The class has two main goals. One is to provide you with a basic factual understanding of American history through 1865, including the development of various American civilizations from their earliest beginnings, the emergence of colonial America, and the establishment of the early Republic. Just as important, however, is the ability to use this information productively.  Thus, this class will also stress the ability to integrate the mass of factual data into some basic understanding of how the “New” World arose, and of the issues which concern historical thinking about marginalization and marginalized people.  In addition, the examinations are designed to develop the ability to think critically.  Rote memorization is not as important as the ability to produce and evaluate arguments based on historical evidence.  Please do not forget that the most effective learning occurs when you are actively involved. 

Dr. Brezina has taught American history at various university prep schools in Europe and the United States and as well as at several American colleges and universities. As a Ph.D. student he had the honor of working under Professor Robert Dallek, who is one of the most respected U.S. historians specializing in the history of the United States presidents. Furthermore, Dr. Brezina published a chapter on President William McKinley's foreign policy in a book titled U.S. Presidents and Foreign Policy from 1789 to the Present (2006). 

There are many sources that are used for teaching the American past in this course. Dr. Brezina studied various primary and secondary sources (articles, book, dissertations, etc.) during his years as a teacher and professor of history that will allow him to interpret American history objectively and address the full range of a variety of peoples' histories, including marginalized populations. For example, he will draw from two books, Ancient North America by Brian M. Fagan and From Colony to Superpower by George C. Herring, both of which are commonly used as objective and multi-cultural history textbooks in U.S. higher education. (However, Dr. Brezina does not require students to purchase or use these books.)