Math 370 - History of Mathematics

Credits: 3

Course Description: This course traces the development of mathematics from ancient times up to and including 17th century developments in the calculus. Emphasis is on the development of mathematical ideas and methods of problem solving.

Pre-Requisites: Junior standing in mathematics or permission of instructor.

Frequency: This course is offered as demand requires.

Current Textbook: A History of Mathematics: An Introduction, 2nd Edition, by Victor Katz, published by Addison Wesley, 1998. ISBN: 0-321-01618-1. Check with your instructor to make sure this is the textbook used for your section.

Fall 2008 Schedule:
Not offered.

Topics

The Origins of Mathematics.
Mathematics in Ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt.
Early Greek Mathematics - The Pythagoreans.
The Mathematics of Euclid.
Later Hellenistic Mathematics.
Indian and Chinese Mathematical Contributions.
Islam and Arabic Mathematics.
Mathematics in the Medieval World.
The Renaissance.
17th century Algebra & Geometry.
The Development of Probability.
Development of Calculus.
Modern extensions and refinements of the idea of number.

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Page last modified: August 20, 2008			Department of Mathematics University of Massachusetts Boston Phone: 617-287-6460; Fax: 617-287-6433 Information: Webmaster: