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Welcome to MAT 336 MAT 336 is a document-based history of mathematics. It moves chronologically from Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia to the start of the 20th century. In each historical period we will work with documents from that period, in as original a form as we can handle. We will attempt to replicate the original mathematics in each case (doing calculations, for instance, with the tools available in that period); at the same time we will examine that mathematics in the light of present-day science, and with an eye to the lessons it can teach us about how humans do mathematics, and how they learn mathematics. The prerequisites for the course are MAT 200 or AMS 310. Substantial mathematical experience at the college level, in particular, understanding of proofs, is crucial to moving well through this course. Assignments include two term papers and an in-class presentation based on the first paper. The term papers will involve critical reading of secondary sources, with explicit reference to the primary. More details and suggestions are available at this page. For more information, see the course info page. Important deadlines:
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