process & resources
1) Learn about the life and work of Henry David Thoreau
Directions: Using one or more of the following websites, explore the life and work of Henry David Thoreau. You do not need to read the full articles, so peruse what interests you.
Read a biography and look at pictures of Thoreau.
Read about the connection between Thoreau and nature writing.
Consider Ralph Waldo Emerson and Thoreau as pioneers in the environmental movement by reading "Emerson and Thoreau as American Prophets of Eco-wisdom."
Directions: Using one or more of the following websites, explore the life and work of Henry David Thoreau. You do not need to read the full articles, so peruse what interests you.
Read a biography and look at pictures of Thoreau.
Read about the connection between Thoreau and nature writing.
Consider Ralph Waldo Emerson and Thoreau as pioneers in the environmental movement by reading "Emerson and Thoreau as American Prophets of Eco-wisdom."
2) Walk to Walden Pond for a visit with Thoreau
Directions: Using one or more of the following websites, explore Walden Pond. You do not need to read the full articles, so peruse what interests you.
View pictures of Thoreau's cabin at Walden Pond.
View pictures of Walden Pond in winter.
Read a blog from Literary Traveler: Sunrise at Walden Pond.
Directions: Using one or more of the following websites, explore Walden Pond. You do not need to read the full articles, so peruse what interests you.
View pictures of Thoreau's cabin at Walden Pond.
View pictures of Walden Pond in winter.
Read a blog from Literary Traveler: Sunrise at Walden Pond.
3) Read and compare literature by Thoreau and Emerson
Directions: You may read selections from Walden by Thoreau, but must read all of Chapter I from Nature by Emerson.
Read all of Chapter I from Nature (1836) by Emerson.
Read your choice of selections from Walden (1854) by Thoreau.
Directions: You may read selections from Walden by Thoreau, but must read all of Chapter I from Nature by Emerson.
Read all of Chapter I from Nature (1836) by Emerson.
Read your choice of selections from Walden (1854) by Thoreau.
4) Share and discuss your research in small groups
Directions: Mrs. Hultstrom will let you know when it's time for this step. Using your research as evidence, you will discuss the following prompts in small groups:
1. Discuss the ways in which Thoreau uses his focused experience at Walden Pond to reflect Transcendentalist concerns with nature. You may wish to focus on one particular aspect of the pond, one particular time of day, or one particular season. Cite specific textual evidence!
2. In what ways does Thoreau bring to life the principles and philosophy Emerson articulated in Nature? Cite specific textual evidence!
Be sure to cite your source(s) and take notes! Your notes will be collected for grading.
Directions: Mrs. Hultstrom will let you know when it's time for this step. Using your research as evidence, you will discuss the following prompts in small groups:
1. Discuss the ways in which Thoreau uses his focused experience at Walden Pond to reflect Transcendentalist concerns with nature. You may wish to focus on one particular aspect of the pond, one particular time of day, or one particular season. Cite specific textual evidence!
2. In what ways does Thoreau bring to life the principles and philosophy Emerson articulated in Nature? Cite specific textual evidence!
Be sure to cite your source(s) and take notes! Your notes will be collected for grading.
WebQuest based on "American Transcendentalism: An Online Travel Guide," produced by students in ENGL 446, American Transcendentalism, and ENGL 447, American Literature and the Prominence of Place: A Travel Practicum. These courses were team-taught in the Department of English at Shepherd College, Shepherdstown, West Virginia, in Spring 2002 by Dr. Patricia Dwyer and Dr. Linda Tate. For more information on the course and the web project, visit "About This Site." © 2003 Linda Tate.