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Professor Larry J. Sabato
When John F. Kennedy entered the presidential limousine at Love Field in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963, he began his ride into history. That journey continues even today and we call it the Kennedy legacy.
This course will explore the Presidency, assassination, and lasting legacy of President John F. Kennedy. Students will learn how JFK’s life, administration, and tragic death have influenced the general public, the media, and each of the nine U.S. presidents who followed.
Read more
When John F. Kennedy entered the presidential limousine at Love Field in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963, he began his ride into history. That journey continues even today and we call it the Kennedy legacy.
This course will explore the Presidency, assassination, and lasting legacy of President John F. Kennedy. Students will learn how JFK’s life, administration, and tragic death have influenced the general public, the media, and each of the nine U.S. presidents who followed.
Read more
When John F. Kennedy entered the presidential limousine at Love Field in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963, he began his ride into history. That journey continues even today and we call it the Kennedy legacy.
This course will explore the Presidency, assassination, and lasting legacy of President John F. Kennedy. Students will learn how JFK’s life, administration, and tragic death have influenced the general public, the media, and each of the nine U.S. presidents who followed.
Understanding the Kennedy legacy and being able to identify elements of his legacy within the context of modern politics helps understand many of the vexing problems that developed over the last half century as well as many of the challenges that confront us today.
November 22, 1963 was so powerful a moment that in the fifty years since the assassination, every U.S. President that followed JFK has used Kennedy’s words and actions in an effort to craft their own political image. Why does Kennedy’s influence persist, and will it continue? What are the effects?
We’ll address these questions and more as we explore The Kennedy Half Century.
Follow on Twitter: @JFKclass.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/a45u9w/the
What's inside
Syllabus
John F. Kennedy's Rise to Power
The Kennedy Presidency and Assassination
The Kennedy Legacy Begins
Read more
Syllabus
John F. Kennedy's Rise to Power
The Kennedy Presidency and Assassination
The Kennedy Legacy Begins
Read more
The Kennedy Effect Over Fifty Years
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Engaging and relevant examination of a significant historical event and its enduring impact on American politics
Follows a presidential assassination, the decades-long legacy, and its effects on post-JFK presidents
Taught by Larry J. Sabato, a respected political scientist known for his expertise on presidential politics
Provides a comprehensive study of the Kennedy legacy and its continuing influence on modern politics
Examines the interplay between media, culture, and the evolution of the Kennedy legacy
Save this course
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Reviews summary
Kennedy's lasting legacy
Learners say this course superbly examines JFK's presidency and legacy. Students are impressed with the historical footage, videos, and lectures used throughout this course. The engaging assignments and brilliant instructor help with understanding this historical figure.
The instructor provides a well-balanced view of JFK's life and times.
"Excellent! I would also encourage anyone taking this course to read, Professor Sabato's companion book, "The Kennedy Half Century" which goes in depth with the life of John F. Kennedy's . An excellent read! BRAVO, Prof. Sabato!!!"
"This was a very interesting course! The professor is knowledgeable, engaging and clearly passionate about the topic."
This course highlights how JFK's legacy continues to influence politics today.
"The life and legacy of one of the most charismatic political leaders, who helped to shape the world we live in."
"This course has helped me to understand the perspectives and experiences of those who were adults at that time."
"Certainly, JFK and Kennedy's family has impacted America in more ways one could imagine and their influence on American history is something that anyone cannot ignore."
Some reviewers found the course to be too focused on the instructor's book.
"The course spent too much time on the details of the assassination; the discussion of the following half century was weak, with a peculiar emphasis on tax cuts and military action -- did terrorism 'restore purpose' to America's foreign policy? The frequent exhortations to consult the professor's book for important details were particularly vexing. "
"I really wish he didn't flog his book so much, and looked into why the Kennedy mystique was/is so powerful."
"I think that from the outset it should have been made clearer that most of the course content is based on the instructor's book"
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in The Kennedy Half Century with these
activities:
Review key terms and concepts related to 20th-century American history
Show steps
Provides a solid foundation for understanding the context of Kennedy's presidency.
Browse courses on
American History
Show steps
-
Review a list of key terms and concepts.
-
Define and explain each term in your own words.
