COURSE INFO

SCHEDULE

SYLLABUS

HOMEWORK

CLEO LINK

USEFUL LINKS

OFFICE HOURS

Course description: This course will examine the development of some of the most important mathematical ideas in a chronological fashion. We will be concerned with both the personalities and world events throughout time, as well as the details of the mathematics that was developed. See here for a tentative timeline and a day-to-day schedule.

Instructor: Barry Balof

Office: 236 Olin Hall

Location: 246 Olin Hall Time: Monday, Wednesday, and (occasionally) Friday, 2:30-3:50

Textbook: A History of Mathematics, 3rd ed. by Victor Katz

Homework: Homework will be posted here . Homework will be assigned daily and collected weekly. It is recommended that you attempt all problems assigned, not just those that will be collected.

Timeline Project Throughout the semester, we will be using CLEo to build a timeline. You will be responsible for posting to the site roughly every other week (seven times per semester), and for discussing your contributions in class. More details will follow in class.

Final Class Project You will be responsible for researching and presenting on a mathematical figure of your choosing (in consultation with the professor). You and a partner will be responsible for writing a 5-7 page paper that gives both a biography of the individual and a description of his or her contribution to the field. You will also give a 30 minute presentation to the class on your topic.

TURNING IN HOMEWORK LATE (without prior arrangements) WILL RESULT IN A SUBSTANTIAL PENALTY. Your lowest homework score will be dropped.

Exams and Quizzes This class will have one midterm and a cumulative final. Both will be in-class exams. The midterm will be Wednesday, March 10. The final, as set by the registrar, is Tuesday, May 18, at 9 AM.

DO NOT PLAN TO LEAVE CAMPUS BEFORE THE MIDTERM OR THE FINAL. YOU WILL BE PENALIZED (EITHER BY MYSELF OR THE AIRLINES).

Grading: Grades will be assigned on a rougly 90-80-70 scale, with grades weighted as follows.

Homework	25%
Midterm Examination	15 %
Final Examination	25 %
Timeline Contributions	20 %
Final Paper/Presentation	15 %

Academic Honesty: Students are allowed, and in fact, encouraged, to collaborate on homework assignments. However, the work that you turn in must be your own. No copying from any source! Exams will be closed book, closed notes, and closed colleague.

Special Needs: Any student with a disability for whom special accommodations would be helpful is encouraged to discuss this with the professor as soon as possible.