Writing Project (Fall, 2007)

Mathematics 479 (History and Philosophy of Mathematics)

Joseph Malkevitch
Mathematics and Computing Department
York College (CUNY)
Jamaica, New York 11451-0001

email:

malkevitch@york.cuny.edu

web page:

http://york.cuny.edu/~malk/


Write an essay (hand written or typed are both acceptable) of at least 500 words that deals with some aspect of the history of mathematics. This essay can take the form of biographical information about some particular mathematician (women in the class may wish to write about a female mathematician) or about the development of the history of some topic within mathematics. As part of your essay, you should explain in lay person terms some mathematical idea that the person whose biography you are giving developed or if you choose the development of some mathematical topic, explain some of the mathematics involved in that subject.

Due Date:

December 10, 2007 (Monday)


Do not fail to attend class on December 10. I would rather have the essay late rather than have you cut class so that you do not have to hand it in.

If you want, you can hand in a preliminary version of your essay on or before November 30 (Friday). (You can leave your essay in my mail box.)

In this case I will provide you with feedback for preparing the final version which would be due December 10.