Prerequisite: None

Instructors:

• Instructor Elliott Van Dusen

Course Description:

Students are introduced to the captivating field of Demonology in this comprehensive introductory course. The journey begins with an exploration of ancient beliefs surrounding demons, transitioning seamlessly into Christian and other religious perspectives on demonology. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to examining the intersection of demonic possession with psychiatry and mental illnesses. Students will also engage with the scientific principles of social science parapsychology, learning how to approach alleged cases of demonic activity. The course culminates in an in-depth study of demonic possession and exorcism practices, providing students with a solid foundation for understanding this complex subject.

Course Outline:

Week 1

• Introduction
• Ancient Historical
• Overview of Demonology
• Christian, and Other
• Religious Views on
• Demonology
• Live Lecture via Zoom: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm (AST)
• Discussion Question: 10% of grade

Week 2

• Historical Overview of
• Demonology in Psychiatry
• Mental Illnesses and Demonic Possession
• Live Lecture via Zoom: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm (AST)
• Discussion Question: 10% of grade

Week 3

• Differentiating Between Mental Illness and Demonic Possession
• Approaching Demonic Cases from a Scientific Perspective Using Parapsychology
• Modern Developments in Demonology
• Live Lecture via Zoom: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm (AST)
• Discussion Question: 10% of grade
• Assignment (Due in 7 days): 30% of grade. Critically analyze one of the following well-known demonic cases, highlighting both natural phenomena and parapsychological phenomena such as levitations:
• The Exorcism of Anneliese Michel: A tragic case of alleged demonic possession in Germany.
• The Smurl Haunting: A family in Pennsylvania claimed to be tormented by demonic forces.
• The Enfield Poltergeist: A series of disturbances in London attributed to supernatural activity.
• The Ammons Haunting: A mother and her children in Indiana reported possessions and levitations.
• Instructions: Select one case and provide a critical analysis in APA format, identifying elements that could be attributed to natural phenomena and those indicative of parapsychological phenomena.

Week 4

• Exorcisms
• Spiritual Warfare
• Course Conclusion
• Live Lecture via Zoom:  7:30 pm – 9:00 pm (AST)
• Special Guest Instructor: Father Bob Bailey (Tentative)
• Discussion Question: 10% of grade
• Final Examination: 30% of grade. Available for 10 days after the live lecture date.

Grading:

• Discussion Questions: 40%
• Assignment: 30%
• Final Examination: 30%
• Grading Scale: A+ (90-100), A (80-84), A- (85-89), B+ (77-79), B (73-76), B- (70-72), C+ (65-69), C (60-64), C- (55-59), D (50-54), F (0-49)

Recommended Reading:

• “The Encyclopedia of Demons and Demonology” by Rosemary Ellen Guiley
• “Hostage to the Devil” by Malachi Martin
• “The Demonologist: The Extraordinary Career of Ed and Lorraine Warren” by Gerald Brittle

Technical Requirements:

• Stable internet connection
• Access to Zoom for live lectures (recordings available)
• Moodle for course materials and assignments

Tuition:

Payable through PayPal’s secure online payment system.
Supports CAPRI’s non-profit mission.

Withdrawals and Terminations:

Refer to CAPRI’s policies on voluntary withdrawals, terminations, and appeals.

Admissions:

Complete the CAPRI student enrollment admissions form below.