This is the syllabus for History of Mathematical Thought Math 484. Here you'll find information on prerequisites, grading policy, homework, study resources and a tentative course schedule.
Instructor & Classroom
Your daily attendance is required. You are expected to come to class daily, to be fully awake, to pay attention to and participate in the class discussion. I will do my part to make class something you look forward to rather than dread.
Prerequisites
You need either:
Course Webpage
Textbooks
We will read the book Journey through Genius, roughly one chapter per week. The Burton text will be used as a starting point for papers and projects.
Office Hours
Grading
Assignments
There will be weekly problem sets. In many of the problems you will be writing proofs. As in any higher-level mathematics class, your proofs should be written in complete sentences. The goal of the proof should be to explain not to verify. Pictures and diagrams are encouraged. A selection of problems will be graded.
Exams
The exams will be in class during our usual time. The exams will be closed book, closed notes, closed friends and open-brained.
Final Project
In lieu of a final exam, you will complete a final project. Here are details of the project.
(A list of sources (at least two), with descriptions of why you're using them)
- 10 points : Submitted paper topic on time
- 15 points : Submitted annotated bibliogrphy on time
- 25 points: Paper exposition
- 50 points: Paper content
Laptops & Phones
Do not use your laptop, phone or electronic media device in class unless instructed to do so.
Other Resources
- Math History People
- Bill Cherowitzo
- David Joyce
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:
Evaluation of these learning outcomes will be done through a mix of assignments, class exercises, projects, research papers, group work, written & oral quizzes and exams.
Course Description
We will cover the first 7 chapters of the textbook, and various parts of chapters 8-14.
Natural Sciences Requirement
This course satisfies the Foundation of Natural Sciences/Mathematics requirement. Students who complete this course should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of mathematical logic; use mathematics to solve scientific or mathematical problems in college classes; express relationships in the symbolic language of mathematics; and appreciate the role of mathematics in analyzing natural phenomena.
University Policies
Academic Honesty: Cheating is not only unethical and pathetic, but is a violation of the Northern Michigan University Student Code and University Policy and grounds for your dismissal from the University.
Discrimination & Harassment: Northern Michigan University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, height, weight, martial status, handicap/disability, sexual orientation or veteran status. If you have a civil rights inquiry, contact the Affirmative Action Office at 906-227-2420.
Americans with Disabilities Act Statement: If you have a need for disability-related accommodations or services, please inform the Coordinator of Disability Services in the Dean of Students Office at 2001 C. B. Hedgcock Building (227-1737 or disserv@nmu.edu). Reasonable and effective accommodations and services will be provided to students if requests are made in a timely manner, with appropriate documentation, in accordance with federal, state, and University guidelines.
The Registrar: Withdrawing from any course or any matters relating to registration are the responsibility of the student. For more information regarding this topic, check out the Registrars Website.