History of Mathematics Fall 18

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YEAR COURSE OFFERED: 2018
SEMESTER COURSE OFFERED: Fall
DEPARTMENT: Mathematical and Computer Sciences
COURSE NUMBER: MTH 4650
NAME OF COURSE: History of mathematics
NAME OF INSTRUCTOR: John Carter
CONTACT EMAIL*: [email protected]
OFFICE: SCI 1052

WEBSITE: http://sites.msudenver.edu/jcarte11

*My office phone is the absolute worst way to contact me, don’t use it. I will not answer email on weekends, after 5pm, or before 10 am. Feel free to email me outside of those times, I will get to it, just don’t expect an immediate answer.

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The information contained in this class syllabus is subject to change without notice. Students are expected to be aware of any additional course policies presented by the instructor during the course.

Office Hours:

MW 2-3

TR 9-10 or 1-2

Learning Objectives:

After successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1.  Understand the contributions of various cultures to the development of mathematics.

2.  Understand the contributions of Greek mathematicians and solve problems from this period.

3.  Understand the contributions of Enlightenment mathematicians including Newton, Gauss and   Euler.

4.  Understand more recent topics in mathematics.

5.  Prove classical theorems from the history of mathematics.

Major Assignments/Exams:

  • Midterm Exam(s)–30%
  • Final Exam–30%
  • Attendance/participation–20%
  • Daily Homework–20%

Daily assignments:

I will give daily written assignments and reading assignments. Most of these will allow for some discretion on the part of the students. Generally the assignments will be a general topic and a number of problems to be chosen by the student from the available books. If this doesn’t work over time I will write questions or copy them for distribution. Assignments are expected at class time. Partial homework will receive partial credit.

In class we will discuss the homework and work problems in groups. Students will be expected to actively participate in discussion and to present work at the board.

Required Reading:

Any addition of Katz or Burton.

OneNote:

It is my hope that the homework and projects can be turned in electronically on the onenote page I have shared with you. I will also try to write up notes there as they become important.

University Policies

Students are responsible for full knowledge of the provisions and regulations pertaining to all aspects of their attendance at MSU Denver, and should familiarize themselves with the following policies:

  1. GENERAL UNIVERSITY POLICIES
  2. GRADES AND NOTATIONS including WITHDRAWAL FROM A COURSE, ADMINISTRATIVE WITHDRAWAL, and INCOMPLETE POLICIES
  3. Students should be aware that any kind of withdrawal can have a negative impact on some types of financial aid, including scholarships.
  4. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
  5. POLICY STATEMENTS ON SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
  6. ACCOMMODATIONS TO ASSIST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
  7. CLASS ATTENDANCE
  8. ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION (STUDENT EMAIL) POLICY   
  9. The Access Center is the designated department responsible for coordinating accommodations and services for students with disabilities. Accommodations will not be granted prior to my receipt of your faculty notification letter from the Access Center. Please note that accommodations are never provided retroactively (i.e., prior to the receipt of your faculty notification letter.) Once I am in receipt of your official Access Center faculty notification letter, I would be happy to meet with you to discuss your accommodations. All discussions will remain confidential. Further information is available by visiting the Access center website http://www.msudenver.edu/access/ .
  10. Accommodations for Students with Disability: Metropolitan State University of Denver is committed to making reasonable accommodations to assist individuals with disabilities in reaching their academic potential. If you have a disability which may impact your performance, attendance, or grades in this class and are requesting accommodations, then you must first register with the Access Center, located in the Plaza Building, Suite 122, 303.556.8387. For a complete description of these policies go to https://msudenver.edu/math/policies/