Math Department (Thesis/2008-09)

Mathematical Translation and Historical Interpretation of Original Sources

Under the direction of: Kim Plofker

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The topics in this set have a math-historical focus. History of mathematics is still a very under-studied field, and even a one-semester undergraduate thesis can potentially uncover new and interesting results that researchers and teachers in the field would be eager to know. Students interested in these topics are encouraged to consider planning and structuring their theses for publication, with the assistance of the instructor.

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Beyond the familiar world of modern textbooks is the immense matrix of original sources in mathematics---the works that great mathematicians (and some not so great) actually wrote to explain their new ideas to their students and contemporaries, the works on which all history of mathematics depends. In this topic, students with at least intermediate-level competence in a language other than English will read an original source text in mathematics and learn how to translate and interpret it for a modern mathematical audience. (Latin and French are generally the most popular language choices, but students wishing to arrange a project in another classical or modern language instead are encouraged to consult the instructor.)

Math Department web pages Created: 25 Apr 2007 Last modified: 24 Apr 2008 15:24:12 Comments to: math@union.edu

Thesis Topics - K. Plofker Thesis Topics for 2008-2009 Thesis Topics - K. Plofker