A structural approach to world history, embodied in a ninth grade required course, is outlined in this course description. The fundamental concept of the course is that history is a process of development, and this process is analyzed in terms of a study of the basic factors in historical development. The most useful of these factors are mentioned: unification, specialization (division of labor), interdependence, regulation or government, communication, transportation, and the development of values. These subjects are traced individually from prehistorical times to the present, with emphasis on inductive methods and student discovery of valid generalizations and interpretations. The objectives and values of such an approach are described as: 1) provides students with broader and deeper historical perspective; 2) gives students a framework for interpreting information in other courses and in current history; 3) increases retention of information by adding meaning and relatedness; and 4) helps them participate more intelligently in their own period of history. Excerpts from student evaluations of the course are included. (JLB)