SSI2 163

Essay #1

Due:  Thursday, Feb. 13 (in class).

In the past two weeks we have been exploring the mathematics of the Fertile Crescent and of the Nile. 

Pick one of the early cultures we have discussed (and include, if you wish, the cultures of China, India, or Maya), and describe some part of the mathematics of that culture that interests you.  You may consider, for example,

1. Why was mathematics important to that culture?  That is, set the mathematical work in the context of the civilization.
2. Number representation and arithmetic
3. Algebra
4. Geometry

Our textbooks, the St. Andrews History of Mathematics web site, and  Wikipedia are all good starting points, but what I will be looking for is something that goes beyond the lectures in the course and the material in our textbooks.  Please include some printed or peer-reviewed material beyond these four sources.

Some notes:

1. The essay should be about three pages in length (1.5 spacing, 12 pt. font).
2. Consider your audience to be your colleagues in the class. 
3. At some point (probably the Thursday the papers are due), I will ask you to say something to the class about what you found out, and why it is interesting and important.
4. We will start talking about citation and bibliography entries next week.  For now, pick one from our Writer's Reference to adopt.

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