-
Identify the connections between these terms and the Kennedy era.
Create a timeline of Kennedy's presidency
Show steps
Enhances understanding of the sequence and significance of key events during Kennedy's presidency.
Browse courses on
American History
Show steps
-
Gather information about major events during Kennedy's presidency.
-
Organize the events chronologically.
-
Create a visual representation of the timeline using a tool like Google Timeline.
Participate in a discussion about Kennedy's impact on modern politics
Show steps
Encourages critical thinking and different perspectives by engaging with peers to discuss Kennedy's lasting impact.
Browse courses on
American Politics
Show steps
-
Prepare by reading articles and watching videos about Kennedy's influence.
-
Participate in a peer discussion, sharing thoughts and ideas.
-
Listen attentively to others' perspectives and engage in respectful dialogue.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read Profiles in Power
Show steps
Provides foundational understanding of how Kennedy made decisions and exerted influence.
View
The American Century: A History of the United...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read Chapter 5, 'Kennedy in the White House'.
-
Read Chapter 6, 'The Craft of Decision'.
-
Read Chapter 7, 'The Uses of Influence'.
Read A Thousand Days
Show steps
Provides an in-depth account of Kennedy's presidency, including his successes and failures.
View
Robert Kennedy and His Times: 40th Anniversary...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read Chapter 16, 'The Missiles of October'.
-
Read Chapter 17, 'The Bay of Pigs'.
-
Read Chapter 21, 'Civil Rights'.
Analyze Kennedy's speeches
Show steps
Develops critical thinking and analytical skills by examining Kennedy's powerful use of language.
Browse courses on
Public Speaking
Show steps
-
Select two of Kennedy's speeches from different contexts (e.g., Inaugural Address, Cuban Missile Crisis).
-
Identify and analyze the rhetorical devices used in each speech, such as metaphors, analogies, and repetition.
-
Compare and contrast the use of rhetoric in the two speeches and discuss how it contributed to their effectiveness.
Design a commemorative stamp honoring Kennedy's legacy
Show steps
Fosters creativity and deepens understanding of Kennedy's lasting impact by designing a stamp that symbolizes his legacy.
Browse courses on
Graphic Design
Show steps
-
Research Kennedy's life and accomplishments.
-
Brainstorm ideas for a design that captures the essence of his legacy.
-
Create a digital or physical prototype of the stamp.
-
Write a brief explanation of the symbolism behind the design.
Contribute to a Wikipedia article related to Kennedy
Show steps
Develops research, writing, and collaborative skills while contributing to a credible source of information about Kennedy.
Show steps
-
Identify a Wikipedia article related to Kennedy that needs improvement.
-
Research and gather reliable sources to support your edits.
-
Make edits to the article, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and neutrality.
-
Submit your edits and engage in discussions with other editors if necessary.
Review key terms and concepts related to 20th-century American history
Show steps
Provides a solid foundation for understanding the context of Kennedy's presidency.
Browse courses on
American History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review a list of key terms and concepts.
- Define and explain each term in your own words.
- Identify the connections between these terms and the Kennedy era.
Create a timeline of Kennedy's presidency
Show steps
Enhances understanding of the sequence and significance of key events during Kennedy's presidency.
Browse courses on
American History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather information about major events during Kennedy's presidency.
- Organize the events chronologically.
- Create a visual representation of the timeline using a tool like Google Timeline.
Participate in a discussion about Kennedy's impact on modern politics
Show steps
Encourages critical thinking and different perspectives by engaging with peers to discuss Kennedy's lasting impact.
Browse courses on
American Politics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Prepare by reading articles and watching videos about Kennedy's influence.
- Participate in a peer discussion, sharing thoughts and ideas.
- Listen attentively to others' perspectives and engage in respectful dialogue.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read Profiles in Power
Show steps
Provides foundational understanding of how Kennedy made decisions and exerted influence.
View
The American Century: A History of the United...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read Chapter 5, 'Kennedy in the White House'.
- Read Chapter 6, 'The Craft of Decision'.
- Read Chapter 7, 'The Uses of Influence'.
Read A Thousand Days
Show steps
Provides an in-depth account of Kennedy's presidency, including his successes and failures.
