National Taiwan Normal University Course Outline
 Spring , 2026

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I.Course information
Serial No. 2672 Course Level Undergraduate / Master
Course Code MAC9028 Chinese Course Name 數學史（IB）
Course Name History of Mathematics (IB)
Department Department of Mathematics
Two/one semester 1 Req. / Sel. Sel.
Credits 3.0 Lecturing hours Lecture hours: 3
Teach in English Y Teach in National Languages
Prerequisite Course
Comment
Course Description
Day & Class Period/Location Fri. 6-8 Gongguan M211
Curriculum Goals Corresponding to the Departmental Core Goal
1.　To demonstrate the ability to see the mathematical structure behind certain problems or procedures in history College:
　1-6 Possessing the capacities to view elementary mathematics from an advanced viewpoint
Master:
　1-6 Possessing the capacities to view elementary mathematics from an advanced viewpoint
2.　To apply critical thinking skills through the reflexion on the philosophical standpoints of mathematics College:
　3-2 Possessing the abilities to think independently, criticize, and reflect
Master:
　3-2 Possessing the abilities to think independently, criticize, and reflect
3.　To have the ability to present a group project to the class College:
　3-2 Possessing the abilities to think independently, criticize, and reflect
　3-3 Being willing to work collaboratively
Master:
　3-2 Possessing the abilities to think independently, criticize, and reflect
　3-3 Being willing to work collaboratively
4.　To form one’s own ideas and to be able to describe why mathematics is “interesting”, the reasons of which can be internal or external to mathematics such as the influence of cultural reasons College:
　1-6 Possessing the capacities to view elementary mathematics from an advanced viewpoint
　3-2 Possessing the abilities to think independently, criticize, and reflect
　3-5 Having good taste for mathematics
　4-3 Possessing a variety of beliefs regarding mathematics values and mathematics learning
Master:
　1-6 Possessing the capacities to view elementary mathematics from an advanced viewpoint
　3-2 Possessing the abilities to think independently, criticize, and reflect
　3-5 Having good taste for mathematics
　4-3 Possessing a variety of beliefs regarding mathematics values and mathematics learning
5.　To demonstrate one’s beliefs that in different contexts there can be different standards for “good” or “useful” mathematics College:
　1-6 Possessing the capacities to view elementary mathematics from an advanced viewpoint
　3-2 Possessing the abilities to think independently, criticize, and reflect
　4-3 Possessing a variety of beliefs regarding mathematics values and mathematics learning
Master:
　1-6 Possessing the capacities to view elementary mathematics from an advanced viewpoint
　3-2 Possessing the abilities to think independently, criticize, and reflect
　4-3 Possessing a variety of beliefs regarding mathematics values and mathematics learning
6.　To know that mathematics has its cultural elements, and learn to have inter-cultural understanding and respect for others College:
　4-4 Possessing global views from both scientific and humanistic perspectives, and being able to appreciate the values of other knowledge fields
Master:
　4-4 Possessing global views from both scientific and humanistic perspectives, and being able to appreciate the values of other knowledge fields

II. General Syllabus
Instructor(s) Po-Hung Liu/ 劉柏宏
Schedule

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Knowledge Objectives

  1. Describe major developments in mathematics from ancient civilizations to modern times.

  2. Recognize contributions from diverse cultures, including Eastern and Western traditions.

  3. Explain how mathematics developed in response to social, scientific, and cultural needs.

Skills Objectives

  1. Interpret historical mathematical texts and ideas in their cultural contexts.

  2. Compare different mathematical traditions and knowledge systems.

  3. Communicate historical and mathematical ideas clearly in English.

Attitudinal Objectives

  1. Appreciate mathematics as a human and cultural achievement.

  2. Develop critical perspectives on how mathematical knowledge evolves.
Instructional Approach
Methods Notes
Formal lecture 70% of the class time will be conducted through lectures
Group discussion 30% will be devoted to discussions
Grading assessment
Methods Percentage Notes
Assignments 20 % in-class short log
Midterm Exam 30 % a mid-term essay
Final exam 40 % a final project
Class discussion involvement 10 % participation and level of engagement in discussions
Adjustment methods for students
Items Adjustment Methods
Exam methods Written(oral) reports replace exams
Required and Recommended Texts/Readings with References

  • Victor Katz — A History of Mathematics

  • Eleanor Robson & Jacqueline Stedall — The Oxford Handbook of the History of Mathematics

  • Philip Davis & Reuben Hersh — The Mathematical Experience

  • Reuben Hersh — What Is Mathematics, Really?

 

 

 

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