Topics in History: American Puritanism

We all know the Puritans: narrow-minded, bigoted, sanctimonious, hypocritical. Well, maybe. In this course we’ll take a serious look at American Puritanism that may lead to a more nuanced—and even positive—view of the theology and the people who espoused it. We’ll begin by examining the roots of Puritanism in Reformation thought in Europe. Then we’ll look at the people who brought it to New England in the 1630s and focus on some of the key actors and events in the first century of settlement. We’ll trace significant changes in the 18th century, consider the impact of Puritanism on the American Revolution, and end with an assessment of its long-term influence on the American character. Although we’ll need to understand some key theological ideas, this is not a course in religion but rather a cultural history of a movement and its influence on our national character relevant to social, moral, and political issues we face today. This course, taught by William Andrews meets weekly for 5 weeks.