Romanticism

5/16: Calvin and Hobbes quiz + Transcendentalism (if you were out, make up by 5/23).

5/9: Read the Walden excerpts for Friday’s class. Use the strategies we used in class today for reading non-fiction. Thoreau was inspired by Emerson’s ideas and he put these into practice by participating in an experiment of his own design – “…to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could learn what it had to teach…” Walden is the journal of his experiences. We are reading excerpts from the journal, including the beginning and the end. As you read, underline ideas that strike you as particularly important. Mark allusions or references that you do not understand. Try to understand words you don’t know using context clues first, then look them up if necessary. THINK about structure and Thoreau’s purpose.

After you’ve read, show me what you’ve found. On a piece of notebook paper, write down three quotes from three different sections that strike you as particularly important. For each, copy down the entire quote and the page number and write me a sentence or two about why you chose it. Then, choose three other examples (each from a different section) that you think BEST shows influence of Emerson’s ideas on Thoreau. Write down the idea (it can be a quote or a strong paraphrase), tell me where it comes from and link it specifically to Emerson’s ideas.

5/5: Tonight: Read both modern essays about Emerson and his legacy. You need to respond to the two essays on the index card (filling both sides with the response). If your index card is red/blue, the majority of your response (one full side +) should be directed toward “The Foul Reign of Emerson’s ‘Self-Reliance.’” If your card is yellow/pink, the majority of your response should focus on “Out of Panic, Self Reliance.” If you were out today, focus your attention on "The Foul Reign of Emerson's 'Self-Reliance.'"

On the front of the notecard, bullet points from each that make clear the author’s main points. On the back: Delve more deeply into arguments that provoke you or spark some interest, given your reading of Emerson, from the assigned color-coded essay (see above). Use specific ideas from our discussions about Emerson and our reading of “Self Reliance” as well as form the essay to inform your reflection.

5/2: Close read excerpt from "Self Reliance" (attached below). page 3 of the document tells you how to mark it up.

5/1: Emerson's biography and Transcendental notes (see attachment below) - notecard must be turned in.

4/30: We’re going to continue where we left off on Monday – with the numbered quote on your card. Read through that quote, look up words you don’t know and write about the quote on the card. Tell me what you think it means, what images or ideas or connections it creates in your head, how it might connect to the quote on the back, to the Calvin and Hobbes words, etc. Fill the side of the card.

Next, meet in groups (color coded – meet up with classmates whose numbered side card color is the same as yours. You should all have different numbered quotes. Share them with each other and share your ideas about each. Then, take a look at paragraph III in the first chapter of Nature. Together, read through that paragraph, use what you have already understand about your quotes (and about the lettered quotes on the back, which you’ll also find in that paragraph) to make meaning of that paragraph. On a piece of paper, summarize what you understand about the paragraph and choose at least two quotes that you find most important (given your understanding). Write down each quote and tell me WHY/HOW it goes to the very center of the meaning of the paragraph. Turn in this paper for class group grade (practice).

Finally, let’s tackle the other paragraphs in much the same way. Working by yourself now, read each of the other paragraphs in the excerpt. For each paragraph, choose the quote that you find most important, given your understanding of the ideas presented. In your blue book, write down the quote, paraphrase it for me and tell me WHY/HOW it goes to the very center of the meaning of the paragraph.

4/27: Check out this Calvin and Hobbes strip. In your blue book, describe the "plot" (just a couple of sentences) then bullet word association ideas - think in terms of abstract nouns: emotions evoked, ideals represented, etc. Strive for 10.

4/16: We worked on Romantic poems. you will find the poems and the instructions attached below ("Romantic Poetry- Am Lit").