This class has two specific goals.  One is to provide you with basic factual knowledge of the history of the modern Middle East and its people. Just as important, however, is the ability to use this information productively.  Thus, this class will also stress the ability to integrate the factual data into a basic understanding of the Middle East’s past and present. Furthermore, the course is designed to develop critical and analytical thinking skills. Rote memorization is not as important as the ability to produce and evaluate arguments based on historical evidence.

I have taught history of the modern Middle East at various university prep schools in Europe and the United States and as well as at several American colleges and universities.

There are many sources that are used for teaching the history of the modern Middle East in this course. Dr. Brezina studied various primary and secondary sources (articles, books, dissertations, etc.) during his years as a teacher and professor of history that will allow him to interpret the history of the modern Middle East objectively and address the full range of a variety of peoples' histories and historical perspectives. For example, he will draw from these books: The Middle East by Bernard Lewis, A History of the Middle East by Peter Mansfield, A History of the Arab Peoples by Albert Hourani, American Presidents and the Middle East by George Lenczowski, The Politics of Miscalculation in the Middle East by Richard B. Parker, and The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money, and Power by Daniel Yergin. (However, Dr. Brezina does not require students to purchase or use these books.)