This book is a comprehensive, thematic survey of the history of education throughout the world, from ancient times to the present day. Education in World History analyzes patterns of religious and cultural influence in classical societies, as well as the ways in which conquest, trade and cross-cultural contacts helped to shape educational change in post-classical societies.

From Confucius, through to the Greeks and the Egyptians, Mark S. Johnson first takes an integrated look at ancient education, and the development of various education traditions. Considering the ways in which early modern states and religious movements helped to shape ethnic, religious and national identities through increasingly formal institutionalized education, he then examines how colonialism influenced education in the modern era. Finally, the volume goes on to discuss the rise of vocationalism, the decline - in some places - of religious education, and the effects of globalization on education.

Suitable for introductory courses and students new to the subject, this concise and lively study reconsiders the history of education from the perspective of world and comparative history.