MAT 145 - Introduction to the History of Mathematics

The goal of this course is to provide students interested in teaching middle- or high-school level mathematics, or others simply interested in the topic, the necessary understanding of the historical foundation of mathematics. The course will explore the origins of mathematics from anthropological and sociological viewpoints. It will then use this as a base for exploring the cultural development of basic numbering, arithmetic, basic statistics (mean, median, mode, etc.), simple probability, basic geometry, measurement (area, volume, etc.), patterns, including symmetry and basic networks, mathematical reasoning, and using mathematics to communicate. The development of these areas, all of which are contained in the Maine State Learning Results for middle and secondary grades, will be explored from various cultural perspectives including a selection from prehistoric, Native American, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Ancient Greek, Roman, Hindu, Islamic, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and European cultures. The course is designed to be a survey course that will allow for such a broad view of the development of mathematics.

Core Curriculum/Core Requirements: Quantitative Literacy

Prerequisites: MAT 103 or MAT 111 or demonstrated proficiency in pre-college mathematics (>= 500 on SAT MATH exam, >= 530 on SAT MSS exam, >= 21 on ACT Math exam or >= 61 on the Aleks Math Placement Exam).

Course Typically Offered: Spring - Alternate Years

Credits: 3