A Concise Survey of Western Civilization: Supremacies and Diversities throughout History, Prehistory to 1500

The book provides a concise overview of Western heritage, covering historical information and major themes of conflict and creativity. It includes topical themes such as technological innovation, migration, political and economic decision-making, church and state, and disputes about the meaning of life. Primary Source Projects and Sources on Families offer students the chance to evaluate differing points of view about the past.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 23 January 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

This book provides a concise and accessible overview of our shared Western heritage, encompassing the essential historical knowledge that educated adults should possess within a focused narrative and interpretive framework. The interconnected concepts of "supremacies and diversities" form the central themes of conflict and creativity. "Supremacies" delve into the exercise of power to dominate societies, encompassing various forms of warfare and ideologies, seeking stability, order, and assimilation. On the other hand, "diversities" highlight the creative impulse that generates new ideas and individuals' efforts to assert their distinctiveness. Diversity fosters change, opportunity, and individuality. These themes of historical tension and transformation, whether applied to political, economic, technological, social, or cultural trends, offer a comprehensive explanatory framework. Additionally, five other topical themes, including technological innovation, migration and conquest, political and economic decision-making, church and state, and debates about the meaning of life, are regularly incorporated into the text. Various "Basic Principles" provide concise summaries of historical realities. Primary Source Projects and Sources on Families provide students with the opportunity to examine diverse perspectives on the past, enhancing their understanding of historical events. This book offers a cost-effective, informal approach, infused with a lively tone, while still delivering the essential elements for a comprehensive course on Western Civilization.

Weight: 594g
Dimension: 252 x 176 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538173350
Edition number: Fourth Edition