ABSTRACT
My first encounter with ‘world history’ actually began as an undergraduate when I enrolled in a world history course in the winter of 1966. I was reminded of that experience when a colleague suggested that I join a group of faculty who wanted to introduce world history. From a professional standpoint it made little sense, given the huge commitment of time and energy. From an intellectual position it seemed exciting and full of possibilities. Intimidating from the start, world history demanded an incredible effort in mastering the details and themes that addressed different time periods, human communities, and multiple polities. While engaged in this daunting task, the United States seemed a distraction at best.
