1. Transcendentalism Project

2. Themes of Transcendentalism
Nonconformity Simplicity Self reliance Importance of nature Importance of the individual
Can you identify any artists, writers, songs, or movies that you like, which show these themes?

3. Example… Shake it off: Taylor Swift
“I’m dancing on my own
Make the moves up as I go…
But I keep cruising, can’t stop won’t stop grooving…
…I’m just gonna shake it off…
Transcendentalist Theme:
Nonconformity/Confidence/Individualism

4. Example… Gary Jules– “Mad World”
The song "Mad World" by Gary Jules is a powerful song that incorporates transcendental views. It shows the way society has fallen into a boring routine where everyone is basically a clone, and as the song says, "I find it hard to tell you, I find it hard to take. When people run in circles it's a very, very mad world." This line shows the common transcendental theme that having your own beliefs and not conforming to society can be lonely at times, but it's what is best in the long run.

5. Your Assignment
1. Find a song, literary piece, or movie clip that demonstrates a theme/themes of transcendentalism
2. Prepare a very brief presentation (3-4 minutes max) that does the following:
Expose: Play a snippet of the song/clip/reading for your classmates…
Tie it all together: This is where YOU present your analysis of the song or the clip, and directly relate it to Transcendentalist themes or quotes from Emerson & Thoreau.

6. Other notes
Songs/movie clips will be selected Friday in class. Presentation can be in any format that can be displayed on the screen… It must include lyrics if you choose a song, or quotes/scene if you choose a movie… then EXPLAIN in DETAIL the connections you see! You may play music from a phone/device. I have a cable to connect… Clips must be cued from a specific start/stop time… Each selection must be school appropriate and fall within the guidelines of the student handbook and district policy.