Describes the Great American History Machine (GAHM) software, stating that it is a powerful tool for interactively accessing and exploring county-level census and election data. Outlines a course at Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh) in which GAHM was used and concludes that the software enables students to approach historical problems…

Reviews the computer simulation, "Civilization," and asserts that it offers exciting possibilities as an interactive introduction to world history and historical thinking. Includes a course syllabus in which "Civilization" serves as a central feature and two writing assignments based on the simulation. (CFR)