An elective course in Concord authors enables students to study the major writings of the mid-nineteenth century American Renaissance in literature and see how the development of American thought, major literature, philosophy, and historical background relate to the literature of the Concord-Boston-Cambridge group. Course content includes works by such major Concord authors as Hawthorne, Thoreau, Emerson, the Alcotts, Channing, and such minor authors as Sanborn, Peabody, and Fuller. The course focuses on genre, content, and theme and includes readings, discussions, lectures, and compositions. The objectives, which are sometimes stated behaviorally, try to meet the needs of all students whether they are lovers of prose or poetry. For example, in a study of Hawthorne's short fiction, the students develop an understanding of the author's style, literary devices, theme, Gothic Romanticism, and creative use of language. They then write and revise a short story by trying to use Hawthorne's techniques. A similar approach is taken to the other Concord authors. (SW)