Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in World History, Volume 1

by Joseph R. Mitchell, Helen Buss Mitchell

This debate-style reader is designed to introduce students to controversies in world history through readings that reflect a variety of viewpoints. Each issue is framed with an issue summary, an issue introduction, and a postscript. The Taking Sides readers feature annotated listings of selected World Wide Web sites. Taking Sides is supported by our student website, Dushkin Online (www.dushkin.com/online/).

Paperback

First published September 27, 1999

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used this book for my ancient world history class. I did like the class- the broad spectrum of the 100 level class suited my tastes. However, some parts of this book are just plain retarded while others are eye opening. For example, there is a debate on whether or not Martin Luther's reforms improved the lives of European Christians. This was after the time frame of the class but it makes sense to ask that question. Luther did what he did based on his own beliefs in the need for change, but his actions created controversy and change he would have never dreamed of, so what did this mean for everyone else on the continent? But another debate is about whether or not the modern university had roots in the Islamic World. It was made more prominent in Europe later on, but how do you simply decide not to acknowledge the system that was in place in the Islamic World?

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Came in handy with the "Was Egyptian Civilization African?" debate, serving as an introduction to my African history unit. Great lead-in for setting up issues in post-colonial Africa, and why this debate still merits consideration.