In this course we seek to understand how the ancient Greeks thought about mathematics by focusing on three activities: finding solutions and proofs for simple numerical problems, drawing geometrical constructions using compasses and straightedge, and reading brief historical abstracts by and about early Greek mathematicians. Students also learn the Greek alphabet to enable them to read a few common mathematical terms. Graduate-credit students prepare a series of lesson plans showing how a section of the course material could be taught in high schools. Prerequisite: high school algebra or MATH E-8.
(4 credits)
Spring term (23689)
Graeme D. Bird, PhD, Lecturer in Extension, Harvard University.
Wednesdays beginning Jan. 30, 7:40-9:40 pm. Optional sections to be arranged.
