Browse Hierarchy HST6730: The Kennedy Years

What sets apart the Special Subject from your previous undergraduate modules is the degree of specialization and the emphasis on primary sources. The basic aim of this Special Subject is to examine the presidency of John F. Kennedy from 1961 to 1963. This will involve an analysis of his handling of foreign policy issues such as Cuba, Berlin and Vietnam, his approach to key domestic issues such as civil rights, and his assassination. His iconic image and his character will also explored. This module is defined more broadly than this, however, and will foster an understanding of the global impact of American politics. The early part of the module will focus on Kennedy's career before reaching the White House and the 1960 presidential campaign. The latter part of the module will include an assessment of the presidency of Lyndon Johnson and the careers of JFK's brothers, Robert and Edward Kennedy, and his wife, Jackie. These topics will be examined by using a wide range of primary sources. Indeed developing the ability to examine documentation is one of the chief objectives of this module. This module MUST be taken in conjunction with HST6700 History Research Dissertation.