- Level Foundation
- Duration 9 hours
- Course by University of Virginia
-
Offered by
About
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.Modules
Introduction
2
Videos
- Introduction
- JFK: Rise to Power
Legislative Career, the National Stage, and Presidential Campaign
3
Videos
- Kennedy's Legislative Career
- JFK Takes to the National Stage
- Campaign for the Presidency
Religion and Politics and the 1960 Debate
2
Videos
- Religion and Politics
- The 1960 Debates
Heading to Election Day and the 1960 Election
2
Videos
- Heading to Election Day
- The 1960 Election
Inauguration, Civil Rights, and the Space Program
3
Videos
- Kennedy's Inauguration: The Torch is Passed
- Civil Rights
- The Space Program
1
Readings
- Resources
The Bay of Pigs and Berlin Crisis
2
Videos
- Containing Communism: The Bay of Pigs Disaster
- The Berlin Crisis
The Cuban Missile Crisis
2
Videos
- The Cuban Missile Crisis Part 1
- The Cuban Missile Crisis Part 2
The Assassination
3
Videos
- The Assassination
- The Assassination: Parkland Hospital, a New President, & a National Funeral
- The 50th Anniversary Ceremony in Dallas
Oswald
1
Videos
- Oswald
The Assassination and Warren Commission
6
Videos
- The Assassination: Ballistic Evidence
- The Assassination: Physical Evidence
- The Warren Commission
- The Mysterious Motorcycle
- The Dictabelt
- New Information Since the 50th
Conspiracy Theories
2
Videos
- Conspiracy Theories I
- Conspiracy Theories II
President Lyndon Johnson
3
Videos
- President Lyndon Johnson I
- President Lyndon Johnson II
- President Lyndon Johnson III
Presidents Nixon and Ford
2
Videos
- President Richard Nixon
- President Gerald Ford
President Jimmy Carter
2
Videos
- President Jimmy Carter, Part One
- President Jimmy Carter, Part Two
President Ronald Reagan
3
Videos
- President Ronald Reagan I
- President Ronald Reagan II
- President Ronald Reagan III
Presidents H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton
2
Videos
- President George H.W. Bush
- President Bill Clinton
Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama
2
Videos
- President George W. Bush
- President Barack Obama
Conclusion
2
Videos
- Conclusion: A Flame Eternal?
- Who Was the Real JFK
Final Exam
1
Assignment
- Final
Auto Summary
Discover the enduring impact of one of America's most iconic leaders with "The Kennedy Half Century," an insightful course offered by Coursera. Delve into the life, presidency, assassination, and lasting legacy of President John F. Kennedy, and understand how his influence continues to shape modern politics and public perception. Led by an expert in the field, this foundational course spans 540 minutes of engaging content, meticulously examining JFK's administration and the profound effects of his tragic death on subsequent U.S. presidents and the media. Explore why Kennedy's legacy remains a powerful force in American political culture and how his words and actions are still referenced by contemporary leaders. Ideal for learners seeking to grasp the complexities of historical and modern political challenges, this course offers flexible subscription options, including Starter and Professional plans, to cater to your learning needs. Join us in unraveling the Kennedy legacy and gain a deeper understanding of its ongoing relevance. Follow the conversation and stay updated with course insights on Twitter @JFKclass.

Professor Larry J. Sabato