Research and write about one or more person working in mathematics right now.

Plan Your Project

DO NOT USE WIKIPEDIA OR OTHER ENCYCLOPEDIC SOURCES FOR THIS
PAPER! If you
need help finding appropriate sources, let your instructor know.

Project Topics

You will select a project from those listed below. Some are from Math
Through the Ages while others are not. If you do not see a topic which
interests you, you may post a project proposal for my approval.

THE PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT IS FOR YOU TO FOCUS ON THE PRESENT AND
FUTURE OF MATHEMATICS IN LIGHT OF ITS HISTORY.
All projects must place the
mathematics of today in its historical context. Ask 3 questions: Where did we
come from? Where are we now? Where are we going?

OTHER IDEAS — If you pick one of
these topics, you will need to determine a focus for your project. You do not
need to address all of the questions under the topic.

1.
Research and write about one or more person
working in mathematics right now. In what branch(es) of mathematics are they
working? What problems interest them? What contributions have they made? If the
person is a woman, are there still barriers to women who wish to enter the
field of mathematics? What groups exist to foster women in mathematics? Be sure
to include some historical context.
These
topics will provide the basic direction of your research and writing. However,
you should also respond to additional issues listed under “What should
your paper include?”

What should your paper include?
·
A thesis statement, that is, is a claim/opinion
that can be supported by an argument.
The body of the paper should support your thesis statement.
·
A factual response to the question(s) asked above
·
Critical thinking, supported by facts and
reasons, about the implications for mathematics in the 21st century
·
Some discussion of how current developments (in
the area you researched) reflect and relate to previous eras in math history
·
Reflections on what your research says about the
core controversies in the 21st century
·
Discuss the historical and/or cultural context of
your topic, that is, events, beliefs and values that influenced the
ideas/people in your research.
·
At least 10 strong reference sources.
·
Text citations for all quotes, facts, or ideas
that are not your own, properly formatted
·
A bibliography or list of sources, properly
formatted
If you are not sure what is required, please ask.

What should you do?
·
Find
at least 6 reliable, high quality sources of information and research the
questions above and the items under “What should your paper include?”
Please do not use Wikipedia or other encyclopedic references.
·
Check your facts and attributions (provide
sources!). Citations and bibliography should follow a standard academic format.
·
Proofread your paper and spell check your paper
carefully.
·
Save the paper with your name in the filename
(e.g. JSmith_M8.rtf).
·
Submit your final paper in the discussion area,
“Mathematics 2007 and Counting… .”
Links are provided below if you need help with any of this.

How will your paper be evaluated?
·
Your paper will be evaluated on the following
characteristics:
·
Clear statement of a thesis.
·
Use of critical thinking – i.e. do you look at
ideas and events analytically & critically, instead of just reporting what
you read?
·
Accuracy of factual content
·
Understanding of mathematical ideas that are
discussed.
·
Defense of your thesis – i.e. use of evidence to
make your point.
·
Quality of sources with appropriate attribution
through text notes and a well-formatted source list.

Last Completed Projects