View
Robert Kennedy and His Times: 40th Anniversary...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read Chapter 16, 'The Missiles of October'.
- Read Chapter 17, 'The Bay of Pigs'.
- Read Chapter 21, 'Civil Rights'.
Analyze Kennedy's speeches
Show steps
Develops critical thinking and analytical skills by examining Kennedy's powerful use of language.
Browse courses on
Public Speaking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select two of Kennedy's speeches from different contexts (e.g., Inaugural Address, Cuban Missile Crisis).
- Identify and analyze the rhetorical devices used in each speech, such as metaphors, analogies, and repetition.
- Compare and contrast the use of rhetoric in the two speeches and discuss how it contributed to their effectiveness.
Design a commemorative stamp honoring Kennedy's legacy
Show steps
Fosters creativity and deepens understanding of Kennedy's lasting impact by designing a stamp that symbolizes his legacy.
Browse courses on
Graphic Design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research Kennedy's life and accomplishments.
- Brainstorm ideas for a design that captures the essence of his legacy.
- Create a digital or physical prototype of the stamp.
- Write a brief explanation of the symbolism behind the design.
Contribute to a Wikipedia article related to Kennedy
Show steps
Develops research, writing, and collaborative skills while contributing to a credible source of information about Kennedy.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a Wikipedia article related to Kennedy that needs improvement.
- Research and gather reliable sources to support your edits.
- Make edits to the article, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and neutrality.
- Submit your edits and engage in discussions with other editors if necessary.
Career center
Learners who complete The Kennedy Half Century will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Historian, Public
Historian, Public
As a Historian, Public, you interpret and communicate history to the public. This may include working in a variety of settings, such as museums, historical sites, and the media. The Kennedy Half Century provides in-depth knowledge about the presidency of John F. Kennedy, including his policies, accomplishments, and legacy. This course may help you develop the research and communication skills necessary for success in this field.
Historian
Historian
As an Historian, you research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past. This may include working in a variety of settings, such as universities, museums, libraries, and government agencies. The Kennedy Half Century provides in-depth knowledge about the presidency of John F. Kennedy, including his policies, accomplishments, and legacy. This course may help you develop the research and analytical skills necessary for success in this field.
Journalist
Journalist
As a Journalist, you gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. This may include working in a variety of settings, such as newspapers, magazines, and television news. The Kennedy Half Century provides in-depth knowledge about the presidency of John F. Kennedy, including his policies, accomplishments, and legacy. This course may help you develop the research and writing skills necessary for success in this field.
Political Scientist
Political Scientist
As a Political Scientist, you study politics and government. This may include working in a variety of settings, such as universities, government agencies, and think tanks. The Kennedy Half Century provides valuable insights into the history of the United States, including the presidency of John F. Kennedy. This knowledge may be helpful in understanding the context of political events and institutions.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
As a Policy Analyst, you research and analyze public policy issues. This may include working in a variety of settings, such as government agencies, think tanks, and non-profit organizations. The Kennedy Half Century provides valuable insights into the history of the United States, including the presidency of John F. Kennedy. This knowledge may be helpful in understanding the context of public policy issues and debates.
Speechwriter
Speechwriter
As a Speechwriter, you write speeches for public figures. This may include working in a variety of settings, such as government agencies, corporations, and non-profit organizations. The Kennedy Half Century provides valuable insights into the history of the United States, including the presidency of John F. Kennedy. This knowledge may be helpful in understanding the context of speeches and public addresses.
Archivist, Motion Pictures
Archivist, Motion Pictures
As an Archivist, Motion Pictures, you preserve and manage motion picture films and other audiovisual materials. This may include working in a variety of settings, such as archives, libraries, and museums. The Kennedy Half Century provides valuable insights into the history of the United States, including the presidency of John F. Kennedy. This knowledge may be helpful in understanding the context of motion picture films and other audiovisual materials.
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialist
As a Public Relations Specialist, you manage the public image of organizations and individuals. This may include working in a variety of settings, such as corporations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. The Kennedy Half Century provides valuable insights into the history of the United States, including the presidency of John F. Kennedy. This knowledge may be helpful in understanding the context of public relations campaigns and strategies.
