Teaching Discrete Mathematics via Original Historical Sources

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A team of mathematicians and computer scientists is developing curricular materials, based on original historical sources, for beginning to advanced undergraduate courses in discrete mathematics, courses which today draw a significant number of computer science majors. The historical modules offer excerpts from original source material, together with a sequence of student exercises designed to illuminate the groundbreaking ideas introduced in the source. Pilot testing is also underway at a diverse set of institutions, including the University of the District of Columbia, Northern Kentucky University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, the University of Southern Colorado, and the United States Military Academy. Other institutions are being added as the project progresses. In addition, the project provides graduate students at New Mexico State University an opportunity to perform apprentice teaching, which also generates additional feedback on the materials. Particular advantages of the historical approach include providing context and direction for the subject matter, honing students' verbal and deductive skills through reading original works, and the rediscovery of conceptual roots common to both discrete mathematics and computer science.