periodization (ˌpɪərɪədaɪˈzeɪʃən) or periodisation
n
1. (Historical Terms) the act or process of dividing history into periods

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/periodization

Periodization is the attempt to categorize universal history or divide time into named blocks. The result is descriptive abstraction that provide convenient terms for periods of time with relatively stable characteristics. However, determining the precise beginning and ending to any "period" is often arbitrary.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Periodization

Contoh penggunaan:
A new theory of periodization of Iranian architectural history can be drawn based
upon this theory
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