Civilization

Gr 7 Up—Students of history learn that dominant cultures throughout the world eventually lose that position of prominence. The producers of this incredibly well-developed series suggest that perhaps we are at a turning point where Western civilization's standing as the economic leader of the world is in jeopardy. The titles of each DVD give a general idea as to the approaches used to examine the fall of previous dominant societies and the circumstances under which the countries of Western Europe and then North America slowly began to supersede them. This movement took the form of the rapid increase in scientific knowledge including advances in medicine and the propensity of Western countries to expand exploration beyond the known boundaries of the day. Perhaps most critical was the manner in which technology, manufacturing, an enhanced work ethic and, eventually, consumerism became heightened in the West. The producers suggest that the economic center of today's world might be shifting back to non-Western countries. Does the West have the ability to continue its economic preeminence? As the economic, social, and political events of the last 500 years are examined, a rich variety of visuals are utilized, including vintage and contemporary film/video and classic artwork, to accompany the clear narration of Harvard professor Niall Ferguson. Each program is divided into between five and seven individually accessible chapters. The exceptionally complete teacher's guide, which is accessible both on the DVD and on the distributor's website (ambrosevideo.com), includes clearly developed student learning goals. This informative and appealing series will be a favorite resource in classrooms and individual research settings.—Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL