Math 128: History of Mathematics in the Islamic
World, Spring 2024
Instructor: Noah
Aydin
Office/Phone: RBH 319 / 740-427-5674
Office/Student Hours: MWF: 9:10-10am; TR: 9:40-11am and by
appointment.
Here
is my weekly schedule . Look at my schedule and request an appoint
by email if you need to see me outside regular student (office) hours. I'm
usually available during the white slots.
Textbooks: 1. Episodes in Mathematics of Medieval Islam, 2nd ed
(2016), by J. L. Berggren
2. Islamic Science and Making of the European Renaissance,
by G. Saliba
3. First Scientist: Ibn al-Haytham, by B. Steffens
4. The Prisoner of Al-Hakim, by B. Steffens
Room & Time: Hayes 215, MWF 9:10-10 am, Moodle Page for the Course,
Google Drive with Resources
Course Description
This course examines an important and interesting part of the history of
mathematics, and more generally, the intellectual history of human kind:
history of mathematics in the Islamic world. Some of the most fundamental
notions in modern mathematics have their roots in this part of the history
such as the modern number system, the fields of algebra and trigonometry,
the concept of algorithm, foundations of optics, and the scientific
method. These contributions are generally not known, not only in the west
but in the Islamic World either. Moreover, there are commonly held
misconceptions about the subject. In addition to studying specific
contributions of medieval Islamic scholars in the areas of arithmetic,
algebra, geometry and trigonometry in some details, we will also examine
the context in which the Islamic science and mathematics flourished, and
the role of religion this development. We will discuss the reasons behind
the lack of awareness in the subject. We will examine the evidence from
recent research that challenges and refutes many of the commonly held
misconceptions (the Classical Narrative). The rise of Islamic science and
its interactions with other cultures (e.g. Greek, Indian, and
European Renaissance) tells us much about the larger issues of
humanities. Thus, this course has both a substantial mathematical
component (~60-65 %) and a significant history and social science
component (~35-40%), bringing together three disciplines: Mathematics,
History and Religion. It also has a significant Community
Engaged Learning (CEL) component. The culminating event for the course
will be live presentations of finals projects at an Islamic Community
Center in Columbus. It is part of the Islamic Civilization and Cultures
program, and fulfills the QR requirement. No prerequisite is needed beyond
high school algebra and geometry, but a solid
knowledge in algebra and geometry is needed.
Learning Goals and Purpose of Public Presentations
AdviceFrom2018Class AdviceFrom2019Class AdviceFrom2020Class AdviceFrom2021Class
Some Useful Online Resources
Digital Materials From Summer 2020
The MacTutor of History of Mathematics Archive
The MacTutor Islamic Mathematics
Biographies Islamic Mathematicians
Muslim Heritage Web SiteSome Useful Documentaries (freely available online):
Empire of Faith: A PBS documentary Part 2 Science in Islamic Civilization, (3:30-13:25) or Full documentary
Science and Islam a 3-part BBC documentary Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, or Full.
When Moors Ruled in Europe by historian Bettany Hughes
Ladder of the Sky: Iranian TV series on the life of Al-Kashi
Course Calendar, Hmw and Reading Assignments
General Course Information and Syllabus
Teaching Philosophy and Expectations
Information About Final Project