Introduction
This webquest will examine the Presdidential Debates from the 1960 Election between John F. Kennedy (D) and Richard M. Nixon (R).
Task
The students will use various resources to examine the famous 1960 Presidential debates between John Kennedy and Richard Nixon. Transcripts, video clips, and expert analysis will be provided for the students to analyze and study as they prepare to discuss the topic as a class and create a detailed comic strip depicting the debates.
Process
Primary Sources
Transcript
Transcript of the first-ever televised presidential debate from September 26, 1960.
http://debates.org/index.php?page=september-26-1960-debate-transcript
Analysis
Analysis of the debates and their importance and impact on American history, bringing the country to the modern era where technology has brought the public closer to the presidency.
https://www.maryferrell.org/pages/Kennedy-Nixon_Debates.html
Video Clip
YouTube clip of about 10 minutes showing an excerpt from the fourth and final presidential debate from October 21, 1960 where Kennedy and Nixon debate on the Cold War specifically.
Assignment
Dialogue Comic Strip
Students will create their own comic strip summarizing the debates based on the primary sources.
Evaluation
Rubric for Comic Strip
| Creativity | ________(5) |
| Accuracy | ________(10) |
|
Depth |
________(10) |
Conclusion
Reflection Questions
1. Who do you think won the debates?
2. What was the political importance of the debates?
3. What was the cultural importance of the debates?