Books for teaching world history

Begin Here: The Forgotten Conditions of Teaching and Learning

by Jacques Barzun

A collection of essays on education from the prominent American cultural historian and professor who twice served as president of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.  shop Amazon.com

AP: A Critical Examination of the Advanced Placement Program

by Philip M. Sadler, et al, editors

Explores recent research into the value of AP instruction, which the editors term "a juggernaut in American high school education." Serves to counterbalance the stream of positive research and praise bestowed on AP by its corporate parent, The College Board company. shop Amazon.com

The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of the World Order

 by Samuel P. Huntington

A powerful and controversial analysis of the world situation following the Cold War. Huntington proposes that "civilizations have replaced nations and ideologies as the driving force in global politics." He sheds light on global dynamics including the role of the West, the Islamic resurgence, and the new Asian self-confidence. shop Amazon.com

Guns, Germs, and Steel 

by Jared Diamond

The Pulitzer Prize winning book from a scientist who brings together biology, geography and history to illuminate the development and distribution of human societies. A compelling explanation of why the Eurasian land mass spawned technological advancement that led to world conquest. shop Amazon.com

The First Days of School 

by Harry K. Wong

Good, basic, practical advice for becoming an effective teacher in the classroom. Many of Wong's ideas are so sensible that you might be chagrined that you didn't think of them yourself. shop Amazon.com

Mapping Human History: Genes, Race, and our Common Origins

by Steve Olson

Genetics has joined archeology and paleontology in mapping the early movements of human societies. This book reminds us that despite our diversity, we are all Africans. shop Amazon.com

Historical Thinking and Other Unnatural Acts

by Sam Wineburg

In this readable collection, Wineburg, a professor of education and history at Stanford University, describes a decade of his research into history education. shop Amazon.com

The New World History: A Teacher's Companion

by Ross E. Dunn, editor

Historians have been identifying large patterns of historical development that cross civilizations and geographical boundaries, an approach meant to be less Eurocentric than history based on Western civilization. Dunn has collected 57 articles relating to the new world history. shop Amazon.com

The Methods and Skills of History: A Practical Guide

by Conal Furay and Michael J. Salevouris

Clear and concise introduction to the nature and practice of history including research and writing. Concepts are reinforced through exercises designed for entry-level college students. Good resource for secondary teachers. Shop Amazon.com

Understanding by Design 

by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe

This now-classic guide to designing curriculum shows teachers how to begin with "essential understandings" and work "backward" to identify the assessments, lessons and materials that will convey meaningful learning to students. shop Amazon.com

Teaching World History: a Resource Book 

by Heidi Roupp, editor

An updated version of Heidi Roupp's useful collection of articles on world history teaching approaches, strategies, and lessons. Roupp was a high school teacher and a former president of the World History Association.  shop Amazon.com

World Civilizations

by Peter N. Stearns, et al

This expensive college and AP textbook is an authoritative treatment of world history that emphasizes cross-cultural connections and comparisons. Includes document excerpts and extended analyses of major concepts. Teachers may be able to obtain a free review copy from the publisher. shop Amazon.com

Why Don't Students Like School?

by Daniel T. Willingham

Cognitive scientist Willingham renders research into the mind accessible to non-scientists and discusses its implications for classroom instruction. shop Amazon.com