As in any historical endeavor, periodization is an attempt to manage change, and present it coherently, by noting points where key breaks in framework occur. In world history, periodization has come to convey, particularly, shifts in the pattern of interactions and contacts among many, though not always all, major societies. In this article, the…

Characterizes the crisis in history instruction as resulting from low student interest and high unemployment among historians. Suggests actions by historians which might mitigate this crisis, including expanding course offerings to include subjects of global interest, offering innovative courses, stressing basic patterns of human experience, and…

This paper presents a rationale for including social history in American and European history courses at the high school level. Social history topics which can be of special interest to high school students include the history of schools, the history of leisure, the history of health practices, the needs and experiences of various vital groups in…

Part of the value of history, particularly in school teaching, consists of its function in communicating shared values, myths, and data between generations. However, the discipline of history is also a producer of new knowledge. Teaching frameworks that make some coherent sense of both old and new historical emphases are needed. (RM)

Describes a successful approach to college-level modern history teaching using three case studies to examine the technical, social, and political conditions shaping government policy. A discussion of problems inherent in this teaching method is included. (AM)

Discusses how periodization (the categorizing of history into identifiable periods) can be used effectively in world history courses to make the subject matter manageable and to avoid overwhelming the students with details. Presents a schema which interweaves technology, economic contacts, and cultural systems to help students handle the idea of…

This book reconsiders why and how U.S. humanities education is taught. A humanities program should teach students not just memorizable facts but analytical skills that are vital for a critically informed citizenry. Innovative research is important as the basis of such a curriculum. Specific suggestions are outlined for translating curriculum goals…

Discusses the advantages of teaching history sequentially, considering factual, methodological, and conceptual relationships. (CK)

Explores what assumptions, specifically cultural memories and identity components, students bring with them into a world history course. Focuses on such topics as "Western" values and the two possible candidates of memory issues in world history (gender and idea of "modern"). (CMK)

Describes the new Advanced Placement (AP) world history course, which has a global and thematic focus and emphasizes global interactions and comparative issues. Discusses the chronology used and its emphasis on global forces and developments within civilizations. Believes that world history courses should assist students in understanding how the…

The bulk of the most innovative and widely noted research over the past 20 years has fallen into the category of social history. It adds a list of new topics to the understanding of the past and a sense of excitement that traditional history instruction lacks. It has the potential of bringing a wider range of students toward an interest in…

Globalization provides history teachers with an opportunity to link past to present in new ways and to test historical thinking. This is particularly true in world history surveys, but has relevance to Western civilization or United States history surveys as well. For globalization in turn, the historical perspective offers opportunities for more…