This 1-year elective seminar for high school students is to be taught in five units--Introduction, the Ancient World, the Medieval World, the Renaissance, and the Modern World--with emphasis on four basic themes expressed creatively throughout western history: (1) the common man, (2) the individual, (3) religion, and (4) conflict. Instruction on a rotational basis among the city's four high schools by a team of 5 teachers will be directed to a cross section of students and will use a pass-fail grading system. Assigned reading from various sources plus films, slides, maps, and records constitute the learning material, supplemented by monthly field trips and special demonstrations. (Outlines for each of the four seminar sections are included in this guide.) (JMC)