Methods in World History

A Critical Approach

Arne Jarrick, Janken Myrdal, Maria Wallenberg Bondesson, Arne Jarrick, Janken Myrdal, Maria Wallenberg Bondesson

• Publisher: Nordic Academic Press
• Year: 2016
• eBook ISBN: 9789188168481
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: History Reference
• Index: History

Methods in World History is the first international volume that systematically addresses a number of methodological problems specific to the field of World History. Prompted by a lack of applicable works, the authors advocate a considerable sharpening of the tools used within the discipline. Theories constructed on poor foundations run an obvious risk of reinforcing flawed assumptions, and of propping up other, more ideological constructions. The dedicated critical approach outlined in this volume helps to mitigate such risks. Each essay addresses a particular issue, discussing its problems, giving practical examples, and offering solutions and ways of overcoming the difficulties involved. The perspectives are varied, the criticism focussed, and a common theme of coalescence is maintained throughout. This unique anthology will be of great use to advanced scholars of World History, and to students entering the field for the first time.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Table of Contents
• Globalization and world history: An introduction to studies of methods
• 1. Historians, superhistory, and climate change
• 2. On source criticismin world history
• 3. Four myths in global agrarian history
• 4. Archaeological investigations, interpretations, and theories
• 5. What can be understood, compared, and counted as context?
• 6. Core and periphery in the early modern world system
• 7. National accounts in world history
• Index