The History of Mathematics
Topics include a chronological study of the development of number from a European and Eastern perspective; the development of other branches of mathematics, including the calculus, from 1500 AD; the linking of mathematics with philosophy, science and politics in its development; pedagogic aspects of the history of mathematics.
The lecturer in 1996 was Ross A. Frick M.Sc., of the School of Mathematics at the University of South Australia. The subject was conducted as a series of presentations by the participating students on topics from the history of mathematics, highlighting personalities, periods, and achievements. These presentations were interspersed with lectures outlining the underlying social and historical events, and the place that particular discoveries held in the progress of human knowledge. Students were encouraged to develop their ideas either in an essay, or in a web page, or both, with larger topics to be undertaken by groups of two students. Assessment was based on the presentations, the web page or essay, and a prepared-answer examination. The web pages shown in the menu are some of their efforts. Of particular interest, perhaps, are those which looked at the Eastern influence on Western mathematics, and on the influence of women in the development of mathematics. The almost unanimous assessment by the class was that this subject was an exciting experience for those who like mathematics.
This Graduate Certificate has been conducted jointly by the three universities in South
Australia: The University of Adel;aide, Flinders University of South Australia, and The
University of South Australia. It has provided an opportunity for teachers of mathematics
in secondary schools to enhance their knowledge and skills in mathematics and related
fields. An important part is 03921 Mathematics Certificate Project G, which has given rise
in 1997 to an interesting web page.
The History of Mathematics Homepage was compiled by Paul Dickson with the contributions of the 1996 class.
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