The text builds on this effective framework with a variety of features that support students' understanding of key concepts. Historical information is woven throughout the text through "History Lab" features, and every chapter ends with an extended "Case Study" that demonstrates how what we have learned from the past can influence our future actions. "Visual Reviews" at the end of each chapter not only recap key points but include "Critical Thinking" questions that reflect the chapter's learning objectives. A unique Conclusion, "Forecasting the World of 2030," serves as a capstone exercise and includes discussion and writing prompts to help students synthesize what they've learned.