MA320 History of Mathematics Fall 2008

Dr. James Rauff, Professor of Mathematics

Shilling Hall 203J

Office Phone: 424-6249

Office Hours:

Textbook:   Math Through the Ages: A Gentle History for Teachers and Others. Expanded Edition by Berlinghoff/ Gouvea (Oxton House Publishers, 2004) 0-88385-736-7

Catalogue Description:   A study of major developments in the history of mathematics and in the mathematical contributions of non-Western cultures. The interplay between mathematics and culture is emphasized. Prerequisite: Mathematics 140.

Assessment:    Your grade will be based upon written assignments, class participation, and short quizzes. Written assignments, quizzes and class participation have varying point value.  Attendance is required and worth 5 points per class period. Your grade will be computed as a percentage of total possible points earned. A: 90 -100%, B+: 86-89%, B: 80-85%, C+: 76-79%, C: 70-75%, D+: 66-69%, D: 60-66%, F: below 60%.

Assignments are due at the start of class on their due date. If an assignment is turned in late it receives and automatic 50% deduction (No foolin' ... no exceptions). All essays and expository answers must be typed, double-spaced. Mathematical notations may be handwritten. Assignments will be graded on mathematical accuracy, quality of exposition, grammar and spelling.

Schedule of Assignments

Last Updated on August 7, 2008

Learning Goals - This course addresses the following goals for applied mathematics and mathematics - secondary teaching majors.

Applied Mathematics Goal 2: The applied mathematics major will be able to express and interpret mathematical relationships from numerical, graphical and symbolic points of view.

Applied Mathematics Goal 3: The applied mathematics major will be able to read and construct mathematical proofs in analysis and algebra.

Mathematics- Secondary Teaching Goal 1: A mathematics education major will be able to pass the Illinois high school mathematics certification exam. Specifically, this course addresses the following content distribution areas for mathematics of the Illinois State Board of Education: 1A, 1C, 4C, 4E, 8C3, 9E6.

Mathematics- Secondary Teaching Goal 2: A mathematics education major will know in broad terms the history of calculus, algebra, and probability.

NCTM Standards (2003): 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1-2.4, 3.1,3.2, 4.1-4.3, 9.7, 9.10, 10.6, 11.1, 11.2, 11.5, 11.8, 12.5, 13.4, 14.8, and 15.4

Academic Honesty Policy
All students are expected to uphold professional standards for academic honesty and integrity in their research, writing, and related performances. Academic honesty is the standard we expect from all students. Read the Student Handbook for further details about offenses involving academic integrity at: http://www.millikin.edu/handbook/judicial_system.asp. Staley Library also hosts a web site on Preventing Plagiarism, which includes the complete university policy. It is located at: http://www.millikin.edu/staley/research/prevent_plagiarism.asp. Visit and carefully read the Preventing Plagiarism web site.

The Faculty has the right and the responsibility to hold students to high ethical standards in conduct and in works performed, as befits a scholar at the university. Faculty members have the responsibility to investigate all suspected breaches of academic integrity that arise in their courses. They will make the determination as to whether the student violated the Academic Integrity Policy. Should the faculty member determine that the violation was intentional and egregious, he or she will decide the consequences, taking into account the severity and circumstances surrounding the violation, and will inform the student in writing, forwarding a copy of the letter to the Registrar and to the Dean of Student Development.

This letter will be destroyed when the student graduates from the University unless a second breach of integrity occurs, or unless the first instance is of sufficient magnitude to result in failure of the course, with an attendant XF grade recorded in the transcript. If an XF is assigned for the course, the faculty letter of explanation becomes a permanent part of the student’s record. If a second violation occurs subsequent to the first breach of integrity, the Dean of Student Development will begin disciplinary and judicial processes of the University, as outlined in the Student Handbook.

If a student receives an XF for a course due to academic dishonesty, this remains as a permanent grade and cannot be removed from the transcript. However, students may repeat the course for credit toward graduation. Some programs and majors have more explicit ethical standards, which supersede this Policy, and violation of which may result in dismissal from some programs or majors within the University. If you have difficulty with any assignment in this course, please see me rather than consider academic dishonesty.

Disability Accommodation Policy

Please address any special needs or special accommodations with me at the beginning of the semester or as soon as you become aware of your needs. If you are seeking classroom accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you should submit your documentation to the Office of Academic Development at Millikin University, currently located in Staley Library 014.

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