History of Spiritual Control and Oppression

The course offers a historical overview of the roots, development and changes of two powerful institutions, which influenced European history from 13th until 20th century.
Concrete cases (e.g. Galileo) are analysed in order to understand its mechanism and function for the European society.
From 16th century, the modern state takes over the control over religious conformity.
In the last part of the course, analogous mechanisms of control over the mind and thought will be identified in the totalitarian regimes of 20th century.