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.

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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.

Syllabus

WEEK 1: John F. Kennedy's Rise to Power

WEEK 2: The Kennedy Presidency and Assassination

WEEK 3: The Kennedy Legacy Begins

WEEK 4: The Kennedy Effect Over Fifty Years

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Course Auditing

Coursera

University of Virginia