This course will focus on one of the most famous American presidents. It will engage the key issues of JFKs time in office: the Cold War crises of Berlin, Cuba and Indo-China; the emerging Civil Rights movement, launching the space race; the controversies over Kennedy’s assassination, and his place in US history.
Course aim
The course aims to explain, assess and debate the events, policies and achievements of President John F. Kennedy’s administration between his election victory in 1960 to his assassination in 1963.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- No skills or experience needed
- This course is suitable for beginners and improvers
- Students need a Level 1 qualification in English to join this course
- Students need a level 2 qualification in English to join this course
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Explain and understand the Kennedy presidency within an historical perspective
- Utilize evidence from a range of sources
- Demonstrate knowledge and awareness of differing historical explanations, debates and interpretations.
- Present and communicate ideas and views in oral responses and written formats
- Understand the nature, importance and relevance of historical enquiry
How will I be taught?
- The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
- You may be asked to undertake additional work in your own time to support your learning
- You will be expected to carry out a range of activities in your own time
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- A range of informal activities will be used by the tutor to see what you are learning which may include quizzes, question and answer, small projects and discussion
- You will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor
- You will be encouraged to share your work with the group and discuss your learning
- You will be encouraged to consider other students work and give your opinions and suggestions
- A file of work will be kept which will help to record your progress
- There will be a number of tasks appropriate to your course such as written work, creating art or craft, video, photography or small projects. Some of these may be marked to help you progress
What else do I need to know?
- All materials will be provided
- A selection of materials and basic equipment will be provided but you are welcome to bring additional materials with you
- It would be helpful if you had access to the internet (Mobile phone, tablet or computer at home or through a library etc.)
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading is required but research on the subject on the internet or in the library may be helpful
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Progress to a course with another provider
- Become involved as a volunteer for a WEA partner or another organisation
- You could progress to Higher Education courses. Follow link to the PEARL website for information http://pearl.open.ac.uk/
- Access the WEA What Next? booklet here http://www.wea.org.uk/learn-wea/what-can-i-do-next
Download full course information sheet
