Syllabus for Week 6, 9/30
Monday
- In class analysis of the first two chapters from Richter's The Trees. We will look at word choice, and how the creates a mood for the Ohio valley woods. Then reading chapter three, "Ridgepole" in class aloud.
- HW: Begin reading the introduction to Transcendentalism, due Wednesday (Link at bottom of this post.)
Tuesday
- Examining the 1st edition cover to Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath and comparing it to Richter's depiction of the forest. Then looking at how Steinbeck uses nature, and comparing that to how Muir conceived of nature.
- HW: I will collect notes from Muir documentary tomorrow. Finish reading the packet introducing Transcendentalism for class tomorrow.
Wednesday
- How do the the American Transcendentalists conceive nature? How do they express this shift--nature as threat, nature as American rugged individualism, nature as source of religious and philosophical inspiration?
- HW: No homework. Do make sure you have our copy of Thoreau's Walden, as we are starting it this week.
- Finishing the Richter selections today, including chapter 4 "The Square Axe" and chapter 5, "Bread."
HW: Read pages 3-7 of "Economy" from Walden.
Friday
- H.D. Thoreau: who he is, where he lived, and what he beleived.
- HW for Tuesday: Reading pages 8-20 of "Economy"