Lesson
Courage Under Fire: The Selfless Decision of John Robert Fox
In this lesson, students will learn about the actions of John Robert Fox during the Italian campaign during World War II. Through his example, students will understand how they can act more selflessly in their own lives.
Founding Principles
Guiding questions
Walk-In-The-Shoes Questions
As you read, imagine you are the protagonist.
- What challenges are you facing?
- What fears or concerns might you have?
- What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?
Observation Questions
- Who was John Robert Fox?
- What did John Robert Fox do on the cold day in December of 1944?
- How did the selfless actions of John Robert Fox help the allied effort against the Gothic Line in Italy in 1944?
Discussion Questions
Discuss the following questions with your students.
- What is the historical context of the narrative?
- What historical circumstances presented a challenge to the protagonist?
- How and why did the individual exhibit a moral and/or civic virtue in facing and overcoming the challenge?
- How did the exercise of the virtue benefit civil society?
- How might the exercise of the virtue benefit the protagonist?
- What might the exercise of the virtue cost the protagonist?
- Would you react the same under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
- How can you act similarly in your own life? What obstacles must you overcome in order to do so?
Learning objectives
- Students will explore the actions of John Robert Fox
- Students will understand how his selfless actions helped the allied cause and the soldiers he served with
- Students will learn the importance of being selfless in their own lives
Lesson Components
Standards
Advanced Placement
- Courage,
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