How Societies Change
- Daniel Chirot - University of Washington, USA
I have read this book with delight and decided to recommend it to my students who pick the course Archaeological theory. The book is a useful introduction into social evolution and change and what is especially important, it takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining contributions of many disciplines. The text does not go into great detail and therefore is accessible to undergraduate students. Providing a solid overview of the subject from the sociological perspective, it can serve as a basic textbook on the social history of humankind from its origins to the modern era.
I offer it as one of several optional readings. Some students use it - but order via Amazon. I also recommend this wonderful macro-sociology history to various groups in the community when I talk with them about long term trends and current conditions. Really wonderful book.
Easy to read and follow the main ideas; useful for understanding the main evolutions of the human society and state at a global scale through the eyes of a reputed sociologist (Daniel Chirot wrote also a book on the formation of the Wallachian state, nowadays Romania, from Middle Ages until Modernity). Not essential however for Medieval History, rather for Early Modern and Contemporary history.
An interesting text with a useful range of information.
For students with limited prior exposure to economics, politics, history or geography, this text provides a very readable cheap overview. The style of writing addresses some quite complex topics in everyday language and makes them understood.
Under active consideration to become required reading.
Interesting analysis and a very readable text. Useful for more advanced students preparing longer assignments or dissertations
Interesting analysis and a very readable text. Useful for more advanced students preparing longer assignments or dissertations
Published a customised text with another publisher to cover this part of the programme
The book delves into the background of societies and how it has evolved. Good read for those wanting to grasp its basic ideas and carry on from there.
I thought this was an accessible text that would be useful to my students.
