Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

History of Mathematics (Face-to-Face)

MATH 3040-01

Course: MATH 3040-01
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: MATH
CRN: 11310

Course Description

An exploration of the historical development of mathematics and mathematical thinking, highlighting contributions by influential mathematicians. Topics include the origins and development of number systems, algebraic notation, algebraic techniques, computational tools, Euclidean geometry, calculus, linear systems, probability, and statistics. The course is intended to provide a historical perspective on the nature of mathematics and its application appropriate for prospective mathematics teachers. (Spring - Even Years) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): MATH 1220 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C Prerequisite Can Be Concurrent? Yes Registration Restriction(s): None

Required Texts

Math through the Ages: A Gentle History for Teachers and Others, Expanded Second Edition by William Berlinghoff and Fernando Gouvea.

Learning Outcomes

This course is designed to develop your understanding of mathematics as a discipline. In this regard, we will investigate the role of mathematics and the development of mathematical ideas in various cultures and time periods. We will also learn about the contributions of important mathematicians. It is hoped that this course will spark your interest in the history of mathematics and its possible uses in teaching mathematics.

Course Requirements

Ten problem sets will be distributed and collected during the semester, and the total score on the problem sets will account for 50% of your grade. Two short papers with associated presentations in class will contribute another 20%. A final essay exam will account for the remaining 30%. A student’s letter grade will be based on the following:

A 93 - 100 A- 90 - 92
B+ 87 - 89 B 83 - 86 B- 80 - 82
C+ 77 - 79 C 73 - 76 C- 70 - 72
D+ 67 - 69 D 63 - 66 D- 60 - 62
F Below 60

Course Outline

Week 1 Incan quipu
Week 2 Egyptian & Greek mathematics
Week 3 Chinese & Indian mathematics
Week 4 Arab & Mayan mathematics
Week 5 European mathematics & calculus
Week 6 Modern trends & representing numbers
Week 7 Paper presentations
Week 8 Negative & complex numbers 
Week 9 Computational tools
Week 10 Logarithms & trigonometry
Week 11 Solving algebraic equations
Week 12 Coordinates & rates of change
Week 13 Calculus & statistics
Week 14 Paper presentations 


Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Problem sets can be submitted any time on the due date, and will only be accepted as scanned pdf’s uploaded into Canvas. A maximum of two problem sets will be accepted late (within two weekdays of the due date) with no penalty. A third late problem set, or problem sets submitted more than two weekdays after the due date, will earn no credit.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is expected and is crucial to understanding the material. However, there is no separate score for attendance. Class notes will be posted on Canvas after each class period, and you can also obtain notes from another student.

Course Fees

$3.75

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.