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Learner Reviews & Feedback for The Kennedy Half Century by University of Virginia

4.6
stars
489 ratings

About the Course

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....

Top reviews

JN

Jul 4, 2017

Larry Sabato is a true genius in political thought. Great realizing that he is fascinated by John Kennedy as I am. There was technical difficulty in Coursera realizing that I had finished the course.

KB

Oct 21, 2015

I really loved this class! Professor Sabato taught this class so eloquently and so well. I have studied the JFK Presidency and Assassination for years, and I loved learning more from this course.

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26 - 50 of 143 Reviews for The Kennedy Half Century

By Maddison C

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Jul 13, 2017

Really interesting and enjoyable. I really liked the wide range of topics the course covered from JFK's entire political career to his legacy all the way up to Obama. The course has enough detail to remain interesting the entire time yet is brief enough that the course can be completed quickly.

By Simon E C

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Jun 26, 2020

What an outstanding course full of interesting facts and beautifully presented by Professor Sabato who is both articulate and eloquent.Of all the history courses I have studied on Coursera this is without doubt thee best.I have recommended this course to all my friends and colleagues.

By Flavia C

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May 19, 2020

This was a very interesting course! The professor is knowledgeable, engaging and clearly passionate about the topic. Strongly recommended for history lovers, or for those who seek a greater understanding of the Kennedy legacy and its endurance.

By Julie A N

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Oct 25, 2016

WONDERFUL course! Mr. Sabato does a fabulous job. I have an undergraduate degree is US History with a focus on the 1960s. This course provided me with a much deeper understanding of the impact and role JFK played. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

By Jo A B

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May 7, 2020

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!!!

By Stacy L

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Apr 26, 2020

This course was very well-organized and focused on JFK's politics, policies, and legacy through the politics and policies of those who followed. I look forward to reading the book, which is authored by the course instructor.

By Mari S

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Jan 5, 2016

I really thank this course, I've wanted to study about Kennedy for all my life. Taking this course, I was able to see Kennedy from the American eye, how he was seen in his days, etc. It was really an exciting course!

By Elizabeth R

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Dec 31, 2015

Excellent. Informative. A real treat. Professor Sabato has compiled an engaging set of materials and offers a balanced insight into a half-century of Kennedy mystique. Worth doing the course twice in order to

By EK K

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Aug 24, 2020

As a Boston know-it-all, I did not expect to learn anything new. I was wrong. I absolutely loved this course - it was a wealth of information presented in such an engrossing manner. I loved every single lecture.

By Abigail P

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Jul 10, 2022

I am obsessed with learning all about Presidential history, especially about the assasinations, so this was a dream come true!! I loved it. It truly made me think. The instructor was also immaculate :)

By Ann M D

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Feb 23, 2016

I found this very informative. The only negative comment was the amount of times Professor suggested students to read his book suggests that the motive of the course is to sell more copies of the book.

By JoAnne N

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Jul 5, 2017

Larry Sabato is a true genius in political thought. Great realizing that he is fascinated by John Kennedy as I am. There was technical difficulty in Coursera realizing that I had finished the course.

By Kelly B

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Oct 22, 2015

I really loved this class! Professor Sabato taught this class so eloquently and so well. I have studied the JFK Presidency and Assassination for years, and I loved learning more from this course.

By Jonnye G

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Oct 28, 2021

Top Notch! A1 course..very super interesanting and informative. Learned new things, remembered old things too. ALso enjoy coursera.org very user friendly and easy to use. Kudos!

By Charles O

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May 13, 2020

Very well put together and presented. New information is provided even for us Boomers who grew up absorbing anything about the life, death and work of Kennedy.

Thank you very much.

By Olivia H

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Jun 5, 2019

Thanks Larry Sabato you're a legend! This course helped me so much and I chose to do my A level history coursework on Kennedy and got a good mark, in part due to this. Loved it :)

By Eric D F

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Jan 10, 2023

A phenomenal, non-biased review of JFK's life, politics, legacy, and influence. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to expand their knowledge of the Kennedy Half Century.

By Bridgette B

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Oct 22, 2015

This course is very good. I really am enjoying the insight. I have studied and read many books on the Kennedy's and I am happy with this class and the information provided.

By Lisa S

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Dec 17, 2016

Extremely interesting and detailed look at a topic which has captured the imagination of my generation. Many thanks to Professor Sabato and his team

By Elijah J O

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Dec 6, 2020

I did not know that President JFK's legacy would extend until the 45th President of the United States, Barack Obama. An interesting course to take.

By Brooke M

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Apr 11, 2016

Super informative. I love how the lectures are broken down and organized. Highly recommend this course to any JFk, history or political enthusiast!

By mohamed G

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Jun 4, 2018

Very resourcing course about half centery of USA history with the main actors president so influenced by legacy of legendary JFK .....enjoy it

By Bill L

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Feb 26, 2017

A fantastic course on a subject that I have been interested in since experiencing JFK's assaination as a child. Thank you Dr. Sabato!

By Madeleine W

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May 11, 2017

I absolutely loved this course. It was so interesting, I found myself racing through the lectures, because I wanted to find out more.

By Rebecca M

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Aug 23, 2020

an absolutely amazing course. finished it over summer while in quarantine as an extra bit of learning and thoroughly enjoyed it.