SYLLABUS/INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

                             FALL 1999

Instructor: Dr. Raj Markanda

Credit Hour: 3 Semester Hours

Office Telephone: 626-2468 or 2456

Office: MJ-117

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Office Hours: posted on the door, my homepage or by appointment other times.

Course Objectives:

1. To demonstrate that mathematics is a human activity and that its history is marked by inventions and guesses, both good and bad, and that its frontier has many interesting unanswered questions and is sequential in its development.

2. To help the student to understand that mathematics is an art, and an intellectual challenge; which offers mental absorption, peace of mind, ageless beauty, and an escape from the world and a vast area of future study.

3. To help the student understand the philosophical nature of mathematics.
 

Course Description:

History of mathematics is primarily a reading course with special emphasis on discovering the cultural influence of mathematics on society. Class discussion will center on unique approaches to problem-solving and some early methods of solving present day problems, as well as philosophical foundations of mathematics. A term paper on one important mathematician and a group project on the development of a particular field of mathematics will be required.

Topics to be included are:

• Babylonian and Egyptian mathematics
• Greek mathematics
• Hindu, Arabic, Chinese mathematics
• European mathematics
• Equations solving
• Development of calculus
• Concepts of Geometry
• Trigonometry, Astronomy, Surveying
• Linear Algebra and Modern Algebra
• Probability and Statistics

Text: A History of Mathematics, Victor J. Katz.

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http://www2.ilstu.edu/~marshall/

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http://mathematicallycorrect.com

Grading Policy:

Quizzes:             10%

In class activities: 10%

Term paper:          15%

Group project:       15%

3 Tests:             30%

Comprehensive Final: 20%
 

You will receive an A, B, C, D or F at the completion of this course. The

grade will be computed according to the following scale:

A: 90<= grade <=100 %

B: 80<= grade < 89 %

C: 65<= grade < 79 %

D: 55<= grade < 65 %

F: < 55 %

Math Lab: The Math Laboratory offers FREE, walk-in tutoring for

100 level math courses in SP-205.

Attendance: Attendance is expected at all class meetings. The course tests are based primarily on material presented in class. Lack of attendance almost always results in a lower grade.

Makeups: Please notify me as soon as possible if you know in advance that you must miss an exam. Call my office at 626-2468 or e-mail me as soon as possible if an emergency occurs, and you have to miss an exam.