The abacus was a relatively early mathematical development.
If you are as passionate about historical events as you are about solving quadratic equations, consider applying to a graduate program in math and history. Whether you are interested in the development of calculus, the use of geometry in ancient Greece, or the advanced mathematics required to create the atomic bomb created by the Manhattan Project, the history of mathematics is a diverse field with many areas of specialization. Several colleges offer Master's degree programs in Math History for students interested in both math and history.
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia offers a graduate program in the History of Mathematics, with course work focusing on the 19th and 20th centuries. Applicants must have a thorough reading knowledge of either French or German, or of another language relevant to their area of concentration. A sample of courses that must be completed includes "The History of Calculus" and "The Development of American Science." The program is highly selective, and prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the head of the program prior to application.
University of Virginia
Department of Mathematics
P. O. Box 400137
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4137
434-924-4919
math.virginia.edu/Faculty/KParshall/gradprogram.htm
University of Chicago
The University of Chicago offers a graduate program in History that allows students to specialize in "Statistics and probability theory from 18th century to the present," as well as aspects of the Scientific Revolution and the development of astronomy from ancient times to the early modern period. The program is organized in part by the university's Morris Fishbein Center for the History of Science and Medicine. First year graduate students must take a language proficiency test to assess their ability to understand a language relevant to their course of study.
The University of Chicago
The Department of History
1126 E. 59th Street
Chicago, IL 60637
773-702-8397
history.uchicago.edu/about/fields/science/
Simon Fraser University
SImon Fraser University's Mathematics Department offers both Master's and Ph.D. level coursework in the History of Mathematics, with faculty members specializing in ancient and medieval mathematics, as well as the development of math since the 17th century. The program teaches the history of math in all world cultures, as well as how those cultures benefited from the development of various mathematical disciplines such as calculus and algebra.
Simon Fraser University
Department of Mathematics
8888 University Drive
Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6 Canada
778-782-3331
math.sfu.ca/research/groups/hmg.shtml
University of Toronto
A Master's program in the History and Philosophy of Mathematics is offered by the Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology at the University of Toronto. This interdisciplinary program includes course work in classes such as "The Intellectual Context of 19th Century Science" and "Philosophy of Probability." By the end of their first year of study, Master's degree candidates must demonstrate a reading knowledge of either French or German, or a proficiency in basic logic.
University of Toronto
School of Graduate Studies
63 St.George Street
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario M5S 2Z9 Canada
416-978-6614
utoronto.ca
Tags: University Toronto, University Virginia, Fraser University, graduate program, program History, University Chicago