WW1 Heroism: Through Art and Film
Learn to analyze WW1 art and film and interpret heroism
This short online course examines how heroism was represented around the First World War and how those images persist in later culture, studying recruitment posters, wartime paintings and contemporary German films to trace changing visual narratives of courage and duty.
It is designed to build practical skills in visual analysis, critical evaluation and exhibition curation through guided activities, peer discussion and short assessed tasks. Learners can expect a discussion-led format that emphasises evidence-based interpretation and concise reflective writing.
At a Glance
WW1 Heroism: Through Art and Film is a short online course from the University of Leeds that examines how ideas of heroism were represented during and after the First World War.
The course surveys recruitment posters, wartime and home-front paintings, and contemporary German films, and asks learners to produce reviews and reflective responses.
| Level | Beginner |
| Rating | 4.6 out of 5 |
| Duration | 2+ weeks |
| Languages | English |
| Certificate | Optional paid certificate (upgrade available) |
| Access | Free access to course materials during the course run; paid upgrade for extended access and certificate |
| Course includes |
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| Price | Free to access with an optional paid upgrade for certificate and extended access; also available via FutureLearn subscription |
What This Course Teaches
Learners will develop measurable competencies in interpreting visual propaganda and cultural portrayals and in producing evidence-based analyses and presentations of First World War media. Outcomes include assessing recruitment posters, analyzing wartime paintings, curating an exhibition, and evaluating recent books, films or TV programmes about the war.
How the Course Is Structured
The course is organised into eight short modules spread across two weeks, with each week grouping related activities, guided readings, and peer discussion steps.
Learners work through the full syllabus over the two-week program, completing eight module sections in sequence.
Curriculum overview
01Welcome▾
Introductions and an opportunity to meet fellow learners before study begins.
- Introduce yourself in the discussion forum
02British recruitment posters▾
Explores British recruitment posters to trace changes in heroic imagery before and during the war.
03WW1 paintings▾
Survey of paintings depicting warfare, soldiers, support staff, and home-front life, with guided analysis activities.
04Summary▾
Week one wrap-up, including an introduction to study options at the University of Leeds and a preview of week two.
05About Week 2▾
Framing for the second week, which shifts focus to contemporary film representations of heroism.
06Contemporary German films.▾
Examines recent German-produced or co-produced films to consider post-war representations of military heroism.
07Film reviews▾
Instructor reviews of discussed films followed by learner activity to create and share a review.
- Create and share a film review
08What next?▾
Final reflection, a short test of understanding, and pointers to further study in the series.
- Test your understanding
Audience & Requirements
The course is targeted primarily at school and college students preparing for further study, plus teachers and adult learners seeking a concise introduction to First World War cultural representations.
It suits students exploring university study options, educators seeking classroom enrichment, and general-interest learners who want a structured, discussion-led overview of WW1 art and film.
- School and college students considering university study in history, art history, or cultural studies.
- Teachers looking for classroom enrichment resources and discussion-led activities.
- Lifelong learners interested in WW1, visual propaganda, and film memory studies.
- Prospective undergraduates preparing personal statements or subject sampling.
- No special prerequisites or prior subject knowledge required.
- Basic English reading and writing to engage with texts and forum discussions.
- Access to at least one WW1-related book, film, or TV programme for the final evaluative task (library or streaming access may be needed).
- Willingness to write short reflective pieces and participate in peer discussion activities.
Final Verdict
WW1 Heroism: Through Art and Film is a concise, well-regarded introductory course that offers a low-risk way to engage with university-level materials on wartime visual culture. Given its positive rating and the platform’s free-access-plus-optional-certificate model, it represents good value for learners seeking a structured, discussion-led short course.
Recommended for school and college students exploring subject choices, teachers seeking classroom enrichment, and general-interest learners wanting a focused, evidence-based introduction; those seeking deep archival research or a specialist graduate-level treatment should consider longer, research-focused programmes instead.