Archivist
Archivist
As an Archivist, you manage and preserve historical documents and records. This may include working in a variety of settings, such as libraries, museums, and government agencies. The Kennedy Half Century provides valuable insights into the history of the United States, including the presidency of John F. Kennedy. This knowledge may be helpful in understanding the significance of historical documents and records.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Manager
As a Nonprofit Manager, you oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. This may include working in a variety of settings, such as social services, education, and the arts. The Kennedy Half Century provides valuable insights into the history of the United States, including the presidency of John F. Kennedy. This knowledge may be helpful in understanding the context of nonprofit organizations and their missions.
Teacher
Teacher
As a Teacher, you help students learn and develop. This may include working in a variety of settings, such as public schools, private schools, and homeschooling. The Kennedy Half Century provides valuable insights into the history of the United States, including the presidency of John F. Kennedy. This knowledge may be helpful in understanding the context of historical events and documents.
Consultant
Consultant
As a Consultant, you provide advice and expertise to organizations on a variety of topics. This may include working in a variety of settings, such as management consulting, financial consulting, and human resources consulting. The Kennedy Half Century provides valuable insights into the history of the United States, including the presidency of John F. Kennedy. This knowledge may be helpful in understanding the context of business and management issues.
Lawyer
Lawyer
As a Lawyer, you advise and represent clients on legal matters. This may include working in a variety of settings, such as law firms, corporations, and government agencies. The Kennedy Half Century provides valuable insights into the history of the United States, including the presidency of John F. Kennedy. This knowledge may be helpful in understanding the context of legal issues and precedents.
Museum curator
Museum curator
As Museum Curator, you oversee the operations of a museum or gallery. This may include managing collections, planning and organizing exhibits, conducting research, and developing educational programs. The Kennedy Half Century provides relevant information about the history of the United States, including the presidency of John F. Kennedy. This knowledge may be helpful in understanding the context of historical artifacts and exhibits.
Librarian
Librarian
As a Librarian, you help people find and access information. This may include working in a variety of settings, such as public libraries, school libraries, and university libraries. The Kennedy Half Century provides a broad overview of the history of the United States, including the presidency of John F. Kennedy. This knowledge may be helpful in understanding the context of historical events and documents.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/a45u9w/the
Reading list
We've selected 14 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
The Kennedy Half Century.
Comprehensive examination of the Kennedy presidency, assassination, and legacy.
Provides a detailed account of the assassination of John F. Kennedy and its aftermath.
Save
Collection of biographical essays on eight U.S. senators who demonstrated courage in the face of adversity. It provides insight into Kennedy's own values and leadership style.
Presents transcripts of White House tapes from the Cuban Missile Crisis, providing insights into Kennedy's decision-making process.
Examines the Kennedy and Johnson presidencies and their impact on American culture and politics.
Assesses the impact of John F. Kennedy's presidency on American politics and culture.
Save
Provides a critical account of the Kennedy administration and its role in the Vietnam War.
Provides a thorough analysis of the assassination of John F. Kennedy, challenging the official narrative and presenting new evidence.
Save
Presents a transcript of a lost interview with John F. Kennedy, providing insights into his thoughts and beliefs.
Examines the Kennedy administration's response to the perceived missile gap with the Soviet Union.
Presents a critical analysis of the official investigation into the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
Provides a biography of Winston Churchill, who was a close friend and ally of John F. Kennedy.
Provides a vivid account of Winston Churchill's leadership during the Battle of Britain.
Provides a detailed account of the 1960 presidential election, in which John F. Kennedy was elected.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/a45u9w/the
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Effort
9 hours of videos and quizzes
Level
Introductory
Via
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Institution
University of Virginia
Instructor
Professor Larry J. Sabato
Language
English
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Good to know
Engaging and relevant examination of a significant historical event and its enduring impact on American politics
Follows a presidential assassination, the decades-long legacy, and its effects on post-JFK presidents
Taught by Larry J. Sabato, a respected political scientist known for his expertise on presidential politics
Provides a comprehensive study of the Kennedy legacy and its continuing influence on modern politics
Examines the interplay between media, culture, and the evolution of the Kennedy legacy
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