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The Kennedy Half Century

Approx. 9 hours to complete

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Course Summary

In this course, you will explore the life, legacy, and leadership of President John F. Kennedy. Gain insight into his political and personal life, as well as his impact on American society and global affairs.

Key Learning Points

Learn about JFK's leadership style and the challenges he faced during his presidency
Explore JFK's foreign policy initiatives, including the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Cold War
Examine JFK's legacy and how he continues to influence American politics and society today

Learning Outcomes

Understand JFK's leadership style and the challenges he faced
Gain insight into JFK's foreign policy initiatives and their impact
Examine JFK's legacy and how it continues to shape American society and politics

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

No prior knowledge of JFK or US history required
Interest in leadership, politics, and history

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Pre-recorded video lectures
Quizzes and assignments
Discussion forums

Similar Courses

Leadership and Influence
US Political Institutions
The Cold War

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Robert Dallek
Doris Kearns Goodwin
Michael Beschloss

Related Books

Description

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.

Outline

John F. Kennedy's Rise to Power
Introduction
JFK: Rise to Power
Kennedy's Legislative Career
JFK Takes to the National Stage
Campaign for the Presidency
Religion and Politics
The 1960 Debates
Heading to Election Day
The 1960 Election

The Kennedy Presidency and Assassination
Kennedy's Inauguration: The Torch is Passed
Civil Rights
The Space Program
Containing Communism: The Bay of Pigs Disaster
The Berlin Crisis
The Cuban Missile Crisis Part 1
The Cuban Missile Crisis Part 2
The Assassination
The Assassination: Parkland Hospital, a New President, & a National Funeral
The 50th Anniversary Ceremony in Dallas
Oswald
Resources

The Kennedy Legacy Begins
The Assassination: Ballistic Evidence
The Assassination: Physical Evidence
The Warren Commission
The Mysterious Motorcycle
The Dictabelt
New Information Since the 50th
Conspiracy Theories I
Conspiracy Theories II
President Lyndon Johnson I
President Lyndon Johnson II
President Lyndon Johnson III
President Richard Nixon
President Gerald Ford

The Kennedy Effect Over Fifty Years
President Jimmy Carter, Part One
President Jimmy Carter, Part Two
President Ronald Reagan I
President Ronald Reagan II
President Ronald Reagan III
President George H.W. Bush
President Bill Clinton
President George W. Bush
President Barack Obama
Conclusion: A Flame Eternal?
Who Was the Real JFK
Final

Summary of User Reviews

The Kennedy Half Century course on Coursera has received positive reviews from users. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of John F. Kennedy's presidency and its impact on America. Many users appreciate the course's engaging content and knowledgeable instructor. However, some users have mentioned technical issues and a lack of interaction with other students as drawbacks.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

Engaging content and knowledgeable instructor

Pros from User Reviews

Comprehensive understanding of JFK's presidency and its impact on America
Engaging and informative content
Knowledgeable instructor
Flexible schedule
Access to course materials even after completion

Cons from User Reviews

Technical issues during lectures
Limited interaction with other students
Difficulty in obtaining feedback from the instructor
Inconsistent pacing of the course
Challenging quizzes and assignments

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