CF

The Middle East in the 20th Century

11h 3m 43s
English
Paid

Explore the complex and impactful history of the Middle East in the 20th century with this comprehensive course.

Course Overview

The Middle East in the 20th Century offers a captivating introduction to the history of a region central to global events. Under the guidance of renowned author and Arabist Eamonn Gearon, these 24 illuminating lessons provide a clearer understanding of a complex, multifaceted narrative. From the decline of the Ottoman Empire to the formation of Israel and the Arab Spring, this course is essential for anyone seeking to comprehend current global dynamics.

Key Topics Covered

  • End of the Ottoman Empire
  • Creation of Israel
  • The Arab Spring and its aftermath

Course Benefits

By studying this course, you'll gain a profound understanding of a region whose historical currents have shaped today's geopolitical landscape. Whether you're a student, a history enthusiast, or a professional seeking deeper insights, this course provides the knowledge essential for grasping the complexities of modern times.

About the Authors

Eamonn Gearon

Eamonn Gearon thumbnail

Eamonn Gearon is an Irish historian and journalist specialising in Middle Eastern history and Arabic studies. His teaching material has been published as on-demand video courses for general adult audiences through The Great Courses / Wondrium.

His CourseFlix listing carries The Middle East in the 20th Century — a comprehensive lecture series on the modern history of the Middle East, covering the political, religious, and cultural transformations from the late Ottoman period through the contemporary era.

Material is paid and aimed at general adult learners interested in modern Middle Eastern history. The course sits in the broader History and Culture catalog on CourseFlix.

Wondrium (The Great Courses)

Wondrium (The Great Courses) thumbnail

Wondrium (formerly The Great Courses Plus and originally The Great Courses) is a US online education platform that has been publishing university-level video lecture series since 1990. The platform's distinctive contribution is the depth and production quality of its courses — each is taught by a tenured university professor with the production values of a documentary series, not a YouTube tutorial.

The catalog covers academic disciplines rather than technical-skill training: history, philosophy, science, mathematics, literature, music theory, religion, economics. Material is taught by faculty from Stanford, Yale, Princeton, the University of Chicago, MIT, and similar institutions. Wondrium is typically used by intellectually-curious adult learners filling in the liberal-arts side of their education.

The CourseFlix listing under this source carries over 19 Wondrium / Great Courses titles spanning that range — sitting in the broader CourseFlix catalog as general-interest reference rather than as a software-engineering track. Material is paid; Wondrium itself runs on a monthly / annual subscription on the original platform.

Watch Online 24 lessons

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#1: 1 A Middle East Crossroads in the Year 1900
All Course Lessons (24)
#Lesson TitleDurationAccess
1
1 A Middle East Crossroads in the Year 1900 Demo
28:14
2
2 Constututional Revolts in Persia and Turkey
30:18
3
3 World War I and the Ottoman Empire's Fall
31:56
4
4 Egyptian Revolution and Turkish Independence
23:53
5
5 Monarchies of the 20th - Century Middle East
25:53
6
6 The Muslim Brotherhood and Its Founder
28:09
7
7 World War II Fault Lines in the Middle East
32:19
8
8 European Anti-Semitism and Israel's Birth
30:40
9
9 How Nasser Transformed Egypt and the World
31:48
10
10 The Suez Crisis and Cold War in the Desert
24:39
11
11 The Algerian War of Independence
25:34
12
12 Middle Eastern Armies and Coup D'etats
27:21
13
13 The 1967 Arab-Isreali War and Its Aftermath
25:58
14
14 The Arab Oil Embargo of 1973
26:13
15
15 Lebanon's Civil War and Rise of Intolerance
27:25
16
16 Terrorism, Islam, and Sayyid Qutb
22:16
17
17 How 1979 Transformed Iran, Egypt, and Iraq
29:00
18
18 The Iran-Iraq War and a Decade of Horrors
27:24
19
19 The First Gulf War in Kuwait
29:05
20
20 A Path through Oslo to Arab-Israeli Detente
24:18
21
21 US Invasion of Iraq and Its Consequences
25:28
22
22 Are Democracy and Islam Compatible?
31:03
23
23 Taking Stock of Progress in the Middle East
23:16
24
24 After the Arab Spring
31:33
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Books

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Frequently asked questions

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in this course?
There are no formal prerequisites for this course. It is designed to be accessible to anyone with an interest in Middle Eastern history, whether you are a student, historian, or just a curious learner. A basic understanding of 20th-century global history may help contextualize the events covered, but it is not required.
What historical events does the course cover?
The course covers significant events in the Middle East during the 20th century, including the end of the Ottoman Empire, the creation of Israel, the Suez Crisis, the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, the Iran-Iraq War, and the Arab Spring. These events are explored through 24 lessons, providing a comprehensive view of the region's modern history.
Who would benefit from taking this course?
This course is ideal for students, history enthusiasts, and professionals seeking to understand the complex historical and geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East. It offers insights into the region's past that are crucial for anyone looking to comprehend its current and future global significance.
How does this course compare in depth with other history courses?
The course provides an in-depth exploration of the Middle East's 20th-century history through 24 detailed lessons. While some history courses may offer broader overviews, this course focuses specifically on crucial events and figures in the Middle East, offering a specialized understanding that is both detailed and focused.
What specific topics are not covered in this course?
The course does not cover events outside the 20th century, such as ancient or medieval Middle Eastern history. Additionally, it focuses on historical events and does not delve deeply into cultural or economic aspects unless directly tied to political events, such as the Arab Oil Embargo of 1973.
How much time should I expect to commit to this course?
The course consists of 24 lessons, each designed to be concise yet informative. While the exact runtime is not specified, prospective students should plan to dedicate time to each lesson for optimal understanding, allowing for review and reflection on the complex topics discussed.
How can this course contribute to future career opportunities?
Understanding the historical and geopolitical contexts of the Middle East is valuable in fields such as international relations, journalism, and global business. The knowledge gained from this course can enrich your perspective on current global dynamics, making it a beneficial addition to your professional skill set.