MA110: The Mathematics of the Calendar
In this course we will inquire into the history of the calendars used by many different cultures, in many different times and places. In the process we will do some of the mathematical computations necessary to translate from one calendar to another, and to decide which calendars are most accurate, from an astronomical point of view. These computations will mostly involve elementary arithmetic and algebra – there is no mathematical prerequisite for this course. Our goal is to see the way these mathematical calculations will enable us to better understand a human institution of such practical and even spiritual importance as the calendar.
Instructor: Marlow Anderson, mathematics department. My office is TSC206A, my office phone is 389-6543, and my e-mail is manderson@coloradocollege.edu.
Classroom and class time: We will meet each morning in TSC 101 at 9:30 a.m. each morning. We may occasionally have a problem or review session in the afternoon.
Texts: Regrettably, the textbook of choice for this course (Mapping Time: The Calendar and its History, by E. G. Richards) is out of print. We will thus have to rely on extracts from a number of sources, and also make use of numerous handouts prepared for myself. You will find some of these handouts on this website. Notice that in a course with no text, it is even more imperative than usual that you attend class every day!
Homework: Most days you will have a modest math homework problem set to hand in. On some days, a brief one-paragraph summary essay will replace math homework (depending on the material we cover). Homework assigned for one day will be due by the next class day afternoon at 4 p.m. You may feel free to submit homework by e-mail at manderson@coloradocollege.edu. Homework will count for 20% of your grade.
Midterm and Final: There will be a midterm exam and a final exam, giving you the opportunity to show me how much you’ve learned about calendars. The midterm will take place on the second Friday of the block (Leap Day); the final will take place on the last day of the block (March 12th). These exams will have first emphasis on the mathematics we’ve learned, but will also include some short-answer and essay questions. Each of these exams will count for 25% of your grade.
Paper: You will be writing an 5-6 page paper on some aspect of the calendar; in addition to the written paper you submit to me, you will also give a 15-20 minute oral presentation to class on your paper. There are many possible topics! You might report on a calendar used by a culture not discussed in class, or research the details of some important historical development. Some good topics have a more cultural slant, and some are more mathematical. We’ll discuss the details of this assignment more in the second week; I’ll hand out a list of potential topics, but you should already be thinking about a potential topic. The final version of your paper is due on the 4th Monday of the block (March 10th). The oral presentations will take place on Monday and Tuesday of that week. You should not just read your paper to your classmates; using PowerPoint or other visual aids would be great. Part of your responsibility in this assignment is to attend and listen to the presentations of your colleagues! The paper/presentation will count for 20% of your grade.
Class Attendance: Because so much of the mathematical content will be discussed in class, class attendance is mandatory! (Of course, attending class is a good rule for all Colorado College courses.) In addition, your participation in discussions and activities during class is important – I will assign you a participation grade, counting for 10% of your grade. I am happy to accommodate unavoidable conflicts, such as personal illness, family problems or athletic trips – please let me know in advance if possible, or as early as you can. General policy: one unexcused absence – everybody sleeps in now and then. Two unexcused absences – one letter grade reduction in grade. Three unexcused absences – no credit in the course.
Here is our course schedule: Watch the website as this schedule grows and is modified, depending on how we’re doing.
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