Module manager: Dr Danielle Terrazas Williams
Email: D.TerrazasWilliams@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The Catholic Church exerted extraordinary control over Spanish America through the mobilization of the Holy Office of the Inquisition. Charged with ensuring religious orthodoxy, inquisitors sought to root out sin in whatever manifestation it took. Whether tracking down bigamists or punishing those accused of witchcraft, the Holy Office relentlessly pursued heretics of all kinds. First established in Mexico City in 1571, the imposing structure of its investigative hub literally and figuratively emerged in the heart of the Spanish empire and struck fear across socioeconomic and ethno-racial lines. Few were spared from its wrath as its presence and influence spread across Spanish America. This module will focus on the history of the Inquisition from its founding to its height of power in the seventeenth century and how various historical actors fought for their dignity but also their survival. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
The aim of this module is to inform understanding of how notions of sin influenced individual behaviour and community expectations but also how the criminalization of sin was used as a tool of the Spanish empire; to strengthen your ability to identify and interrogate historical arguments; to critically examine primary and secondary sources related to the early modern Catholic Church; to effectively track and analyse relevant theoretical and historiographical developments related to the Catholic Church’s notion of sin; and to develop collaborative practices and essay writing skills.
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Critically analyse the historical developments of the Holy Office of the Inquisition in the Spanish American Colonies.
2. Identify and critique historical arguments on how the notions of sin shaped various aspects of colonial society.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
3. Work critically with primary and secondary sources.
4. Articulate coherent evidence-based arguments.
5. Use fundamental standards and practices of historical studies for research, discussion and assessed work.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 2 | 0.2 | 0.4 |
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminar | 9 | 1 | 9 |
| Private study hours | 179.6 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20.4 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
You will be offered the opportunity to submit and receive feedback on a sample of their source analysis. You will receive individual and group feedback on this exercise to prepare them for their first summative assessment.
You will be offered the opportunity submit and receive feedback on a sample of your essay. You will receive individual and group feedback on this exercise to prepare you for your second summative assessment.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay One | 40 |
| Coursework | Essay Two | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 20/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team