First Year Experience Program

This course offers a brief overview of the history of mathematics. It gives a general picture of the history of mathematics with a few specific units focused on significant individuals, events, and ideas. Mathematics has a long and rich history, knowledge of this history enhances understanding and appreciation for the subject as well as giving some insight into the cultures and times in which the discoveries were made.

In order for students to understand and appreciate the history of mathematics it is not just enough for students to learn formulas and routines. They must learn and demonstrate knowledge of personalities and cultures that were involved in and which influenced that history. Consequently the course has a broad academic focus beyond mathematics. The assessment of the students is equally broad including testing students? knowledge of history and requiring them to write numerous short and long essays/research papers in order to demonstrate there grasp of the material and gain deeper understanding of a few particular topics.

Critical Thinking

Writing

Information Literacy

Primary Research

Organizational Skills

Technology Skills