Detailed Schedule -- Mathematical Thinking

MONT 106Q -- Fall 2016, Prof. Little

This is a tentative, evolving schedule. Topics will be "fleshed out" in greater detail as we proceed. If necessary, some topics may also be added, deleted, or rearranged during the course of the semester. Any major changes will be announced in class and here. Note: In the readings below, [Asc] = Ascher, Ethnomathematics , [Jos] = Joseph, The Crest of the Peacock, [Had] = Haddon, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, [Her] = Herodotus, The Landmark Herodotus, The Histories, [Sha] = Shakespeare, Othello, [Abb] = Abbott, The Annotated Flatland.

Date Class Topic Readings/Assignments
8/31 Course Introduction Prepare a 1 page reflection paper to read aloud to the class -- Topic: A time you have either crossed a border or chosen not to do so -- and why the experience was meaningful to you.
9/2 Introducing ourselves Reflection papers and discussion
9/5 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time [Had] -- please read the whole text prior to this day
9/7 The CIDN -- understanding difference in people [Had]
9/9 The CIDN -- the role of mathematics in Christopher's life [Had] Essay 1 due
9/12 ``Protomathematics'' -- number systems and representations [Asc], Chpater 1 (pp. 5 - 29)
9/14 More on prehistory of mathematics [Jos], Chapter 2 (pp. 30 - 78)
9/16 Finish Joseph, Chapter 2 [Jos], Chapter 2 -- Problem Set 1 due
9/19 Egyptian mathematics -- the number system [Jos], Chapter 3 (pp. 79 - 124).
9/21 Egyptian mathematics -- multiplication and division [Jos], Chapter 3
9/23 Egyptian mathematics -- unit fractions [Jos], Chapter 3 -- Problem Set 2 due
9/26 Begin Herodotus -- his account of Egypt [Her], Book 2, 2.1 to 2.97 (pp. 117 - 158)
9/28 Herodotus -- Xerxes' invasion of Greece [Her], Book 7, 7.1 to 7.152 (pp. 493 - 560)
9/30 Herodotus -- the battle of Thermopylae [Her], Book 7, 7.172 to 7.239 (pp. 569 - 598)
10/3 The logic (and mathematics) of kinship relations [Asc], Chapter 3 (pp. 67 - 83)
10/5 Kinship relations, continued [Asc], Chapter 3
10/7 Another kinship system [Asc], Chapter 3 -- Essay 2 due
10/10,12,14 Fall Break -- no class
10/17 Shakespeare's Othello [Sha] -- please read the whole text of the play prior to this day
10/19 Shakespeare's Othello [Sha]
10/21 Shakespeare's Othello, concluded [Sha]
10/24 Midterm Exam Consult review sheet to be distributed for topics covered
10/26 Tracing graphs in the sand [Asc], Chapter 2 (pp. 31 - 65)
10/28 Graphs -- questions to ask [Asc], Chapter 2
10/31 The information contained in a graph [Asc], Chapter 2 -- Essay 3 due
11/2 Conclusion of unit on graphs [Asc], Chapter 2
11/4 Symmetric strip decorations -- examples [Asc], Chapter 6 (pp. 155 - 183) -- Problem Set 3 due
11/7 Understanding the possible types [Asc], Chapter 6
11/9 Symmetry transformations and the symmetry group of a strip decoration [Asc], Chapter 6
11/11 Conclude discussion of strip decorations [Asc], Chapter 6 -- Problem set 4 due
11/14 Chance and strategy in games and puzzles [Asc], Chapter 4 (pp. 85 - 121)
11/16 Chance and strategy [Asc], Chapter 4
11/18 Chance and strategy -- the game of mancala [Asc], Chapter 4 -- Problem Set 5 due
11/21 Conclude chance and strategy in games [Asc], Chapter 4
11/23,25 Thanksgiving Break -- no class
11/28 Flatland [Abb] -- please read the whole text prior to this day
11/30 Flatland, continued [Abb]
12/2 Finish Flatland [Abb] -- Essay 4 due
12/5 Ethnomathematics [Asc], Chapter 7 (pp. 185-199)
12/7 Do we need to rewrite the history of mathematics? [Jos], Chapter 1 (pp. 1 - 29)
12/9 Wrapping up this semester's mathematical journey
The Final Exam for this course will be given at the scheduled time for MWF 9am courses and in a place to be determined.

Last modified: July 20, 2016