The good folk at the University of Leeds have been in touch to tell  us about a great opportunity they've created. In association with the BBC, the university has developed a free, online course investigating the evolution of the concept of heroism in World War I. 

It promises to be an enlightening study programme, with emphasis on cultural and philosophical facets of the Great War that certainly bear exploration now, during the centenary. 

Here's what Leeds Uni had to say about the course:

Did World War I make heroism meaningless or was it the conflict that gave it the most meaning? The University of Leeds has designed a course in partnership with the BBC to help you explore, discuss and challenge the ways in which World War I heroism has been remembered. Our experts will take you through the changing British, French and German views of heroism and discuss important similarities and differences.

Through discussion and analysis of art, literature, film and television, guided by our experts, you will explore the portrayals of heroism before, during and after the war. Drawing on rarely seen archive, you will be curating a mini exhibition, exploring a war memorial and writing a review of a representation of war. You have the opportunity to exchange ideas on our online forum with other students and the experts leading the course

Working together we will examine the changing faces of heroism, from distant figureheads and brave warriors to the ordinary “Tommy” and front-line nurses. The emergence of alternative hero figures, including anti-war campaigners and vulnerable, shell shocked soldiers, is also covered. We hope you will join the University of Leeds and the BBC in a fascinating reflection on the place of heroism, in the centenary commemorations of World War 1.

To enrol on this free course  follow this link https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/ww1-heroism-2/details