Course Description:
The course will explore the history of probability and statistics, from the early development of the theory of probability (motivated by gambling strategies) by Blaise Pascal, to the acceptance of statistics as a formal science in the 20th century, to the development of modern computing power and its effect on statistical techniques in the late 20th century and early 21st century.
Emphasis will be placed on both statistical ideas and theories that have been introduced throughout history and the people who pioneered them, with lots of anecdotes about personalities and biographies of important statisticians and conflicts between statisticians who held different views of the purpose of statistical inference.
Much of the assessment of student work will be based on readings, in-class discussions, and quizzes. There will also be group projects about statistical ideas and people and oral presentations that students will make in class.
Current Textbook: Required Readings will be posted on Blackboard.