The Morgan School cultivates intellect and character in partnership with families and the
community. Students learn in a rigorous academic and student-centered environment that
prepares them to become resourceful, productive, healthy citizens in a global society.
TRANSCENDENTALISM PROJECT
Junior English Period D
Mrs. Chausse January 2012
Assignment: Create a project that captures the essence of transcendentalism. Your
project should show what the principles of transcendentalism are and how they influence
our world today. You must choose one specific genre to explore: television, film,
literature, politics, medicine, music, advertisements, pop culture, laws. Your
final project must include a works cited page. Make certain to directly cite
all material borrowed from other web sites. You may work with one or
two other people to create this project.
Suggestions:
Format:
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Content:
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Create a wiki space, website, voice thread, or,
Glogster, which captures the essence of transcendentalism. This
interactive, informative, visually appealing multimedia project should
explore transcendentalism in our world today. It should include
multiple levels of media. The words to Thoreau and Emerson and
other transcendentalist philosophers should directly relate to the
current day examples on your page.
What references to transcendentalism are in current day music?
Include lyrics, words and music of Thoreau and Emerson to explain
the connections.
What references to transcendentalism are in television, movies?
Include transcripts or words from the movies and television shows and
the words of Thoreau and Emerson to explain the connections
What ideals of transcendentalism do our politicians embrace?
Does contemporary music reflect transcendentalist principles?
What transcendentalist principles are reflected in contemporary
literature?
How are transcendentalist principles reflected in advertising and the
products we use?
How are transcendentalist principles reflected in the rules,
expectations, philosophy and routines reflected at The Morgan
School?
How does the food industry reflect transcendentalist principles?
Examine some well-known contemporary Americans through
transcendentalist eyes. How would Emerson and Thoreau judge these
individuals? Why?
Perform an experiment. Live as Thoreau for a weekend or a day.
Record your experiences and thoughts. Directly relate them to Thoreau
and Emerson’s words.
The Morgan School cultivates intellect and character in partnership with families and the
community. Students learn in a rigorous academic and student-centered environment that
prepares them to become resourceful, productive, healthy citizens in a global society.
TRANSCENDENTALISM PROJECT
Junior English Period D
Mrs. Chausse January 2012
Due Date: Thursday January 12
Project proposal: Provide me with an outline of your project. Who are you working
with? Which principles of Thoreau or Emerson will you include?
Due Date: Wednesday January 18
Project final due date: Everything must be completed and prepared for classroom
presentation. Make certain to remind me if you need any special equipment to share your
project with the class.
Rubric
Four different transcendentalist
ideas are included
Explanations for connections
Appearance and organization
Presentation
Sources Cited
Participation, preparation
4 More than four transcendentalist ideas are included
3 Four ideas are included
2 Less than four ideas are included
1 Less than three specific ideas are included
4 Explanations are thorough with specific references made to
transcendentalists’ words; surpasses expectations
3 Explanations are correct and complete
2 Explanations are present but are general
1 Explanations are vague and inadequate.
4 Beyond expectations, all requirements are met and visual is creative,
organized, exceptional
3 Meets all requirements, organization and appearance is good
2 Most requirements are met, organization is attempted, appearance is
adequate
1 Basic requirements are not met, organization is lacking, appearance is
poor
4 Organized, thorough presentation which captures the class’s interest;
includes enhancement such as music, art work, dramatic reading, video
3 Organized with some enhancement; fulfills all expectations
2 Fulfills basic expectations, but presentation lacks interesting, relevant
enhancements
1 Fails to fulfill basic requirements, lacks organization
4 Correct format for source of information is included
3 All sources are cited; format is not perfect
2 Sources are not completely cited
1- Sources are not cited
4- Each student worked diligently during the prep periods; students
completed work at home; students were prepared and organized with
presentation
3- Each student worked throughout each period provided for prep;
students were prepared for presentation
4- Each student worked throughout most of the prep period provided;
students were almost prepared for their presentation.
1- Students did not adequately use prep time provided; students were
unprepared for presentation.
The Morgan School cultivates intellect and character in partnership with families and the
community. Students learn in a rigorous academic and student-centered environment that
prepares them to become resourceful, productive, healthy citizens in a global society.
TRANSCENDENTALISM PROJECT
Junior English Period D
Mrs. Chausse January 2012