The Western Perspective: A History of Civilization in the West, Alternative Volume: Since 1300 (with InfoTrac)
We plan our teaching and learning in a Learning Community format in Italy. Courses offered will include, W. Civ, Government, English Comp., World Literature, Humanities, Cultural Studies, Speech, Art and Design, Art History, Photography, Italian, and Walking for Fitness! Teaching methods will relate material in every course to every other. I recently introduced this text to the other faculty members who are now considering using it as a basic text for every student in the program. I think it will lend itself well to the Learning Community format and we are excited to proceed with preparing our teaching and learning using this resource."I would say the Cannistraro book is the best all-around text on the market. It is especially good on the cultural and social aspects, but gives the other aspects its due weight. What I have noticed is that the students read it. I always had my doubts about other texts."The text doesn't stray from the topic. On the contrary, reference back to the topic being discussed is offered with needed regularity. There is also a balance between what might be called interesting 'tid-bits' (the students like these), for example, Maria Theresa's calling Catherine the Great, 'Lady Prayerful,' with the overall flow of what was going on."This text is the best of its kind in print. It is clear and precise with sufficient facts to illustrate the themes and it does not push politically correct points of view as so many of its rivals try to do. Yet it has a solid political basis. The organization is generally good and the scholarship generally adequate for a work at this level and this breadth. Even students lacking preparation as so many do today, if they are diligent and are not overburdened with family problems or work can master the information. I recommend it highly and will continue to use it while teaching this course."My first impression...is that it is concise, direct and easy to read.  ...As history is cause and effect, the text is effective in presenting perspectives and guiding the reader along a critical thinking path.