Shmoop
ELA.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.10
Assess whether your class members can comprehend complex informational text with a series of drills based on selections from Emerson, Thoreau, and G.K. Chesterton. The exercises could also be used for group work or a full-class discussion.
Walden Woods Project
19th Century Lessons for 21st Century Lives
The words of Henry David Thoreau on Civil Disobedience seem particularly relevant today, as are his writings and those of other transcendental thinkers who ask what it mean to live deliberately and what are the responsibilities of...
Curated OER
Approaching Walden: Paths to Emerson and Thoreau
Young scholars explore readings from Emerson, Thoreau and Melville. In preparation for writing, students sit in a quiet, tranquil location and observe their surroundings. Later, they recreate the experience by putting it into words. ...
Curated OER
Thoreau, Emerson, and Transcendentalism
Tackle Transcendentalist literature with these questions. This resource provides 14 essay questions that cover different works by Thoreau and Emerson. Class members may also access an online quiz on the selection using the link at the...
Curated OER
Dipping Into the Pond: Transcendentalism and Us
Eleventh graders have a basic comprehension of transcendentalism and a familiarity with the principal propenents of the philosophy. They recognize of the unique role played by Concord, MA in the dispersion of transcendentalism. ...
Curated OER
The Legacy of Emerson and Thoreau
Eleventh graders are introduced to Transcendentalism through the writing of Emerson and Thoreau. They keep a journal in which they respond to quotes and prompts. Students write longer essays on conformity, being alone and a "field...
Curated OER
Thoreau, Emerson, and Transcendentalism
For this online interactive reading comprehension worksheet, students respond to 13 multiple choice questions based on the Transcendentalist literary movement. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
Curated OER
A Literature of Democracy
Eleventh graders analyze how American literature shows a lot of different genres. In groups, 11th graders create a short report about the passage they have chosen.
Curated OER
Marching to the Beat of a Different Drum
Henry David Thoreau and Linda Ronstadt? Ann Tyler and Pete Townshend? Joyce Carol Oates and Pearl Jam? This richly detailed plan pairs classic literature with contemporary music and asks learners to analyze how the theme of conformity is...
Curated OER
Anonymous Patriots: Songs of the Revolution
Give your class a deeper understanding of the context and meaning behind early American song lyrics. By reading the lyrics to "Yankee Doodle" and "Revolutionary Tea," high schoolers will practice analysis by examining the structure and...
Curated OER
The Evolution of Transcendentalism
Key concepts, major writers, and historical events related to Transcendentalism are explored in a student-produced PowerPoint about this movement. The presentation could be used as an introduction to a unit or as a model that class...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Transcendentalism, an American Philosophy
A good look at the first major American philosophy, transcendentalism. Read about the ideas that transcendentalists believed, and find out the members of the Transcendental Club. Many American authors of the time espoused the ideals of...
Eserver
E Server: The Thoreau Reader: "Cape Cod"
The Thoreau Reader includes a full online text of Henry David Thoreau's compelling book-length commentary on nature and society, "Cape Cod." Also includes maps, reviews, and further links and information to this work.
Eserver
E Server: The Thoreau Reader: Text/analysis of "The Maine Woods"
Includes the entire e-text of Thoreau's (1817-1862 CE) "Maine Woods," as well as maps of his movement, contemporary and modern reviews, and links to other sites on this work.
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors: Web English Teacher: Henry David Thoreau
Learn more about the author Henry David Thoreau when you explore this resource. This site provides links to lesson plans and activities for some of his works.
Eserver
E Server: The Thoreau Reader: Introduction to the Works of Thoreau
An excellent article detailing the major events of the life and works of Henry David Thoreau. Complete with links to Thoreau's most famous works and interesting details about his life.
Digital History
Digital History: American Transcendentalism
A detailed look at the philosophy behind American Transcendalism, and a discussion of many of those who practiced it.
Curated OER
American Writers: Emerson & Thoreau
An informational site on Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Includes general information about each one's life, works, and writings, including Nature and Walden. Also includes links to other sites.
Texas A&M University
American Transcendentalism Web
A scholarly site with many articles about American transcendental authors, their work, and philosophy.
Curated OER
Etc: The Concord Neighbourhood, 1830 1880
A map of the vicinity of Concord, Massachusetts, during the Transcendentalism Movement around 1830 to 1880. The map shows the important sites related to the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Bronson...