MATH 452/552:
History of Women in Mathematics
Spring 2005

Instructor: KARIN REINHOLD
Tues-Thr
Office Hrs: Mon-Wed 10 or by appointment or by e-mail

TEXTS: a list of readings.

Course Description:

This course is not the standard verion of Math 452/552 History of Mathematics. This semester, I will focus on the history of women in mathematics, from Hypathia of Alexandria to modern times, together with the study of social conditioning, education of women and gender issues.

The format of the class will be a seminar. As such, attendance is required and students are expected to contribute to in-class discussions. You may be call on to sumarized readings.

Students will research the biographies and works of selected women and/or social problems/issues pertaining the education of women, write a report on them and present it to the class.

Course Objectives

  1. Learn about women mathematicians, their lives, works, strugles and their times.
  2. Research equity issues in education of women
  3. Summarize and critically evaluate sources and materials in class discussions.
  4. Develop writing abilities, including (1) summarizing information from several sources on a particular woman's life and work, (2) selecting a reasonable mathematical aspect to carefully research and write up.
  5. Develop communication skills by presenting the student findings to the class.

Grades

There will be at least 3 papers and presentations during the course of the semester. The final grade will be based on the writings and presentations.
  • Paper 1 20%
  • Paper 2 20%
  • Paper 3 20%
  • In class participation and presentations: 40\%

    • Policies

    Attendance and participation are expected and required. Please try to be punctual in attending, as I try to start each class on time.

    You are responsible for all material covered and all announcements and assignments made at each class, whether you are present or not. You are also responsible for announcements made on the web page, so check it often.

    When writing up work, be sure to give acknowledgment where it is due. Submitting someone else's work as your own (PLAGIARISM) is a serious violation of the University's Academic Integrity Code.