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A Global View: The History of Mathematics. Course Description. The History of Mathematics
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Course Description The History of Mathematics In this course students will construct timelines to compare as well as trace the migration paths of these discoveries and ideas through different cultures and lands. This course examines ancient numeral systems, Babylonian and Egyptian mathematics, Pythagorean mathematics, duplication, trisection, and quadrature, Euclid's elements and Greek mathematics after Euclid, Hindu and Arabian mathematics, European mathematics from 500 to 1600, origins of modern mathematics, analytic geometry, the history of calculus. Also covers the transition to the twentieth century and contemporary perspectives.
Why a Global View? • Introduce the rich diversity of the great inventors and contributors to mathematics over the years • A greater insight into the conceptual development of mathematical ideas and the true migration of these ideas through and to different cultures
The Global View • Gives an accurate background without bias • Recognizes the contributions from all civilizations, as traced through time • Makes connections to current usage • Takes the time to “plump up” the timeline of mathematical discoveries, to include all areas and make connections throughout cultures/times
Who Decides? • Historians • Background and viewpoint • Available information • Inclusion of research
What Contributions? • South Indian contributions have enriched many fields of mathematics • Hindu-Arabic numerals simplified arithmetical computations and allowed for the advancement of algebraic computations • Sanskrit language patterns evoke binary code • The concept of zero – “sunya” and its representation/usage in place value
Which Resources? • Nehru, J., The discovery of India. 1956, London: Meridian Books • Sachau, E. Alberuni’s India. 1910, v.1. London: K.Paul, Trench, Trubner. • Dunham, W. Journey through genius. 1991. New York: Penguin Books
Which Resources? • Katz, V. A history of mathematics, 2008, 3rd ed., Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley • Katz, V., Imhausen, A, et. al., The mathematics of Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, India and Islam, 2007, Princeton: Princeton University Press. • Rao, T., Kak, S. Computing Science in Ancient India, 1998, Lafayette, LA: The Center for Advanced Computer Studies (USL)
Anticipated schedule • Coming to a classroom near you! • Fall 2011 • Lower prerequisite levels (Algebra 2) • Include students with various majors