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ILR348 History of the Modern Middle East –
Part I
5 sessions, 10 hours
The first of this two-part course introduces students to the history
and culture of the modern Middle East from the dawn of Islam in
the 7th century to the eve of WorldWar I in the early 20th century.
Participants will come to appreciate the diversity of a region that
is often dismissed as monolithic by examining both contrasts in
the physical landscape and distribution of resources as well as
the intricate mosaic of ethnicities, religions, and languages. Part
I will trace the rise of Islam and its impact on the peoples and
cultures of the Middle East, including an unprecedented expansion
that resulted in a multicultural and intellectually robust empire
spanning three continents. We will explore the rise and fall of the
Ottoman Empire and Safavid Persia and examine the legacies of
successive incursions from the West, beginning with the European
Crusades and continuing under the imperial banners of Britain and
France. This series will end with an exploration of competing 19th
and 20th century nationalism, leading to fallen empires, broken
promises, and current hostilities.
5-Digit Number: 17262 | Wed, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m., 2/20 – 3/20
Location: Sweadner Hall | Tuition: $40.00, Fee: $109.00, Total: $149.00
MD residents age 60+ pay fee only
ILR349 History of the Modern Middle East –
Part II
5 sessions, 10 hours
Our journey through the history and culture of the modern
Middle East resumes at the end of the First WorldWar. The
collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the partitioning of the
region into European spheres of influence will provide historic
context for many current conflicts. From vague post-war treaties
to the creation of new states to British-mandated Palestine, the
seeds of discontent, experienced today, were sown. Participants
will trace the emergence of the United States as a political force
in the Middle East, the rise of Arab nationalism, the sequence
of Arab-Israeli conflicts/treaties/and accords, the oil crisis of the
70’s, and the return to political Islam in its many manifestations.
The development and modernization of the Persian Gulf states,
sub-regional schisms within the Gulf Cooperation Council, the
competition for hegemony between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the
return of Russian influence, and the legacy of U.S. intervention in
Iraq and Afghanistan are among the topics to be explored in an
effort to better understand this fascinating, if volatile, region.
5-Digit Number: 17270 | Wed, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m., 4/10 – 5/8
Location: Sweadner Hall | Tuition: $40.00, Fee: $109.00, Total: $149.00
MD residents age 60+ pay fee only
Instructor: Linda Pappas Funsch, a 16-year veteran instructor in the ILR 55+ community, is a career specialist in
modern Middle Eastern history and Islamic studies. With an MA in Near Eastern Studies from New York University,
she has studied, worked, and traveled extensively throughout the region. A freelance writer, consultant, and author,
Ms. Funsch’s latest book, “Oman Reborn: Balancing Tradition and Modernization,” was published 2015. She has taught
at both Hood College and Mount Saint Mary's University. She is a frequent speaker at scholarly symposia across the
U.S.including Georgetown University, the World Bank, and the Council on Foreign Relations. Ms. Funsch has escorted
several small-group study visits to the Middle East, including Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, and Oman.
Note for ILR348 and ILR349: Though optional, students are encouraged to purchase a companion text titled A Concise History of the Middle East,
12 edition, Routledge, The book will provide participants with a foundation upon which to understand today’s rapidly
unfolding events in the region with greater understanding and clarity.
History of the Modern Middle East: Part I & II • New Content Added!
SPRING 2019 •
WEDNESDAY COURSES
In Memoriam, Matt Bernota
March 2, 1942 - July 5, 2018
Matt Bernota worked as a high school educator for 30+ years. In
retirement, he taught continuing education classes at FCC, including
the popular Mornings with TED series in the ILR Program. He was known
for his great sense of unique humor, his enjoyment of golf, and love for
his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by his students.
"I took many of Matt's classes. He was wonderful leader for discussion
in our TED talks but I especially enjoyed his classes on past criminal cases.
He was a special teacher and I will really miss him." – Diane Kantner Picture of Matt Bernota (right)