World History: A Comparative Civilizations Perspective
© 2002 Teaching for Thinking
Very impressive, this survey of world history was created post 9/11 and focuses not only on major historical trends, personages and events, but also on various cultures and their world views. There are sections specifically devoted to Muslim culture, the fight against terrorism, the inequalities between peoples and other issues of importance in the 21st century. Beginning with the Paleolithic Age and continuing to present day, the program offers narrated slide show and video lessons. The imagery, which includes great masterpieces of art, photographs, artist renderings, etc., is rich and often striking. Each of nine chapters includes discussion questions and suggestions for follow-up activities, plus lists of additional resources. "Big picture" ideas are used as thematic scaffolding on which to present historical events. One of these ideas, for instance, is that civilizations have been and continue to be shaped by creative and destructive impulses that reside, side by side, in humans. The program is fascinating, well designed and thoughtful. What it lacks is interactivity. Aside from clicking through the lessons, you won't find any other interactive elements. Volume pricing is available.
$199, Macintosh, Windows
Teaches: world history