Western Civilization in a Global Context is a source collection that introduces a comparative element to the study of Western civilization, offering students an opportunity to explore non-Western perspectives. An interesting and provocative set of readings are included, from a range of primary sources, including official documents, historical writings, literary sources, letters, speeches, interviews as well as visual sources. These different sources are carefully selected with a view to generating class discussion and providing students with a sense of the different approaches historians might take to understanding the past.
Volume I covers prehistory to the Enlightenment, including sources that offer insight into the political, social, religious, cultural and intellectual history of this period. Topics covered include:
- The Rise of Rome
- Byzantine Civilization
- The Renaissance in Europe and China
- Religious Reformation
- European Expansion
- The Scientific Revolution
To aid student engagement and understanding, the book begins with a guide to using primary sources and includes questions for discussion throughout. Western Civilization in a Global Context is the ideal companion for students who want to explore the contribution of non-Western cultures, and gain a more thorough understanding of the complex history of the world as a result.
At its best,
Western Civilization in a Global Context expertly links events, traditions, and developments in the West with similar historical processes in other parts of the world. The introduction provides students with a clear explanation of why studying primary sources is useful as well as the value of comparing these sources with those of other regions. Each chapter begins with introductory text that concisely provides the background needed to understand the document and closes with questions that could provide a foundation for class discussions or written responses. The most effective chapters, such as Chapter 15's discussion of absolutism, link documents from the West and elsewhere with a specific common thread. Students are encouraged to draw interesting comparisons and consider the motivation of authors in the review questions at the end of each chapter. The best of these help students identify salient points while developing critical thinking skills. This collection would be a valuable addition to any Western Civilization course that endeavors to place the West in a broader global context.
