AMERICAN LITERARY CLASSICS –
THE TRANSCENDENTALISTS
Transcendentalism brought to life by distinguished educators, actors & scenic historical places in and around Concord and Walden Pond, Massachusetts
The writings of the New England Transcendentalists represent the first flowering of an American literary renaissance. This series offers a detailed assessment of this influential 19th-century movement.
The ideas and ideals of American Transcendentalists-Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau continue to shape the discourse of literature, philosophy, and religion worldwide. This series, hosted by James H. Bride II traces the origins and defines the concept of Transcendentalism.
ABOUT THE HOST & PRESENTERS Director and host, James Bride introduces factual and relevant information about Emerson and Thoreau by filming this program in and around Concord, Massachusetts
Distinguished teacher for over thirty years and former Headmaster, Richard H. Baker teaches English at Noble and Greenough School in Dedham, Massachusetts.
Distinguished educators and writers include: Lawrence Buell, Robert Richardson, Joel Myerson and Wesley Mott who add additional commentary and insights surrounding Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
Historian and Thoreau actor, Richard Smith, offers a 19th century glimpse into Thoreau's daily life at Walden Pond featuring, his journals, his spirituality and his legacy.
Acclaimed author and University of California English Professor T.C. Boyle, reads aloud from Thoreau's winter Journals to articulate a crisp and clear meaning to Thoreau's words in the spoken language.
TEACHING RALPH WALDO EMERSON
Philosopher, Writer & Intellectual
ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Teaching Ralph Waldo Emerson offers students and teachers a first of its kind introduction to Emerson. This program presents essential information for an introduction to this famous American philosopher, writer and intellect.
Each chapter features instructional insights by distinguished scholars. Discover information about Emerson’s life and his significant essays which will enhance a better understanding to this pillar of nineteenth century American literature. Individual and class projects are outlined to help write, discuss and appreciate Emerson’s essays.
Transcendentalist scholar and English teacher, Richard H. Baker, introduces classroom strategies for teaching Emerson relevant for today’s student environment. Baker suggests instructional classroom techniques that have earned him accolades at Noble and Greenough School. Baker draws upon relevant issues in each Essay to foster discussion, writing and interpreting the best known Transcendentalist in America, Ralph Waldo Emerson.
ABOUT THE SCHOLAR: School/Tradition: Transcendentalism Main Interests: Poetry Notable Ideas: Abolitionism, Individualism, Nondualism, Self-reliance
Ralph Waldo Emerson (May 25, 1803 – April 27, 1882) was an American essayist, philosopher, poet, and leader of the Transcendentalist movement in the early 19th century.
Emerson's religious views were often considered radical at the time. He believed that all things are connected to God and, therefore, all things are divine. His views, the basis of Transcendentalism, suggested that God does not have to reveal the truth but that the truth could be intuitively experienced directly from nature. Emerson did not become an ardent abolitionist until later in his life and used slavery as an example of a human injustice.
CHAPTER SEGMENTS: Each Chapter is tailored appropriately for today’s busy class schedule. To recognize the value of Emerson in a classroom setting, each of the Emerson chapters opens with specific, relevant and applicable interpretations for today’s student, regardless of age. By demystifying the numerous challenges for understanding Emerson’s essays, Professor Baker encourages individual responses to important issues, always aware of the difficulty in understanding Emerson on a first reading.
TEACHER STUDENT BENEFITS: • Incorporate audio and visual media designed for the classroom timetable.
• Teach excerpts rather than an entire Essay as a guide to understanding Emerson.
• Learn about his life in Concord, other transcendentalists and his family.
• Demystify the challenges for understanding Emerson’s Essays.
• Teach Emerson in self-contained chapters for immediate connection to Transcendentalism.
• Gain insight and knowledge to the transcendentalist’s philosophy and ideals.
26 Min.
L4815DVD
$69.95
TEACHING HENRY DAVID THOREAU
Botanist, Environmentalist & Journalist ABOUT THE PROGRAM: Teaching Henry David Thoreau offers students and teachers a first of its kind introduction to Thoreau. This program presents convenient and essential information for an introduction to this famous 19th century American philosopher, writer and intellect.
Each chapter features instructional insights by distinguished scholars. Each educator develops information about Thoreau’s life and his significant ideas to create a better understanding and appreciation for this nineteenth century American writer. Individual and class projects are outlined to help discus and then write about relevant ideas.
Transcendentalist scholar and English teacher, Richard H. Baker, introduces classroom strategies for teaching Thoreau relevant for today’s student environment. Employing instructional classroom techniques that have earned him accolades at Noble and Greenough School, Baker draws upon relevant issues in each Chapter to foster discussion, writing and interpretation of Henry David Thoreau who secluded himself from 1845 to 1847 at Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts.
