Summer Springboard
US History
ON THE CAMPUS OF CAL POLY SLO
INVESTIGATE HOW WE DETERMINE TRUTH BY EXAMINING THE JFK ASSASSINATION THROUGH HISTORICAL EVIDENCE, COMPETING NARRATIVES AND A STUDENT-LED MOCK TRIAL.
THIS IS A TWO-WEEK PROGRAM WHERE YOU’LL FOCUS ON ONE COURSE FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION.
US History @ Cal Poly SLO
- Examine US political history in the mid 1960s.
- Develop research skills to consider multiple viewpoints.
- Assess relative validity of types of historical information.
- Analyze and evaluate complex and sometimes contradictory information/ideas.
- Participate in a mock trial.
Summer Springboard
US History
About This Course
How do we evaluate evidence and to determine what we believe and what we deem as truth? Through an in-depth examination of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and enduring controversy, students will review how it happened, who was involved, and the plausibility of a conspiracy to cover-up truth surrounding the crime. Students will examine an array of written, physical, and photographic and video evidence, along with eye-witness accounts.They will consider the impact or memory, perception, and other external events on a singular moment in time. The activities will culminate with a judged mock trial conducted by students-each in a defined role-of the one suspect officially named as the lone assassin by the federal government.
TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE
Hands-on Learning
Investigating this case-study will draw on a variety of social science skills that can be applied to any major or profession including:
- Critical thinking, such as in assessing relative validity of types of historical information (physical, eyewitness, visual, scientific)
- Analytical skills, such as taking complex information/ideas and putting them into smaller parts to form conclusions
- Communication skills, in taking an active part in the mock trial of Oswald
- Research skills, by learning about and evaluating complex evidence and information, from multiple points of view
- Historical perspective, by learning how opinions and evidence regarding the nature of the assassination and its impact on society has changed over the past 62 years.
Career Exploration
Students will visit the History Center and the Spanish Mission to consider the presentation and interpretation of historical information. They will consider the implications of information from multiple sources and perspectives as it relates to history and our everyday lives.
RESOURCES
Course Infosheet
Click here to view or download the printable infosheet for this course.
Program Catalog
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Campus Page
Click here to view the website page for this campus and learn more.
“Summer Springboard was such a great time and I believe I have met some lifelong friends here. I really got to know the career path I want to pursue.”
– Sophia W. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
US History
Meet Your Instructor
Courses are taught by accomplished and passionate faculty recruited from many area colleges, universities and professional forums. Each faculty member is selected for their subject area expertise and proven ability to both challenge and captivate students.
DR. ROGER HALL
“The Summer Springboard program is a great chance to learn more about different fields of education and the college experience, while also meeting new people.”
– E. Watanabe | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
US History
Dates & Tuition
| 2026 Dates |
|---|
| Session 1: July 5 – July 17, 2026 |
Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
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| Residential Tuition: $5,398 |
| Commuter Tuition: $2,998 |
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
| Location |
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| City: San Luis Obispo |
| State: California |
| Campus: Cal Poly SLO |
Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly, UW Foster and NYSID which are run in partnership with SSB). Universities and their affiliated departments and partners do not control and are not responsible or liable in any manner for any part of the Summer Springboard program.