Organized into 15 chapters that stress cultural, social and material issues, as well as major political developments, this book aims to promote reaction, discussion and reflection, as well as presenting important information. Chapters deal with such topics as modernization, imperialism, social revolutions, fascism, feminism, fundamentalism, war and peace, science, population and economic inequality. Case studies are included with the aim of bringing to life the themes of each chapter. The book also includes suggestions for further reading, films and videos.