Development of mathematical thought from beginning to present. Contributions from ancient Egypt, Babylonia, and Greece; from China, India, and the Arab world; as well as from medieval and modern Western civilization. (Offered spring semester, even years.)

MATH 211 Calculus III

Victor J. Katz, A History of Mathematics: An Introduction, 3^rd edition, Addisoon-Wesley, 2009 (ISBN: 978-0321387004)

Other references from internet, Murray Library, and supply by the instructor.

Lamarr C. Widmer, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Mathematics

Juniors and seniors majoring in Mathematics

1. This course provides an overview of the history of mathematics from earliest human mathematical activities to the present state of the discipline.
2. We intend to consider both technical and human sides of the subject and to provide each student with an in-depth, individual look at one particular historical, mathematical topic.
3. You will improve your ability to solve mathematical problems, both as individuals and in teams.
4. You will be able to situate mathematics in its cultural setting.

1. Egyptian, Babylonian and Greek mathematics
2. Indian, Chinese, and Islamic mathematics
3. The Awakening: Fibonacci, Llull, Orême
4. Cardan, Bombelli, Newton, Leibniz, Descartes, Pascal
5. Algebra: Hamilton, Boole
6. Probability Theory
7. Number Theory: Fermat, Euler, Gauss
8. Non-Euclidean Geometry: Desargues, Bolyai, Lobachevsky
9. Set Theory: Cantor and Kronecker
10. Twentieth Century mathematicians and their contributions