Cryptography as a Branch of Mathematics

Much has been written concerning the advisability of providing “special courses of reduced content” for students with low ability or interest in mathematics. More has been written pondering the observation that the watered down version of algebra and/or geometry, so common at present, is not meeting the demand of either student or educator. Another subject which has worn out typewriter ribbons is the remark that better students should receive additional instruction in mathematics beyond their regular course work.