Download A Society of My Own…

Transcendentalism – School/Society
American Studies – Fischer/Martin
A Society of My Own…
During the past couple of weeks, you have immersed yourself in Transcendentalist
philosophies, ideas, and ways of life. Now, together with two to three other students, you
will be using what you have discovered to create your very own Transcendentalist
society.
Following are the elements you'll need to create. All elements will need to fit in closely
with transcendentalist ideals and beliefs. For each element, you'll need to have at least
one direct quote from one of the pieces ("Walden," "Nature," "Self-Reliance") to justify
your choice.
1. Select a name for your society. Make it something that fits what you and your
partners feel your society stands for.
2. Design and create a flag using colors and symbols to illustrate the values of your
society.
3. Write a pledge illustrating the values and allegiances of your society.
4. Develop a monetary system for your society, giving samples of the currency and
explaining how the system works.
5. Explain the kinds of work your society would encourage its citizens to engage in.
6. Describe the type of environment your society would be in…would it be a rural
society, an urban society, an island? A combination?
7. Describe at least 3 behaviors your society would deem inappropriate/criminal
behaviors. Then explain how your society would deal with those who "go there."
8. Create some type of propaganda material that would encourage others to become a
part of your society. Some ideas might be a flyer, a pamphlet, business cards, a web
site, a billboard, etc.
You and your partners will present and "sell" your society to the class
on____________________. Your grade will be based on the quality completion and
presentation of all elements.
Transcendentalism – School/Society
American Studies – Fischer/Martin
A School of My Own…
Now's your chance! The chance you've always dreamed of! The chance to create your
very own school in which you might live and work!
"Wow, this sounds great," you think. "How does it work?" "Where do I sign on?"
During the past few weeks, you have immersed yourself in Transcendentalist
philosophies, ideas, and ways of life. Now, together with two to three other students, you
will be using what you have discovered to create your very own Transcendentalist school.
For each element, you'll need to have at least one direct quote from one of the pieces
("Walden," "Nature," "Self-Reliance") to justify your choice.
Following are the elements you'll need to create:
1. Select a name for your school. Make it something that fits what you and your
partner feel your school stands for.
2. Write a mission statement illustrating the values and guiding philosophies of
your school.
3. Design and create a rendering of your school building and grounds. Consider
architectural design, floor plan, relationship of outside space to inside space,
color, light, and various elements that you feel need to be in a transcendentalist
school.
4. Design a curriculum for your school (required classes/electives). Take into
consideration the following questions: Who decides on the curriculum? How are
curricular decisions made? What are the goals of the curriculum? What is the role
of the teacher? What is the role of the student? What 10 specific classes would be
offered, and why would you offer each one?
5. Explain the discipline and management system at your school. Would you have
a principal, for example? What rules would your school have? How would
discipline be handled?
6. Describe the type of environment your school would be in…would it be a rural
society, an urban society, an island? A combination? What relationship would
your school have with the surrounding community?
7. Explain what extracurricular activities would be offered at your school.
8. Create some type of propaganda material that would encourage others to come
to your school. Some ideas might be a flyer, a pamphlet, business cards, a web
site, a billboard, etc.
You and your partners will present and "sell" your society to the class
on____________________. Your grade will be based on the quality completion of all
elements.