I recently passed the CLEP Western Civ I exam with a 77 (out of a possible 80). I had used REA books in studying for the Humanities General and Natural Sciences exams and found them to be the best starting points for me. REA CLEP Western Civilization I was different in that it wasn’t just my starting point; it was virtually the only study resource I used for that test. What made this possible was the thorough and yet concise information found in this book, coupled with its straightforward approach.
The Western Civ I CLEP covers the period from the dawn of civilization (roughly 3,000 BCE) to the year 1648 — nearly 4,700 years. By contrast, Western Civ II picks up in 1648 and goes to the present — a mere 360 years.
To compress that much history into 352 pages (which includes two full-length practice exams and discussions of correct answers) is quite an accomplishment. To do so with clarity, and while preserving the contexts and transitions that are vital to the understanding needed to pass this test is a major feat.
There are no illustrations. You will need to Google search for maps, and for images of things like art and architecture.
The difficulty level of the practice exams was right in line with the actual test — something that can’t always be counted on with other CLEP preparation materials.
I would even go so far as to say you don’t have to be preparing for the exam to benefit from this book. Anyone wanting a better understanding of the world could read this book first for a broad overview of who did what to whom and when and why, before moving on to more in-depth studies.
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