Cultures of the West by Backman
Cultures of the West: A History, Second Edition, focuses on the ways in which the major ideas and passions of Western culture developed, internally, and how they interacted with the broader world--for good and for ill. The development of such key ideas as religion, science, and philosophy form the central narrative of this book. Cultures of the West stands apart from other textbooks in a variety of ways, the first being thematic unity. What did people think and believe, throughout our history, about human nature, the right way to live, God, the best forms of government, or the meaning of human life? Rather than maintaining a single interpretive stance, author Clifford R. Backman relies upon a consistent set of questions: What did people think and feel throughout the centuries about politics, science, religion, and sex? How did they come to their positions regarding the right way to live? Backman's many years of experience in the classroom have informed his approach--students respond to engaging questions more than they are inspired by facts.
"I recommend this book to any faculty who teach a Western Civilization survey course and wish to engage, inspire, and educate their students and show them that history is more than just powerful men and bloody wars: it is a part of all of us, and by getting involved in the debates of each age, we can really see how history impacts us and makes us who we are today"--Nicholas L. Rummell, Trident Technical College "Cultures of the West is written with clarity and passion and seeks to stimulate and engage students; this is precisely what we, as teachers, seek to do."--Alexander Mikaberidze, Louisiana State University-Shreveport "Many of my students in the community college classroom are not equipped to read and interpret primary-source passages. By embedding them in the narrative, Cultures of the West forces students to interrogate the material head-on. Students really have little choice but to read it."--Keith Chu, Bergen Community College "The author's narrative voice gives the entire work a coherent feel. Reading it is like experiencing a lecture from a professor who clearly enjoys his material."--Marc Eagle, Western Kentucky University "Backman weaves religious and intellectual themes into the political and social history of the Greater West, creating a narrative that is thorough while still being readable. The book lays out the framework for Western history, leaving the instructor room to expand on the themes and areas of his or her choice. Its engaging voice is sure to keep students awake!"--Katherine Jenkins, Trident Technical College
Clifford R. Backman has been a member of the History Department at Boston University since 1989. He is currently at work on a book that traces the development of toleration and interpersonal forgiveness in medieval Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780190240479 |
| ISBN 10 | 0190240474 |
| Title | Cultures of the West |
| Author | Clifford Backman |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press Inc |
| Year published | 2015-10-01 |
| Number of pages | 888 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |