Lesson One - Dulce Et Decorum Est: Introduction

Introduction

Lesson One - "Dulce Et Decorum Est"
Duration - 3 blocks (3 x 80 min + homework)

"Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori." - Latin motto

When presented with a decision to be made, there are a wide variety of reasons why people react and respond in the ways in which they do. In this unit, through the study of various texts, we are going to consider the question, "What idea does the text creator develop about the nature of motivations that direct an individual's course of action?"

"It is a sweet and glorious thing to die for one's country." How do you feel about this statement? Would you be willing to put your life on the line to protect your country, your way of life? Would it be "sweet and glorious" to die for Canada? In the first text studied in this unit, we will take a look at what World War One poet, Wilfred Owen considered "the old lie".