Transcendentalism webquest
you will be using your research skills to introduce yourself to the transcendentalism movement and some of
its key members. this assignment is to be prepared in mla format including a works cited page. this
assignment is divided into two portions:
part 1
a. research the transcendentalist movement and its key components. answer each of the following
questions, making sure to cite your sources. be sure to answer using your own words and quote small
sections of text-- no cut and pasting or plagiarizing!
1. define the term “transcendentalism.”
2. describe some of the circumstances which led to the development of the transcendentalist philosophy.
include at least two specific events or philosophies which contributed to the development of
transcendentalism and explain the influence of those events.
3. describe at least 4 key philosophies or beliefs of transcendentalism.
4. describe at least 2 “legacies” of transcendentalism. how has transcendentalist thought to shape
american history and who we are as americans?
part 2: transcendentalist writers
research henry david thoreau, ralph waldo emerson, and 2 other transcendentalist writers:
research the authors on at least three different websites and gather biographical information (each must be
included):
1. birth/death
2. education
3. early life
4. later life
5. accomplishments/awards
6. how they were influenced by and/or influenced transcendentalist movement