and work
similar problems
-name
prominent mathematicians of the 20th century; identify their work and work
similar problems
Outline of Topics
The
topics will come from the material in Chapters 1-13 of the text. Students are expected to
read
all assigned sections and attempt solutions to problems assigned relating to
these topics.
I.
Early Number Systems and Symbols VII. The Renaissance of Mathematics
A. Sources A.
B. Properties B.
Cardano=s Ars Magna
C.
Ferrari
II.
Mathematics in Early Civilizations
A. Egyptian Mathematics VIII.
The Mechanical World
1.
Arithmetic A.
Galileo
2.
Geometry B.
Copernicus
B. Babylonian Mathematics
C. Kepler
D.
Descartes
III. The Beginnings of Greek Mathematics
E.
A. Thales F.
Leibniz
B. Pythagorean Mathematics
C. Three Problems of Antiquity IX. The Development of
Probability Theory
D. Quadratrix A.
The Origins of Probability
B.
Pascal
IV. The Alexandrian School:
A. Euclid=s Elements
B. Euclidean Geometry X.
The Revival of Number Theory
C. Euclid=s Number Theory A.
Mersenne=s Search for Perfect Numbers
D. Erathosthenes B.
From Fermat to Euler
E. Archimedes C. Gauss
V.
The Twilight of Greek Mathematics
XI. Nineteenth-Century
A. Diophantus=
Arithmetica A.
Attempts to Prove the Parallel Postulate
B. Diophantine Equations
B. Non-Euclidean Geometry
C. Commentators C.
The Age of Rigor
D. Mathematics in Near & Far East
XII. Transition to the Twentieth Century
VI.. The First Awakening A. American Mathematics
A. Fibonacci B.
Counting the Infinite
B. Liber Abaci C.
Paradoxes of Set Theory
C. Fibonacci Sequence
XIII. Extensions and Generalizations
Academic Integrity
Honesty and integrity are basic
virtues expected of all students at
The methods of instruction will
include lecture, discussion, student reports, group problem solving, individual
problem solving, demonstrations, hands-on construction, exploration using
graphing calculators/software, and quizzes.
Each student is expected to be prepared for class, have a copy of the
text, paper, pencils, calculator, and compass.
Required Practices
Required practices for successful
completion of this course include reading assigned materials on time,
timely written completion of problems, oral and written reports using internet
sources as well as traditional ones, proficient use of calculators, classroom
explanation of solved problems, and completion of written examinations. Homework is due at the beginning of the class for which it was assigned.
Instructional Materials
Text:
Assessment
Assessment will include tests,
oral and written reports, in-class explanations/demonstrations of problems, and
unannounced homework evaluations. Active
class participation is expected and included in final grade evaluation. The final grade will be determined based on
total points and a ten-point scale.
Other Policies
v
Makeup
work is the responsibility of the student and should be cleared with the
instructor in advance whenever possible.
v
Students
are responsible for all material covered and all assignments given when they
are absent.
v
The
college stipulates that the grade for the course is automatically an F in the
event of 8 absences. The student can expect a reduction of a
letter grade for each week of unexcused absences. An unexcused tardy or absence will result in
a zero for homework taken/daily work/quizzes. [
v
If
you need special accommodations due to learning, physical, psychological, or
other disabilities, please contact Dr. Buddy Wagner in the Counseling and
career
Dr. Floyd=s Responsibilities
v Start/stop
on time.
v
Be
prepared to conduct class, answer questions and ask questions.
v
Evaluate
student progress.
Student Responsibilities
Ø
Attend
all class meetings ON TIME.
Ø
READ
all assigned material promptly.
Ø
Complete
homework timely.
Ø
THINK!
MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE ACADEMIC POLICIES:
Students should consult the Mississippi College policy manual located at http://www.mc.edu/resources/publications/policies/ for official information regarding:
Students who may require accomodation due to a documented handicap should follow the procedures located at http://www.mc.edu/about/offices/counseling/disabilities/
The Generic Grading Scale for this course is A = 90-100, B = 80-89, C = 70-79, D = 60-69. Individual instructors are free to choose a different grading scheme so students should consult their section's particular syllabus for the official grading scale to be utilized.
Tutoring Hours:
Hours and location for the departmental tutoring center are posted at http://www.mc.edu/academics/academic-tutoring/ .