Courses in this area have previously been offered as Math 395, Studies in Mathematics.
This course will present an overview of the development of mathematics from ancient civilizations to the beginning of the 19th century. Selected topics from the history of mathematics including number systems; Euclidean geometry; the development of algebra in India, Arabia, and the West; and calculus. Special emphasis will be placed on some recurrent themes, e.g., calculation of areas, progressive enlargement of number systems, changing concepts of rigorous proof.
Besides lectures, part of the course will be devoted to presentations of selected topics by participants, either in class or in the form of papers.
Spring 2008: Professor Goldstein
Honors Seminar, History of Algebra, Spring 2002
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