Course Description
A survey of the historical development of mathematics by African American mathematicians. The emphasis will be on mathematical concepts, problem-solving, and the challenges faced by African American academics to become mathematicians. The course will focus on three groups of African American mathematicians: pioneers, women, and mathematicians working today.
Athena Title
Hist African Am Math
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: - Identify the major contributions of African American mathematicians who have discovered and developed major areas of contemporary mathematics. - Complete computations and derive results as they were done by those who originally discovered them. - Integrate the historical personalities and contexts into an explanation of mathematical topics. - Connect mathematical developments with their historical timeframe and related developments.
Topical Outline
Unit One: Pioneers of African American Mathematics - Benjamin Banneker (1731-1806) - Charles Reason (1814-1893) - Elbert Frank Cox (1895-1969) - Dudley Weldon Woodard (1881-1965) Unit Two: African American Women in Mathematics - Euphemia Haynes - Evelyn Boyd Granville - Marjorie Lee Browne - Katherine Johnson - Shirley McBay Unit Three: Current African American Mathematicians - John Urschel - Valerie Thomas - Edray Goins - William Massey