MATH 380,
Mathematics History
Spring 2010
The class meets on
Thursday from 4:30-7:10 p.m.
Instructor: Stuart Anderson, 903-886-5157
Text: The History of
Mathematics: an introduction, by David Burton, 6th Edition.
Course Description: A
survey of the history of mathematics.
Attention will be given to the origin, development and importance of
mathematical ideas.
Goals: This course is
designed for prospective teachers of 4-8 mathematics. In traditional mathematics courses, one
usually learns fully developed mathematical ideas. In studying the history of mathematics,
one goal is to understand the way mathematical ideas developed. This different approach often yields
insights into how the subject can be taught. Additionally, putting any subject in a
historical setting tends to make it more interesting.
Another goal is to develop an appreciation for the importance of mathematics
in the school curriculum. When one
examines historical examples of great ideas, it becomes clear that many ideas
require an awareness of mathematics.
Likewise, the implementation of these ideas requires some sophistication
in mathematics. Thus, it is good
for any civilization to have a citizenry proficient in mathematics.
Method of Evaluation:
Tests: There will be three tests. Be careful to invest ample time
daily in the course so that you will be prepared for each exam. Tests will
count approximately 60% of your final grade.
Homework: Homework will be assigned almost every day. Always try to
solve all assigned problems. You can expect the tests to contain problems
similar to those assigned as homework. Although it is difficult to collect and
return homework papers in a distance education class, you should be very
conscientious in completing all homework assignments during the week they are
given. Also, a quiz may be given
some periods covering the reading assignment or homework for that day. The
homework and quizzes may count a small portion of your final grade.
Final: The final exam will be given on Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 4:30
p.m. The final exam will count at least 30% of your final grade.
Make-up work: No late tests will be given. If you miss a test, the
final will be used to replace that score. No late homework will be graded and
daily quizzes will not be repeated if missed. However, one of the quiz grades
will be dropped to cover an unavoidable absence.
Grading Scale:
A: 90-100
B: 80-89
C: 70-79
D: 60-69
F: Below 60
Dropping
the Course: It is my hope that no one will want to drop this course. Please
keep in mind that the total number of courses dropped for academic reasons
during undergraduate studies is limited to six. The last day to drop the course is
Friday, March 26, 2010.
Office
Hours: My office is Binnion-305. If you need to see me, do not hesitate to
schedule an appointment. If you are having difficulty in the course, please
seek help early. I am often in my
office, but also have to attend many meetings. Because of the variability of my
schedule it would be good if you called to schedule an appointment. However, I would be glad to help you any
time I am available. If you are
unable to be on campus, as is often the case in distance education classes,
please take advantage of telephone or e-mail communication if you have
questions.
Attendance:
It is expected that you will be regular and punctual in attendance. Attendance
will be noted daily.
All
students enrolled at the University shall follow the tenets of common decency
and acceptable behavior conducive to a positive learning environment. (See Student’s Guide Handbook,
Policies and Procedures, Conduct)
Please make certain that any cell phone in your possession never rings
in class and is never used during class; do not leave class early unless prior
arrangements have been made with the instructor; do not excuse yourself from
class and then return.
Students
with Disabilities: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal
anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection
for persons with disabilities.
Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with
disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable
accommodation of their disabilities.
If you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact:
Office
of Student Disability Resources and Services
Texas
A&M University-Commerce
Halladay
Student Services
Building
Room
303 A/D
Phone
(903) 886-5150 or (903) 886-5835
Fax
(903) 468-8148
StudentDisabilityServices@tamu-commerce.edu
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Document last modified
January 21, 2010.