Spring 2026 - MATH 380W D100
History of Mathematics (3)
Class Number: 5339
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Brenda Davison
bdavison@sfu.ca
1 778 782-6991
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Prerequisites:
Six units of mathematics at the 300-division or higher, or permission of the instructor. Students are strongly advised to have completed both MATH 242 and MATH 251 or equivalent.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Topics in the history of mathematics from ancient times to the present. Writing/Quantitative.
COURSE DETAILS:
Course description:
MATH 380 is a course that looks at the way in which mathematical thought has developed from simple considerations about counting and measurement to complex pure mathematical theorems and powerful applied mathematics. We will also look at activities of some well-known figures. In the last half of the course more emphasis will be placed on the relationship between mathematics and society in general, noting its important place in the educational system since around 1800. Writing will be used as a tool for learning and developing understanding of the subject matter and one of the aims of the course is that every student improve their current written communications skills.
Grading
- Assignments (consisting of a short, term paper for 15% and 25% for weekly assignments) 40%
- Midterm 20%
- Final Exam 40%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
History of Mathematics
4E
Victor J. Katz
Pearson
A History of Mathematics (180-Days) ISBN: 9780136839118
A History of Mathematics (Perpetual) ISBN: 9780136839163
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.