Here's a bellringer video about Ralph Waldo Emerson that will resonate with American Literature students. Against a backdrop of Emerson's study, Curator of the Concord Museum David Wood informs viewers about the philosopher's life, ideas, and associates.

Concepts

ralph waldo emerson, transcendentalism

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the video to introduce a reading of  passages from Emerson's essay on "Nature," "The Oversoul," or his essay on "Gifts"

Classroom Considerations

• Presumes viewers have some basic understanding of transcendentalism
• Requires projection device for the video

Pros

• Includes information about the importance of the Lyceum Movement

Cons

• None