COURSE SYLLABUS

Instructor- Paul Brock

E-mail- pwbrock@sciences.sdsu.edu

Office- GMCS 510

Office phone- 594-6835

Office Hours- 1515 to 1600 MW

Text- The Historical Roots of Elementary Mathematics , Lucas N. H. Bunt

Website: http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/~pwbrock/math303.htm

Topics- Math 303 is a mathematics course which introduces some elementary but significant ideas in the history of arithmetic and geometry. Students in Math 303 are responsible for learning and performing the actual mathematical techniques developed by ancient cultures. We will cover the material in Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 with some omissions. The major topics are:

§ Egyptian Numeration, Arithmetic and Geometry

§ Babylonian Numeration, Arithmetic and Geometry

§ Early Greek Mathematics

§ Ruler and Compass Constructions

§ Numeration and Arithmetic after The Greeks

Grading:

Midterm I-------------100pts (Wednesday, February 15^th)

Midterm II------------100pts (Wednesday, March 21^st)

Midterm III-----------100pts (Wednesday, May 2^nd)

Final---------------100pts (Monday, May 14 ^th, 1300– 1500)

The homework assignments are updated Wednesday and/or Monday evenings on the course website (see above). At this time, the homework assignments are not handed in or graded, but this policy may change in future. The solutions to almost all problems can be found in the textbook. All homework assignments given prior to Exam 1 should be completed by Wednesday, February 15^th. Similarly for Exams 2 and 3. The exams cover the content of the homework assignments and the lecture material. Each student is required to take the Final Exam. If a student’s Final Exam score is higher then her lowest Midterm score, then the lowest Midterm score will be erased and replaced by the Final Exam score. The course grade will be based on 400 possible points. Percentage ranges for the grades will be established as the course progresses. Thoughtfully working all assigned homework is essential for passing the exams.