Studies in World History Volume 1 is one of a three volume World History curriculum for junior high students. Written by the same author of the Master Books title for high school level, World History: Observations Assessments from Creation to Today, James Stobaugh has other history titles published by Master Books.
Volume 1 is a fully illustrated history text for seventh grade students. The photographs captured are impressive and will draw in the interest of the student. There are photographs or graphics on each page. This book is one of a series of a thorough alternative junior high school social studies curriculum. The quality presentation of this book rivals that of many popular history books or public school texts. This is the conservative answer to all those revisionist, liberal revision of history that are disguised as history books that are so common in public schools and colleges today. For those who are not traditional students, this book as well as the series, can serve as a study guide refresher on history. For example, a book like this would be a helpful study resource for anyone needing to brush up on history for a standardized exam such as the SAT or even the history- social studies Praxis exam.
The ambitious title of the series in of itself is rather broad- encompassing the whole of world history from the creation to the modern day. In particular, volume 1 covers the period of creation to the age of discovery- 4004 BC to AD 1500. Chapter One begins with the fertile crescent and the final lesson ends with Christopher Columbus. There is a wide range of coverage within this single volume. Each topic is distinct and clear, which aids in memory retention and reduces ambiguity and confusion for the student. Chapters have learning objectives and are further divided into shorter lessons. Historical events, as well as cultural and social events are captured. Integrated within the coverage of widely known historical facts are biblical stories as well. There is a focus on biblical personalities and events in the context of world events and geographic locations. This gives the student a comprehensive view of history in its entirety! The information is presented in an easy to read magazine article type of format in contrast to large passages of bland text. Basically the student can pick up this book starting with any lesson within any chapter. There is also a glossary of concepts at the end of the book.
This book isnt just for homeschooling alone. Any student or history fan will enjoy this book. The book is complete with photographs, charts and other visual material- just as any other history text. It would make a good suppliment to any public school curriculum. With a BS in History, I greatly appreciated the perspective of this book and the recognition that history is not all about relativism, but there are morals and absolutes in life and history as well. The only downside to this book is that all the photos and graphics are in black and white and not color. Instead of the glossy full color pages that one would expect from a modern text, this book is in black and white- which is the only feature I'd change. I can only assume that this is to keep the costs of the book down in contrast to college and other public school texts which might cost over $75 for just one book!I also think that all three volumes should be combined into one larger volume. This book also came with a teacher's guide as well. As a blogger for New Leaf publishers I received this book, published by Master Books for the purpose of writing this review.
All 3 Volumes: Available at NLP
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