Periodization is rooted in historical theory. It reflects priorities, values, and the understanding of the forces of continuity and change. Yet, it is subject to practical constraints. For pedagogical reasons, world historians must seek reasonable symmetry between major historical eras despite huge discrepancies in the availability of historical data to separate time periods and for different areas of the world. Political issues arise in periodization. The author prefers the “integration” approach: world history should provide integrated treatment of evolution of civilizations, focusing upon the most developed societies, rather than upon cultures outside the evolutionary mainstream. Given that preference, “integrationist” must provide some overarching theory of change to demonstrate how the destinies of the world’s peoples have been linked through the millennia. The article attempts to demonstrate how comprehensive theories of change can facilitate the formulation of world history periodization; it examines several different alternatives, but main attention is given to world-system analysis, the most articulated body of theory currently commended as a vehicle for structuring world history. The author recommends a periodization of four epochs, divided at roughly 1000 B.C.E., 400-600 C.E., and circa 1492.
