1. The American Scholar? Amanda Christy Brown and Kristin McGinn Mahoney The Learning Network with The New York Times Amanda Christy Brown and Kristin McGinn Mahoney The Learning Network with The New York Times

2. / Bell Work: / “The American Scholar” Survey / Agenda: / Quote explication / Video / Group work / Homework: / “Obama and the War on Brains?” and Questions / Bell Work: / “The American Scholar” Survey / Agenda: / Quote explication / Video / Group work / Homework: / “Obama and the War on Brains?” and Questions

3. Ralph Waldo Emerson  The mind of this country, taught to aim at low objects, eats upon itself. What does he mean? Do you think his statement accurately affects the ‘mind of this country’ today? What are the possible consequences of anti- intellectualism for our country?

4. Group Discussions / When you get with your group: / Discuss your answers to the survey. Take notes on your survey to help with your future assignment. / Discuss and answer your group’s questions. Take notes. You will be responsible for sharing your answers with the class. / When you get with your group: / Discuss your answers to the survey. Take notes on your survey to help with your future assignment. / Discuss and answer your group’s questions. Take notes. You will be responsible for sharing your answers with the class.

5. Group 1 / Should students, parents, and schools just accept that some kids are smarter than others and not try to raise achievement levels? Should students who tend to struggle academically give up trying to improve their skills in and understanding of reading, writing, math, history, science, etc.? Should they give up college aspirations? Why or why not? What would happen if only those students in the very top tier of academic achievement and/or raw intelligence went to college?”

6. Group 2 / Is being “smart” or a “good student” valued by students, teachers, and parents in our school? What effects do these attitudes have on learning? Think about our school culture here: Do students hide their grades or show them off? Is it cooler to have high grades or low grades? What does it mean socially to be on the honor roll? Are good students rewarded? Are good students popular?

7. Group 3 / In what ways are intellectualism, knowledge and global awareness beneficial? Why is it important to know the location of certain countries, or how our government is structured or who our Supreme Court justices are?

8. Group 4 / Is there such a thing as too much learning? If not, why not? If so, can it be dangerous? If so, how? What does it mean to have learned too little? Can that be dangerous? If so, how?

9. Group 5 / Why should we value intellectualism, knowledge and global awareness in a president? Why do you think some people do not?

10. Reflection Questions / What does it mean for America that President Obama is openly smart and thoughtful? / What does it mean for young people? And for the world? / Do you think having someone like Obama as president will make it cool to be smart? Why or why not? / What does it mean for America that President Obama is openly smart and thoughtful? / What does it mean for young people? And for the world? / Do you think having someone like Obama as president will make it cool to be smart? Why or why not?