Abstract

Research in mathematics impacted the undergraduate mathematics curriculum between 1930 and 1950. Though the scholarship on American higher educational history is vast, mathematics as a subject has largely been ignored by historians. Furthermore, those works that discuss changes in mathematics curricula do not engage research happening in high-level mathematics. A study of mathematics curricula reveals that higher educational institutions shifted their approach to undergraduate mathematics due to developments in research, major pedagogical movements, and external historical events. This IS draws on archives of course catalogues from two higher education institutions as well as articles written by mathematicians and mathematics educators in the early twentieth century. This project strives to bring studies of mathematical research closer to related studies in mathematics curriculum by considering the historical impact of such research on the undergraduate mathematics experience.

Advisor

Pierce, Pamela

Second Advisor

Welsch, Christina

Department

History; Mathematics

Disciplines

Curriculum and Instruction | Other History | United States History

Publication Date

2017

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2017 Marjorie Zeager