Women and mathematics: a course and a scholarly investigation

Abstract

This article describes an interdisciplinary course on women and mathematics and a scholarly investigation of its impact. Grounded in the biographies of ten women mathematicians (Hypatia to Emmy Noether), the course engages students in mathematical topics related to the women's mathematical work and addresses gender equity in mathematics education and mathematics-related careers in the USA. Many of the themes that emerge from examining the lives and work of these historical figures remain relevant today. The course encourages students, many of whom are future K–12 teachers, to move away from seeing mathematics as a study of numbers and to adopt a richer, more expert view. The students also learn about twenty-first-century role models for women doing mathematics, gain knowledge of equitable classroom practices, and–in the case of future teachers—resolve to incorporate these into their teaching. Potential implications for undergraduate teaching practice and teacher preparation programs are noted.