ABOUT THE SCHOLAR: School/Tradition: Transcendentalism Main Interests: Natural History Notable Ideas: Abolitionism, Tax Resistance, Development Criticism, Civil Disobedience, Conscientious Objection, Environmentalism, Nonviolent Resistance, Simple Living
Henry David Thoreau (born David Henry Thoreau; July 12, 1817 – May 6, 1862) was an American author, naturalist, transcendentalist, tax resister, development critic, surveyor, sage writer and philosopher. He is best known for his book Walden, a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings.
CHAPTER SEGMENTS: Each Chapter is tailored appropriately for today’s busy class schedule. To recognize the value of Thoreau in a classroom setting, each of the Thoreau Chapters opens with specific, relevant and applicable interpretations for today’s student, regardless of age. By demystifying the numerous challenges for understanding Thoreau’s essays, Professor Baker encourages individual responses to important issues, always aware of the difficulty in understanding Thoreau on a first reading.
• Teaching Thoreau, Insights and Suggestions Introduction
• Transcendentalism
• Teaching Walden
• Symbolism in Walden
• Living deliberately
• Principles
• Profile- Henry David Thoreau
TEACHER STUDENT BENEFITS: • Incorporate audio and visual media designed for the tight classroom timetable.
• Teach excerpts from Thoreau’s writings as a guide to understanding Thoreau.
• Re-Live Thoreau’s life in his cabin and walk around Walden Pond.
• Demystify the challenges for understanding Thoreau’s journals.
• Teach Thoreau in self-contained chapters to make an appropriate connection to nature, the environment and Thoreau’s world.
• Program translates Thoreau’s philosophy into basic and understandable terminology and ideas
24 Min.
L4816DVD
$69.95
ON WALDEN POND, SUMMER & WINTER
Henry David Thoreau Reflections
The Life & Writings of Henry David Thoreau
ABOUT THE PROGRAM: The American Literary Classics - On Walden Pond, Summer and Winter offers students and teachers a first of its kind introduction to Thoreau’s life at Walden Pond in summer and winter. This program presents a basic and essential insight for a first introduction to this famous American philosopher, writer and Intellect living and working at Walden Pond from 1845-1847.
T.C. Boyle, author and English Professor at the University of California, reads several passages from Thoreau’s winter journals to emphasize the rhythm and beauty of Thoreau’s words for today’s audio attuned student.
For the first time ever, this unit offers an intimate walk around Walden Pond in the winter to experience what Thoreau would have seen and heard. Learn about the Boston/Fitchburg train tracks next to his cabin, or the ice cutting by Irish immigrants on Walden Ponds.
Re-live the actual trail walks, sights and sounds in his world as never before recorded for this famous American writer.
With featured insights by distinguished historian/actor, Richard Smith, one discovers essential information about Thoreau’s seasonal active life while living in his cabin and travelling about Walden Pond and Concord, Massachusetts.
ABOUT THE SCHOLAR: The writer, transcendentalist, and philosopher Henry David Thoreau lived on the shores of the pond for two years starting in the summer of 1845. His account of the experience was recorded in Walden.
Henry David Thoreau (born David Henry Thoreau; July 12, 1817 – May 6, 1862) was an American author, naturalist, transcendentalist, tax resister, development critic, surveyor, sage writer and philosopher. He is best known for his book Walden, a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings.
CHAPTER SEGMENTS: Each Chapter is tailored appropriately for today’s busy class schedule. To recognize the value of Thoreau in a classroom setting, each of the Thoreau Chapters opens with specific, relevant and applicable interpretations for today’s student, regardless of age.
• Henry David Thoreau, an Introduction
• Walden Pond cabin
• Daily Life
• Journals
• Spirituality
• Seasons
• Legacy
• Walden in The Winter
TEACHER STUDENT BENEFITS: • Re-Live Thoreau’s life in his cabin in and around Walden Pond from 1845-1847.
• Demystify the challenges for understanding Thoreau’s journals
• Teach Thoreau in a way to make an immediate connection with appropriate allusions to nature, the environment and his philosophy.
• Program translates Thoreau’s philosophy into basic and understandable terminology and ideas for discussion and writing student journals.
ABOUT THE HOST & PRESENTERS: Historian and Thoreau actor, Richard Smith, offers a 19th century glimpse into Thoreau’s daily life at Walden Pond featuring, his journals, his spirituality, and his legacy.
Acclaimed author and University of California English Professor T.C. Boyle, reads aloud from Thoreau’s winter Journals to articulate a crisp and clear meaning to Thoreau’s words in the spoken language.
20 Min.
L4817DVD
$69.95
Call Toll-Free (800) 262-8862 Fax orders 24 hours a day to (310) 574-0886 Mail orders: 2321 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291
