Mathematics 155, History of Mathematics Fall 2004
Dr. Patti Hunter Office hours: WF 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Office: Math/CS Building M 9-10:20 a.m. (with
occasional exceptions)
Phone: 6076 or by appointment
Email: phunter at westmont.edu URL: http://www.westmont.edu/~phunter/ma155/index.html
Texts: The History of Mathematics, A Reader, ed. by John Fauvel and Jeremy Gray
“History of Mathematics: Secondary Sources,” course packet
Galileo’s Daughter, by Dava Sobel
Course Objectives:
We strive in this course to gain an understanding of how mathematics—the technical body of knowledge and the discipline or practice of mathematics—has developed since ancient times. We will study historical texts, seeking to place them in their broader scientific, intellectual, and social contexts. Our aim will be to consider the work of past mathematicians on its own terms, asking, “What did these mathematicians think they were doing? What were their goals, interests, and methods? What did they think they had accomplished?”
In the process of answering those questions, you will also improve your ability to read and think critically about mathematics, its history, and the research of others; you will have opportunities to become a more effective speaker and writer; and you will explore some relationships between issues of the Christian faith and mathematics.
Course Requirements
Homework. Homework will consist of readings from the texts along with written assignments. Readings and assignments will be posted on the course web page. Assignments may require you to prepare a problem for presentation in class; they may ask you to summarize or analyze a text, or critique an argument. Frequently, you will discuss and evaluate each other’s assignments. Your homework grades will be based on my evaluation as well as on that of your peers, and on how effectively you evaluate your peers’ work. Expect to spend about four hours preparing for each class meeting.
Participation in class discussions. This is a seminar course rather than a lecture course. Class time will be spent in discussion of the day’s readings and I will expect everyone to contribute thoughtful insights, questions, and comments.
We will value all meaningful contributions to class discussions. The comments of your fellow students may be equal in importance to mine, so don’t just write down what I say. In coming to an understanding of the material, synthesize the best of all contributions.
Attendance. To contribute to class discussion and to benefit from it, you must be present in class. More than 2 unexcused absences will affect your grade. More than 4 unexcused absences may result in your being dropped from the course with a grade of F. Missing part of a class meeting will constitute an absence. (Illness, family crisis, and approved participation in required activities for other courses or in intercollegiate athletic events are valid excuses for absence. Absences excused for illness are subject to verification by the Health Center.)
Exams. There will be a midterm exam in class on Thursday, October 14, and a cumulative final exam on Monday, December 13 at 8:00 a.m. Requests to reschedule the midterm exam must be made to me in writing before Tuesday, October 5.
Grading
Homework 50% Exams 50% (25% each)
Plagiarism
Words or ideas of others that appear in your work must receive appropriate credit. Any piece of work containing plagiarism may receive a zero. Dishonesty on an exam may result in the same consequence.
Fine Print. This syllabus is subject to revision at my discretion.
O Thou who through the light of nature has aroused in us a longing for the light of grace, so that we may be raised in the light of Thy majesty, to Thee, I give thanks, Creator and Lord, that Thou allowest me to rejoice in Thy works.
Johann Kepler, 1571-1630