History of mathematics

HSTM20482 (10-credit); HSTM20982 (20-credit)

Semester Two, Thursdays, 10.00-11.00, plus seminars, Thursdays 15.00-16.00

Aims

To examine the development of mathematics as part of wider culture, from Ancient Greece (and even earlier) to the twentieth century. Students should achieve a thorough understanding of how mathematics has always formed part of a wider culture, and a historical grasp of how the mathematics and culture have interacted.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this Unit, students will be able:

to show an appreciation of various approaches and methods in the history of mathematics;
to demonstrate a knowledge of the main developments in the history of mathematics;
to have a critical appreciation of the place of mathematics in wider culture;
to take part in informed discussions on these topics and issues;
to reflect critically on the possibilities and limits mathematical thinking

In addition, students taking the 20 credit version will be able:

to find and research a topic of their own choosing;
to find and assess critically secondary sources, and some primary sources;
to write, with full scholarly apparatus, a report on their individual research project.

Lecture Content

Ancient Babylonian and Egyptian Mathematics
China/India
Islam
Renaissance Perspective, algebrae and methods
17th Century: Geometry, instruments, Galileo, Dee, calculus
Analysis and Algebra in the 18th and 19th centuries
Probability and statistics
Non-Euclidian Geometry
Crisis in Foundations
Mathematical Physics
Hardy v Hogben
Ethnomathematics

Assessment

10 credit unit (HSTM20482) - essay (50%); exam (50%)

-20 credit unit (HSTM20982) - essay (25%), exam (25%), project (50%)

Feedback

Students may ask questions at any time during lectures and seminars. Teaching staff can usually answer specific queries by email or during office hours, and will provide contact details in the course handbook or at lectures. All submitted coursework will be returned with annotations and an assessment sheet explaining the mark awarded.

Prerequisites

A-Level Mathematics is required.