Transcendentalism Introduction

January 29, 2018

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.9
Demonstrate knowledge of eighteenth-, nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century foundational works of American literature, including how two or more texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics.

EQ: Analyze major themes from the transcendental time period. 

Starter: 

Reflect back on Fridays seminar. 

Write a 5 sentence reflection on the quality of the seminar.

Consider your performance, class participation, questions, etc. 

Vocabulary: 

Word: Transcendentalism

Part of Speech: Noun

Dictionary Definition: an idealistic philosophical and social movement that developed in New England around 1836 in reaction to rationalism. Influenced by romanticism, Platonism, and Kantian philosophy, it taught that divinity pervades all nature and humanity, and its members held progressive views on feminism and communal living. Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau were central figures.

Your Definition: 

Activity: Connect modern day ideas to those held during the transcendental period.

Activity: 

1.  Five Pillars of Transcendentalism

Identify the five main ideas from the video.

2.  Examples of Transcendental Thought

You will complete the handout individually.

For each idea, find an example from a book, movie, TV show, etc.

Make sure to explain the meaning in detail.

We will share some of our ideas to the class. 

3.  Song of Myself

First Read.

Annotate the poem Song of Myself pages 125-129 

Discussion

What lines stood out to you?

What does it mean to "celebrate myself?"

What are the major underlying ideas and themes?

What is the significance of this poem coming after the Declaration of Independence?

Second Read

Answer the think questions on page 129.

Closure: 

What are two things you learned about yourself and transcendentalism today?