We will examine the struggle between the followers of John Winthrop, Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and those of Anne Hutchinson, a brilliant religious dissenter. Central to this is the conflicts in the Calvinist theology between predestination and individual assurance of salvation. The church struggled to avoid descending into a theology of works righteousness that is anathema to John Calvin. It  also had to deal with an influx of immigrants who wish to become members in order to vote in the General Court.

The course will use the Reacting to the Past simulations approach. Each student will have a role to play. The simulation unfolds in two venues, the Church of Boston and the General Court of Boston.

Anne Hutchinson challenged the church in two ways. Can a woman be a teacher in the church, and what does the church do when those who read the scriptures come do different conclusions on their meaning?  The General Court will be asked to consider a new trial for Anne who has been convicted and is to be expelled from Boston after the winter.

The General Court will consider many practical matters including prices, wages, and property ownership.

This course will combine lecture, class discussion, and role-playing simulation.