Course Description
Development of mathematics across time, geography, and cultures with attention to the content of school mathematics.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will locate articles (usually three, may vary
depending on length/journal) related to course material, write a
summary and critique of the articles and how the content of the
articles can be used to inform classroom practice.
Athena Title
Hist and Cultural Foun of Math
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in EMAT 4650E or EMAT 6650E
Prerequisite
MATH 2260 or MATH 2260E or MATH 2260H
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
- Students will learn more mathematical content AND learn more mathematical content that is relevant for teaching high school and middle school students, and the cultural origins and perspectives of the content.
- Students will learn more effective strategies for teaching mathematics AND learn more ways to affirm students who are underrepresented in the mathematics professions by recognizing the contributions of diverse cultures to mathematics.
- Students will gain the necessary expertise to incorporate technological resources (e.g., WWW, interactive e-mail) into the teaching of mathematics AND gain expertise in selecting and evaluating resources that reflect diverse cultures.
Topical Outline
- Text: Eves, Howard (1990). An Introduction to the history of mathematics (6th Ed.).
Orlando, FL: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. ISBN 0-03-029558-0
- Week 1
A. Organization & Assignments Numeral Systems
B. Teaching with numeral systems
C. Exploring the Web: Looking for Resources
- Week 2
A. Babylonian and Egyptian Mathematics
B. Interesting problems
C. Forming project groups
- Week 3
A. Pythagorean Mathematics & Ancient Problems
B. Interesting problems
C. Looking at textbooks/Planning historical addenda (Bring a textbook)
- Week 4
A. Euclid, Archimedes, and Diophantus, Greek Mathematics
B. Ancient Problems
C. Technology-based activities
- Week 5
A. Chinese, Hindu, and Arabian Contributions
B & C. Midterm (Material in Chapters 1-7, and other readings)
- Week 6
A. Mathematics from 500-1600
B. Interesting problems
C. Project Report Group 1
- Week 7
A. Dawn of Modern Mathematics
B. Interesting problems
C. Project Report Group 2
- Week 8
A. Analytic Geometry
B. Project Report Group 3
C. Project Report Group 4
- Week 9
A. Nineteenth & Twentieth Century Mathematics
B. Discussion of Individual Lessons
C. Discussion of Individual Lessons
- Week 10
A. Nineteenth & Twentieth Century Mathematics
B. Project Report Group 5
C. Project Report Group 6
- Week 11
A. History of Mathematics and Current Curricula
B. Interesting problems from history
C. Interesting problems from history
- Week 12
A. Group on Calendars
B. Revisions of History Vignettes due Week 13
C. Interesting problems from history
- Week 13
Collect revised vignettes
A. Insight into Witch of Agnesi curve
B. Interesting problems from history
- Week 14
Handout History Vignettes Collection
A. Review sheet for final exam
B–C. Problem Review Session
- Week 15
A. Pulling Historical and Mathematical ideas together for the classroom
