READINGS IN MATH

                                                                   MA 240

 

 

Catalogue Description

 

            This course investigates and expands upon topics in the undergraduate curriculum by examining the literature in current mathematical periodicals and journals as well as utilizing appropriate technology such as graphing calculators and computer software.  An introduction to research and mathematical presentations, oral and written, is required of students.  Classes consist of open discussions of topics from past and contemporary mathematics. 

 

Prerequisite: MATH 191 Calculus II or equivalent.   3 credits. 

                                                           

Goals

 

            A.   To familiarize students with mathematical, and mathematical related, periodicals, journals, and other works.

            B.   To provide the students with a knowledge of research techniques.

            C.   To extend the students knowledge in selected areas of mathematics.

 

Procedures

 

            A.   Lecture/Discussion

            B.   Small Group Projects and Study

            C.   Library Research Project

 

Course Content

 

            A.   Course content will vary, dependent upon the needs of the students enrolled.  Some student need will be determined by tentative cooperative education placements.

 

            B.   Introduction to Mathematical Publications

                        1.   Magazines and Periodicals

                        2.   Newsletters

                        3.   Professional Organizations

                        4.   Computer Resources

 

            C.   Use of the Library and Research

                        1.   How to do a Computer Search of the Literature

                        2.   Research Project Formats

                        3.   Simple Research Techniques

 

            Evaluation Methods

 

            A.   Examinations

            B.   Problem Assignments

            C.   Class Participation

            D. Research Paper

 

                       

Bibliography

 

Required Text:       Computers and Mathematics with Applications, Pergamon Press, New York

 

                                 Mathematics and Computer Education.

 

                                 Garden City, N.Y. : Mathematics Association of Two-Year Colleges Journal, Inc.

 

                                 Mathematics Magazine: 50 year index/editors J. Arthur Seebach, Lynn Arthur Steen; with a brief history of Mathematics Magazine by Edwin F.                                                                    Beckenbach.  Washington, D.C. : The Mathematical Association of America.

 

                                 The Mathematics Teacher.  [Reston, Va., etc.] National Council of Teachers.

 

                                 The MATYC Journal. [Garden City, N.Y., Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges Journal, Inc.]

 

                                 The Mathematical Monthly. [Cambridge Mass., J. Bartlett, etc.]

 

                                 The College Mathematics Journal. Washington, D.C. : The Mathematical Association of America.

 

                                 Journal for Research in Mathematics Education. [Reston, Va. :National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.]

 

                                 The Problems of Mathematics/Ian Stewart. [Oxford/Oxfordshire; Oxford University Press, 1987.]

 

                                 Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences/John Allen Paulos.  EDITION: 1st Ed. New York : Hill and Wang, 1988.

 

                                 Chaos: Making a New Science/ James Gleick/ New York, N.Y., : Penguin Press, 1988.

 

                                 The Mathematical Traveler : Exploring the Grand History of Numbers/ Calvin C. Clawson/ New York, N.Y./ Plenum Press, c.1994.