We study world history to discern common rituals, problems, and patterns that do not stop at a territorial boundary. A history that accurately reflects the past must recognize that wars, battles, and empires barely touch how lives were lived, whether as an artisan, slave, trader, soldier, pilgrim, or doctor. World history is not about merely analyzing documents and amassing or memorizing facts. It is about learning to consider big questions that matter across the whole of human experience. Such themes do not stay in the past. They are the very stuff of our present and make us aware of our responsibilities to the future. In A History of the World in Seven Themes Stewart Gordon invites students and teachers to analyze, debate, and consider a broad range of questions. "Gordon emphasizes the new approach to this book, as well its shorter length, affordability, and the teacher resources, tools, and his personal availability to help instructors adapt these volumes for their course needs." -- World History Connected Stewart Gordon is an Independent Research Scholar associated with the Center for South Asian Studies at the University of Michigan.