A History of Mathematics for Teachers

This course highlights the history of mathematics with special focus on the occurrence and use of different number systems, mathematical symbols and arithmetical operations throughout history. Specific examples from different historical periods and cultures, such as ancient African, Sumerian, Babylonian, Egyptian, Mayan and ancient Chinese, are given. A range of mathematical problems and tasks along with their historical methods of solution are tested and discussed. Similarities and differences between ancient and modern mathematical methods are illustrated and analyzed. Mathematicians of historical significance are presented along with an analysis of the mathematics they worked with and the importance of their contributions to the continued development of mathematics. Included in the course is an in-depth study of the development throughout history of one specific mathematical concept or field of knowledge. The course also includes a comparison of the role of the history of mathematics in the curriculum and governing documents of school systems in both Sweden and other countries. How teachers in these different school systems can include and utilize the history of mathematics in the planning, execution and analysis of teaching is also addressed.