Trancendentalism

What is Trancendentalism? 

To find out, complete the following web quest.  (Make sure you are sitting in the correct number group and complete the task below that corresponds to your number.)  You may use the Dictionary.com app to define any unfamiliar vocabulary. 

Level 1

Watch this VIDEO on Youtube.  Answer the following questions:  

1. Explain the connection between nature and trancendentalism.   
2. According to the video, what do you need in order to figure out "the great mysteries of life?"
3. List 3 people that helped to develop Transcendentalism as a movement in American Literature.  

Level 2

Use the information on Philosophy Slam to answer the following questions about Henry David Thoreau:

• Why did Thoreau have to live away from society to learn about himself?
  
• Choose a quote from Thoreau. Explain what you think it means. How does it fit into transcendentalism? What does it tell you about your life?

Level 3

Use the information presented on the PBS Website to answer the following questions:  Name 3 Americans that are considered to be Transcendentalists.  Describe the main beliefs of each person that you listed by citing evidence from the website.   

Level 4

Use the information presented on the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy to answer the following questions:   What is Transcendentalism?  List 5 beliefs common to a person that is a Transcendentalist.  

Exit Slip

Answer the question that corresponds to the number you received.  Submit your answer by email before the end of the day. 

Level 1: Summarize the main idea of the Emerson excerpt.  Make sure to include at least 3 supporting details. 

Level 2:  Is Emerson a Transcendentalist?  Why or why not?  Use evidence from the passage to support your answer. 

Level 3:  If Emerson were to give a speech about global warming, what would he say?  Be sure to include 1 quote from the passage you read. 

Level 4:  Based on what you know about Emerson, how do you think he would feel about the use of technology in our present-day world?  Use evidence from the passage to support your answer.