Author: Joe Calabrese, East Longmeadow High School
Subject: English

 The Symbol of the Spirit
Target: 12^th grade Advanced English /L.A.

This unit is an in-depth study on the themes of knowing oneself and finding one’s place in the universe.  Students choose quotes from Emerson and Thoreau and use those to make connections to other works throughout the year.  A variety of activities are planned to increase student knowledge of life’s big issues and the authors’ perspectives.

Author: Peter Doherty, Tahanto Regional Middle/High School
Subject: English

Introduction of a Theme: the Individual and His/Her Role in Society
Target: 11^th grade Honors American Literature.

This unit focuses on what it means to be an individual and what an individual’s responsibility is to society.  Emerson and Thoreau are used as starting points, presenting questions that will be carried through the literature all year.

Authors: Martha Gowetski (not currently teaching) and Kathleen Lampert, Cambridge School of Weston
Subject: English

Thoreau and the Transformative Power of Nature
Target: 11^th/12^th grade Honors American Literature

This unit is a formal analysis of Walden, using varied samples of nature writing to help students understand the impact of nature in literature. As well as analyzing text, students are expected to keep a journal that allows them to express their own thoughts on nature and reactions to the works being studied.

Author: Gerard Herlihy, Marian High School, Framingham
Subject: English

Dipping into the Pond: Transcendentalism and Us
Target: 11^th grade American Literature

The goal of this unit is to help students understand Transcendentalism and show how the questions raised by these authors are still relevant today.  An understanding of the historical contest as well as analysis of the written word is used to help students gain a personal understanding of this philosophy.

Author: Tanja Hiti, Melrose High School
Subject: English and Theater

Incorporating Thoreau and Theatre
Target: 11^th grade American Literature

This unit uses dramatization to bring to life the writings of the Transcendentalists.  Students are asked to act out quotes, short passages, a play and an original class creation.  This is designed to broaden the students’ appreciation and understanding of the Transcendentalist writers.

Author: Beth Hughes, Wakefield High School
Subject: English

Overview of the 19^th Century Authors
Target: 11^th grade American Literature

Understanding of the Transcendentalist movement and its influence on the writers of the 19^th century is the focus of this unit.  Several activities are included to introduce students to each author’s life and works.

Author: John Koch, Walpole High School
Subject: English

A Question of Morals
Target: All High School

This unit utilizes works from Thoreau, Emerson, Tim O’Brien and Dr. Seuss to help students come to an understanding of moral issues.  It provides a context in which they can define what issues are important to them and how best to respond when confronted with things they don’t agree with.

Author: Matthew Reilly, Northbridge High School
Subject: Writing/English

Thoreau Unit
Target: All High School

The sole focus of this unit is Henry Thoreau and Walden.  Students are presented with historical context to give a deeper understanding of the issues of Thoreau’s day.  Also, students are expected to keep nature journal to help them understand the influence of the natural world on Thoreau and his writings.

Author: Aviva Shutter, Leicester High School
Subject: English

Choice and Change:  A Transcendental Guide to Social Action
Target: 11^th grade Honors American Literature

Using the Transcendental philosophy, the unit prods students to think about social action and how they can impact their own world.  The essays of Emerson, Thoreau and Fuller are used as a jumping-off point for students to engage in a student-based initiative around an issue in their community.  

Author: Robert Sykes, Hibbard Alternative School, Pittsfield
Subject: World Cultures

Thoreau, Buddha and the American Indians: A Cultural Curriculum
Target: All

This unit is a comparative one, using Thoreau, the Buddha and the American Indians as models of our search for meaning in the spiritual and natural worlds.  This multi-media unit is designed to give students a better understanding of their role in the world through field study experiences, as well as through literature, music and television programming.

Author: Lesley Targonski, Haverhill High School
Subject: English/Language Arts

The Concord Transcendentalist Movement
Target: 11^th grade College Prep/Honors American Literature

The unit is designed to increase student understanding of Transcendentalism and its influence on 19^th century literature.  Emerson and Thoreau are the case studies, with emphasis on the social context that allowed them to write as they did.