I'm teaching a history of mathematics class for master students in an integrated teacher training program. They have calculus and linear algebra plus a "proof" course and a geometry course, but most of them don't have analysis. I want to cover topics that are "related" to school mathematics. It doesn't have to be things they will use when teaching, but things that will give them a better understanding to things they will be teaching. I've tried both Katz and Stilwell. Both are excellent books, but not quite right for my audience and my class. I liked Stillwell because it was more mathematical, but I would have liked to have seen more applied mathematics, too. I'm thinking about trying Mathematics in Civilization by Resnikoff and Wells or Journey through Genius by Dunham. Has anybody tried them? Or any other suggestions for similar books?
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$\begingroup$ Previously asked at Mathematics Stack Exchange (now on hold), where I suggested that it be posted here. $\endgroup$– JRNMar 20, 2017 at 8:31
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1$\begingroup$ Just so you know, there is also a History of Science and Mathematics Stack Exchange, but I think your question is more appropriate here. $\endgroup$– JRNMar 20, 2017 at 8:34
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1$\begingroup$ I have seen interesting posts about the teaching of history of math in all three groups. I will follow your suggestion and do a link next time. Thanks! $\endgroup$– Helmer.AslaksenMar 20, 2017 at 10:51
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$\begingroup$ At our university we have a 1-credit hour class that math ed students take for a certification requirement. For that class I have used Journey through Genius successfully. It worked out nicely for a 1 lecture a week class, though I had to create my own homework problems. I don't think that it would be good as anything other than supplemental reading for a 3 credit hour class. $\endgroup$– John ColemanMar 20, 2017 at 13:30
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$\begingroup$ @JohnColeman Great comments, that is exactly the situation I could imagine it used as a solo text for. $\endgroup$– kcrismanMar 20, 2017 at 13:31
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There are a number of good options for such a class, but it depends wildly on what your objectives are. I have only used Journey Through Genius in an actual class setting, so I have a few relevant comments.
Advantages:
- Very readable
- Many interesting personality anecdotes
- Often connects to less well-known characters
- Low prerequisites
- Useful material not often covered in "normal" curriculum outside a math history course
- Fun results
- Could easily use other Dunham books to supplement without jarring stylistic changes
- Very reasonable price and easy to obtain used copies
Disadvantages:
- Couldn't possibly be a solo text, needs considerable supplement in terms of time periods and coverage even if you have a "short course"
- Low prerequisites mean anything beyond infinite series (including calculus) can't be covered properly with just this
- Definitely not a textbook, so some fairly noticeable gaps if you were to intend it used in this way (e.g. very heavy on Greek math and number theory)
- You'll have to think of your own homework and/or quiz material
The way I've used it is as a cheap primary text with lots of stuff interesting to students who otherwise might see a math history class as a very tedious hoop to jump through, and then I supplement considerably with material from "missing" sections and more advanced results. I've found many MAA journals and the Notices of the AMS often have good material along those lines, and the MacTutor history site is great even if the interface is a bit dated.
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$\begingroup$ By the way, I really hope other people answer this, because I am not anywhere near as experienced teaching math history as many, many others! Just one person's experience. $\endgroup$– kcrismanMar 21, 2017 at 1:50
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$\begingroup$ Thanks! I am not worried about gaps. I'm not trying to do a complete overview of the history of mathematics, but just a highlights course. But I would like to have more calculus and more applications. That was why I was thinking about supplementing with Resnikoff and Wells. $\endgroup$ Mar 22, 2017 at 8:33
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$\begingroup$ Yeah, I'm not familiar with that one. Mathematical Masterpieces and Mathematical Expeditions by Laubenbacher and Pengelley (esp. the latter) might help you fill in on that. Sherman Stein has a great book on Archimedes. Etc., etc., if you have time to supplement. $\endgroup$– kcrismanMar 22, 2017 at 18:45
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$\begingroup$ Thanks! Yes, those books are great, but I have a feeling that they will cover a bit too much. I'm hoping for something between them and Dunham. $\endgroup$ Mar 23, 2017 at 7:16
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$\begingroup$ Oh, what I meant was to just pick a couple subsections from those as resources. Yes, you could teach two+ courses from those books if necessary. $\endgroup$– kcrismanMar 23, 2017 at 14:21