This compilation of primary sources in world civilization is based around eight major themes to provide direction and cohesion to the text. Designed to involve students with important historical questions and controversies, the text promotes thoughtful comparisons between world societies that are linked to common problems, events or themes within the same time period and across chronological divisions. Broad in scope, the text incorporates a wide variety of political, social, economic, religious, intellectual and scientific issues, and is designed to help students consider historical questions and concerns.