Campbell's Western Civilization in Global Context provides a useful variety of written and visual primary sources, which are suitable for introductory courses on Western Civilization and the relations of the West with the wider world. Particularly valuable, and what makes this volume novel, is the inclusion in most chapters of a non-Western source for easy comparison with Western and Middle Eastern sources. The brief introductions and study questions give just the right balance of guidance and freedom, making this collection useful in a variety of classroom settings.
Winston Black, Assumption College, USA
At its best, Western Civilization in a Global Context expertly links events, traditions, and developments in the West with similar historical processes in other parts of the world. The introduction provides students with a clear explanation of why studying primary sources is useful as well as the value of comparing these sources with those of other regions. Each chapter begins with introductory text that concisely provides the background needed to understand the document and closes with questions that could provide a foundation for class discussions or written responses. The most effective chapters, such as Chapter 15's discussion of absolutism, link documents from the West and elsewhere with a specific common thread. Students are encouraged to draw interesting comparisons and consider the motivation of authors in the review questions at the end of each chapter. The best of these help students identify salient points while developing critical thinking skills. This collection would be a valuable addition to any Western Civilization course that endeavors to place the West in a broader global context.
Aaron Whelchel, Washington State University Vancouver, USA