Lesson by Tim Bailey
Essay by John Fea, Messiah University
Grade Level: 7–12
Number of Class Periods: 4
Primary Era: Colonization and Settlement, 1585–1763
About This Lesson Plan Unit
This four-lesson unit focuses on the “city upon a hill” passage from John Winthrop’s “A Modell of Christian Charity” lay sermon, delivered in 1630 as the Puritans arrived in Massachusetts Bay. The students will read and summarize three excerpts from the passage and then write an essay that assesses John Winthrop’s arguments and conclusions.
Lesson Plan Author: Tim Bailey
Historical Background Scholar: John Fea, Messiah University
Additional Information About This Unit
Common Core State Standards
Common Core State Standards
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.9-10.2: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of how key events or ideas develop over the course of the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.9-10.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary describing political, social, or economic aspects of history/social science.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
Essential Questions
Essential Questions
How did John Winthrop understand the relationship between religion and governance?
How did John Winthrop explain the Puritans’ motivations for settling in a new land?
What cultural values did John Winthrop prioritize? What sort of life did he think that these values would enable?
Documents
Documents
John Winthrop, “A Modell of Christian Charity,” 1630