The centenary of the First World War is a time for reflection and exploration. In this short course you will discover just some of the ways that heroism is portrayed through art and film.

You will explore recruitment posters and the messages they portrayed for both those going to war and those staying at home, as well as researching WW1 art and curating your own online exhibition of paintings. You will then move on to explore contemporary German film consolidating your learning by reviewing a recent book, film, or TV programme about the First World War.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 7 seconds If you are interested in history, the recent centenary commemorations of World War I won’t have passed you by. We have all seen images and heard stories of those on the front line, as well as learning about those left to manage at home.

Skip to 0 minutes and 24 seconds Through videos, activities, and quizzes, this course will look at just some of the ways in which art and film have been used to tell these stories. We start by exploring recruitment posters, and consider how the words and images changed as the war progressed. We look at war art, and you have the opportunity to curate your own online exhibition. In the second week, we move on to look at film– specifically, contemporary German film. And you are encouraged to review a film, book, or TV programme. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to research and discuss topics with learners from around the world.

Skip to 1 minute and 5 seconds Sign up now to World War I Heroism: Through Art and Film.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

Available now
22 Apr 2024

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

Who is the course for?

No previous knowledge is required, just an interest in history, art or film specifically related to the First World War . If you are new to learning online you will find it helpful to join Learning online: learning and collaborating prior to joining this course.

Who will you learn with?

Alison Fell

A Professor of French Cultural History, my research focuses on French and British women and WW1. I lead a WW1 Centenary project called Legacies of War: arts.leeds.ac.uk/legaciesofwar

Who developed the course?

University of Leeds

As one of the UK’s largest research-based universities, the University of Leeds is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and a centre of excellence for teaching.

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