Aspects of Western Civilization: Problems and Sources in History

The first of a two-volume chronologically arranged compilation of primary and some secondary sources in Western Civilization. Organized around eight major themes to provide direction and cohesion to the volume while allowing for originality of thought in both written and oral analysis. Readers are presented with basic questions regarding historical development, human nature, moral action and practical necessity while incorporating a wide variety of political, social, economic, religious, intellectual and scientific issues. The readings present history as a vehicle for better understanding in the present rather than a stagnant observation of past societies. The volume addresses the earliest civilizations, the Greek world, the Roman world, the Medieval world and transitions to the modern world. For those interested in an analysis of fundamental historical questions and concerns.

Aspects of Western Civilization challenges students with basic questions regarding historical development, human nature, moral action, and practical necessity. This collection of diverse primary sources incorporates a wide variety of issues and is organized around eight major themes, including church/state relationships, beliefs and spirituality, imperialism, revolution, systems of government, propaganda, women in history, and historical change.

Volume I: The Ancient World through the Age of Absolutism
Volume II: The Age of Absolutism through the Contemporary World

Both volumes feature:

• Time-line chronologies, quotations, lists of themes, and general introductions to each chapter
• Headnotes that provide the background for each primary source
• Study questions designed to stimulate thoughtful discussion, produce an eight-to-ten-page paper, and encourage careful documentation of sources
• A thematically based, problem-oriented approach that promotes reflective analysis
• A new analytical approach called "The Historical Intersection" that compares two documents from different eras and societies that are linked through one of the historical themes mentioned above. This interactive emphasis helps students analyze the continuity of the past and appreciate the relevancy of historical inquiry

This new edition offers expanded coverage of many topics, including the influence of women on political and social change, the early and middle Roman republic, the English Revolution and the politics of confrontation, the British empire in India and Africa, the process of decolonization after 1945, the contemporary development of Europe, and three new chapters: "Legend and History: The World of Early Greece," "Nationalism and Romanticism: 'The Spirit of the People,'" and "'Mark Them with Your Dead': The Scramble for Global Empire:"