Changing Faces of Heroism since the First World War

A new online course about how the First World War changed traditional views of heroism is launched today by the University of Leeds, in partnership with the BBC. Starting in October, World War One: Changing Faces of Heroism, is a free online course that looks at the emergence of new kinds of heroes and heroines, such as ordinary ‘Tommies’ and front-line nurses, as well as alternative hero figures including anti-war campaigners. The three week course explores art, literature, film and television, where people will learn about the portrayals of heroism before, during and since the war. They will also be guided through an analysis of World War One heroic propaganda images and recruitment posters, and encouraged to curate their own exhibition of heroism in paintings using www.bbc.co.uk/yourpaintings. The course draws on the expertise of academics behind the University’s Legacies of War centenary project, as well as