World History: Themes and Methodologies through the History of Objects

This article explores World History as a growing field within contemporary historical studies, one that is virtually absent in Arab universities. The history, themes, sources and methodologies of World History are here explored, as studied in specialized centers in many Western universities. Referring to leading studies on World History, as well as historians who have made significant contributions to its development in the US and Europe, the author highlights the importance of this relatively new field and its connection to global developments over the preceding few decades. Attention is given to one particular approach where the history of an object or idea is used to make broader conclusions about the history of a particular region or that of the entire world, with the author relying on the specific examples of studies on glass and salt that situate their histories within the framework of world history. According to the author, the study of World History, not only as a field of historical research, but also as a pedagogical tool, can contribute significantly to the training of young historians in comparative and inter-disciplinary history, as well as improve their critical thinking skills and their ability to make broad observations about and connections between historical events, and to dispel erroneous preconceived notions.

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This article explores World History as a growing field within contemporary historical studies, one that is virtually absent in Arab universities. The history, themes, sources and methodologies of World History are here explored, as studied in specialized centers in many Western universities. Referring to leading studies on World History, as well as historians who have made significant contributions to its development in the US and Europe, the author highlights the importance of this relatively new field and its connection to global developments over the preceding few decades. Attention is given to one particular approach where the history of an object or idea is used to make broader conclusions about the history of a particular region or that of the entire world, with the author relying on the specific examples of studies on glass and salt that situate their histories within the framework of world history. According to the author, the study of World History, not only as a field of historical research, but also as a pedagogical tool, can contribute significantly to the training of young historians in comparative and inter-disciplinary history, as well as improve their critical thinking skills and their ability to make broad observations about and connections between historical events, and to dispel erroneous preconceived notions.

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