Spring 2010
Math 191: Cross-cultural history of mathematics
Instructors: Robin Hartshorne and David Mumford
Lectures: MW 2:00-3:30 PM, Room 740 Evans
Prerequisites: mastery of high school mathematics
Required Text: V. J. Katz, The mathematics of Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, India, and Islam, Princeton Univ. Press, 2007
Recommended Reading: Euclid, The Elements; Archimedes, works (both edited by T. L. Heath, Dover); Jacques Sesiano, An Introduction to the History of Algebra, AMS, 2009
Syllabus: We will study primary sources in the mathematics of Babylon, India, Greece, China, Islam and European Renaissance, with special attention to topics that flow through several of these cultures, such as the Pythagorean theorem, development of algebra, and the origins of integration in calculations of areas and volumes. Students will give oral presentations and write a term paper. Students with reading knowledge of Sanskrit, Arabic, Greek or Chinese are encouraged to enroll!
Grading: based on class participation, oral reports and term papers. The class will be 4 units, with letter grade.
Homework: Homework will be assigned readings and occasional problem sets
Comments: Admission by permission of the instructors: come to first meeting of class.
If you need a disability-related accommodation, please contact the OHST office, 642-4581.
