The Spanish Inquisition

In this course, we consider the history and legacy of the Spanish Inquisition, which existed for some 356 years (1478-1834) and operated in both Spain and Spain's colonies overseas. To this end, we examine not only the historical record itself (for example, transcripts of actual trials and case studies), but also various depictions of the Inquisition found in imaginative media (art, literature, and film). Our subject, then, is the Spanish Inquisition both real and imagined. Why did this institution arise in the first place? How did it survive for as long as it did? And does the legend of the Spanish Inquisition match its history?