Mathematics
Professor of Mathematics
On Faculty since 1964
Education
Ph.D. Ohio State University 1964
Dissertation on Measure and Integration in a Banach Space
B.S. Wheaton College 1960
About Robert Brabenec
Dr. Robert Brabenec began teaching mathematics at Wheaton College in June 1964, and after a 2 year tour of active duty as an Army captain in missile intelligence, he returned to Wheaton in 1967 to become chair of the newly formed Department of Mathematics. Over the years, he has developed a special interest in the history and foundations of mathematics, integrating these ideas into most courses that he teaches.
In 1977 he began the organization that is now called the Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences. This organization of about 400 members sponsors a major conference every two years, and supports other activities to help Christian mathematicians to see connections between mathematics and the Christian faith. He is author of the textbook Introduction to Real Analysis that was published by PWS-Kent in 1990, and several articles and talks dealing with historical ideas in mathematics. He has spent a sabbatical in 1988 at the Universities of London and Cambridge, in 1995 at the University of Virginia, and another sabbatical during the spring semester of 2002. He currently has a writing contract from the MAA to work on the book Resources for the Study of Real Analysis.
He and his wife have 3 children and 7 grandchildren. They enjoy travel, general history and biographies, and visiting museums and historical sites.
Courses Taught
- Math 23l;232 Calculus I and II
- Math301 Colloquium
- Math 351 Analysis I
- Math 494 History and Foundations of Mathematics
Membership in Professional Societies
- Mathematical Association of America
- American Mathematical Society
- Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences
Research
Real Analysis and History of Mathematics
Papers Published and/or Presented
Books and Articles
Brabenec, Robert L., Introduction to Real Analysis, PWS Kent Publishers, 1990.
Brabenec, Robert L., Resources for the Study of Real Analysis, MAA, 2004.
Brabenec, Robert L., 2001. A Mathematics Colloquium for Sophomores. PRIMUS XI (3): 197-208.
Brabenec, Robert L., 1994. Historical Development of the Foundations of Mathematics. Science and Education, 3:295-309.
Talks Given
"Three Problems from Number Theory", talk presented at ACMS Conference at Calvin College on May 30, 2001. Paper included in conference proceedings.
"A Department Colloquium for Sophomores", talk presented at the MAA annual meetings in New Orleans on January 10, 2000.
"The Historical Development of the Foundations of Mathematics", a 4 hour mini course presented at the AMS/MAA meetings in Orlando on January 10 and 11, 1996.
"The 25 Greatest Mathematicians", talk presented at the ACMS conference at Taylor University on June 1, 1995. Paper included in conference proceedings.
"An Overview of the History of Mathematics", talk presented to the ACCA (Association of Colleges in the Chicago Area) mathematics section on March 1, 1994.
"Using an Historical Development of the Foundations of Mathematics for a Capstone Course", talk presented at the MAA annual meetings in San Antonio on January 15, 1993.
"Providing an Overview of the Historical Development of the Foundations of Mathematics", talk presented at the International Study Group on the Relations between History and Pedagogy of Mathematics, held at the University of Toronto, August 12-14, 1992.