A historical survey of the main lines of mathematical development.
Exams are described as purposefully difficult, with the second midterm carrying 20% of the grade and containing only four questions, making small errors costly.
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Michael Kemeny's HISTSCI/MATH 473 is heavily proof-based with minimal history content, contrary to expectations. Reviewers report that exams are difficult, potentially made harder to lower grades, and the grading structure is high-stakes. Additionally, Kemeny has been described as confused by his own proofs and dismissive of student questions.
Recent recorded grades — Fall 2024: 3.45 GPA, 75.0% A/AB (n=20 letter grades); Fall 2025: 3.46 GPA, 64.3% A/AB (n=14 letter grades).
Historical reviews of Robert Wilson describe an engaging instructor who stimulates deep thinking about the history of math, with office hours noted as a positive interaction.
ANDREI CALDARARU is recorded teaching in Spring 2016, Spring 2018. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
MICHAEL KEMENY is recorded teaching in Fall 2024, Fall 2025. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
ROBERT WILSON is recorded teaching in Spring 2008. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
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| Section | Mode | Enrolled / capacity | Waitlist |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 001 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 40 | 0 |
| LEC 001 | Classroom Instruction | 20 / 40 | 0 |
Times are Central. Select a meeting for details; export includes recorded dates for the selected sections. Enrollment reflects scan time.
Michael Kemeny's HISTSCI/MATH 473 is heavily proof-based with minimal history content, featuring difficult exams and a high-stakes midterm structure that reviewers found frustrating.
Recent recorded grades — Spring 2024: 3.82 GPA, 94.7% A/AB (n=38 letter grades); Fall 2024: 3.45 GPA, 75.0% A/AB (n=20 letter grades); Fall 2025: 3.46 GPA, 64.3% A/AB (n=14 letter grades).
Exams are described as purposefully difficult, with the second midterm carrying 20% of the grade and containing only four questions, making small errors costly.
Students report the instructor was confused by his own proofs, cut off questions, and focused on mathematicians' lifespans rather than historical context.
Latest available · Fall 2025— not enough history to project Fall 2026.
Through Fall 2025
Not enough comparable courses for Fall 2026 in UW–Madison.
Descriptions, prerequisites, and recorded course offerings.
Observations at scan time; dates do not imply when a catalog change took effect.
History of Mathematics
Recorded 2026-09-07History of Mathematics
Recorded 2026-09-07[
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]Original comments behind the course and instructor summaries.
Recorded grade distributions by term, section, and instructor.
Explore recorded gradesRecorded model configuration, reasoning, and tool conversations.
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