Transcendentalism and Civil Disobedience

August 25, 2015

E.Q: How do transcendentalists represent America during this time period?

What is transcendentalism?

Obj: I can interpret the representation of America during the 1830's-1850's through the eyes of a transcendentalist.

I can interpret the meaning of transcendentalism.

Starter:

Read the article on ushistory.org about Transcendentalism, An American Philosophy.

Take Cornell Notes while reading.

Write any questions that you still may have.

This is to help clear up any misunderstandings from yesterday.

 

 

Vocabulary:

Literary Term: Transcend

Part of Speech: Verb

Dictionary Definition: be or go beyond the range or limits of (something abstract, typically a conceptual field or division).

Your Definition:

Activity: Answer the question: How does this relate to ideas in transcendentalism?

Term: Expedient

Part of Speech: Noun

Dictionary Definition:a means of attaining an end, especially one that is convenient but considered improper or immoral.

Your Definition: 

Activity: Use the word in a sentence.

Activity:

1.  Expert Groups

In groups, you will create posters to increase background knowledge of our next literary period.

I will assign you each a topic, and you will be responsible for educating the class.

Consider

Key Events

Places

Movements

Pictures/ Charts/ Timeline. Etc.

Topics:

Age of Revolution

1. War of 1812

2. Mexican American War

3. Louisiana Purchase

4.  Life of women and slaves during this time.

Authors

1.  Ralph Waldo Emerson

2.  Henry David Thoreau

Influence

Buddhism/Spirituality influence of Transcendentalism

Make sure that these contain accurate information and are visually appealing.

  2. Presentations

You will present these posters to the class.

3.  Civil Disobedience

We will begin reading Civil Disobedience today.

As we read, use the Scrible toolbar to annotate.

Discussion Questions:

Interpret the quotes, "That government is best which governs least" and, "That government is best which governs not at all" (Thoreau 1).

Analyze and interpret Thoreau's opinion on the Mexican war.

 Analyze and interpret Thoreau's opinion of the army.

4.  TPEQEA

Based on the first four pages of Civil Disobedience, what type of change does Thoreau want?

Answer this question in a TPEQEA paragraph and make sure to include the QUOTE.

Homework

 Complete the TPEQEA paragraph.

Closure:

Identify and explain the conflict in Civil Disobedience.