Prerequisite: None 

Instructors:

• Elliott Van Dusen

Course Description:

Students will engage in an in-depth exploration of the enigmatic realm of Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP), a compelling aspect of paranormal research. EVP involves the capture of voices and sounds of unknown origin through electronic means, often linked to anomalous or paranormal activity. This course covers the evolution of after-death communication (ADC) from early Spiritualism through the birth of instrumental transcommunication, alongside scientific perspectives, recording techniques, analysis strategies, and ethical considerations. Through theory, case studies, and hands-on exercises, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of EVP and its broader implications in field investigations.

Course Outline: 

Week 1: History and Foundations of EVP

Historical overview:

• Spiritualism, psychical research, and early after-death communication (ADC) attempts.
• Thomas Edison’s rumoured “spirit telephone.”
• Jürgenson, Raudive, Sarah Estep, and the birth of modern EVP.
  
  • Understanding EVP within the wider field of parapsychology.
  • Introduction to Instrumental Transcommunication (ITC).
  • Critical thinking and epistemology in paranormal claims.

Discussion (5%)

Live discussion via Zoom

Week 2: Scientific, Psychological, and Skeptical Perspectives

Neuropsychological concepts:

• Auditory pareidolia
• Expectation bias
• Apophenia
• Memory contamination
• Acoustic science:
  • EVP as RF interference
  • Audio matrixing
  • Environmental noise and recording artifacts
• Evaluating skeptical arguments and methodological critiques.

Discussion (5%)

Live discussion via Zoom

Week 3: Tools of the Trade: Recording Equipment & Techniques

• Digital recorders, microphone types, and EM shielding basics.
• Environmental considerations and contamination controls.
• ITC devices:
  • Spirit boxes (SB7, SB11)
  • Ghost apps (and why most are unreliable)
  • Real-time processing devices
• Setting up structured, repeatable EVP sessions.

Discussion (5%)

Live discussion via Zoom

Week 4: Capturing EVP: Fieldwork & Best Practices

• EVP session design: controlled, semi-controlled, and informal.
• Question protocols and proper noise tagging.
• Silent room vs. conversational EVP methods.
• Baseline readings, shielding, and Faraday cage use.
• Hands-on recording lab.

Discussion (5%)

Live discussion via Zoom

Week 5: Audio Analysis, Interpretation & Classification

• Static vs. dynamic EVP.
• Audio analysis tools:
  • Audacity
  • Adobe Audition
• Spectrogram analysis (visual speech-pattern recognition) EVP Classification (Class A/B/C).
• Blind review panels and the importance of replicability.

Practical Exercise (30%)

Discussion (5%)

Live discussion via Zoom

Week 6: Ethics, Trauma-Informed Practice & Cultural Sensitivity

Ethical considerations in anomalous communication research:

• Respectful approaches to potential discarnate communication
• Investigator and client mental well-being
• ADC claims in grieving or vulnerable individuals
• Informed consent in residential investigations.
• Avoiding sensationalism and client exploitation.
• Cultural and religious perspectives on spirit communication.

Discussion (%5)

Live discussion via Zoom

Week 7: Case Studies, Controversies & Cross-Comparisons

• Famous EVP cases:
  • Jürgenson field recordings
  • Raudive lab tests
  • Sarah Estep’s AA-EVP contributions
• PPRI-selected case studies
• Cross-comparison with other phenomena:
  • ITC visual phenomena
  • DRV (Direct Radio Voice)
• Telephone Calls From the Dead (TCFD)
• Variation in interpretation across researchers.

 Discussion (5%)

Live discussion via Zoom

Week 8: The Future of EVP & ITC Research

• AI-assisted audio analysis and new challenges.
• Machine learning risks: deepfakes, algorithmic bias, and misinterpretation.
• Next-generation technologies:
  
  • Software-defined radio (SDR)
  • Advanced spectral tools
  • Real-time ITC experimentation
• Integrating EVP into the future of survival research and anomalous communication studies.

Final Exam (5%)

Final Examination: (30%)

Recommended Reading:

• Cardoso, A. (2010). Electronic Voices: Contact with Another Dimension?
  Hampshire, UK: O-Books/John Hunt Publishing.
  
• Raudive, K. (1971). Breakthrough: An Amazing Experiment in Electronic Communication with the Dead. Gerrards Cross: Colin Smythe.
  
• Estep, S. (1988). Voices of Eternity. AA-EVP Publications. (Foundational text by one of the most respected early American EVP researchers.)
  
• Bayless, R. (1976). Phone Calls from the Dead. (Classic source for ADC-related electronic anomalies.) 

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.

Students who complete all assignments and demonstrate competency receive a Certificate in Electronic Voice Phenomenon.

Admissions:

Complete the CAPRI student enrollment admissions form below.