(Recorded Course) Introduction to Psychology with Julian Ahlquist

Are you interested in the historical background of psychology? Join in with our twice-a-week discussion of psychology’s philosophical roots in the context of Catholicism -- it’s a great course for anyone following a classical curriculum.

How to get the most out of Introduction to Psychology with Julian Ahlquist:

  • Watch the Class Recordings posted for each week with a notebook, ready to take notes, and use the PDF "Presentations" associated with them to help study for the periodic quizzes and exams.
  • Do any quizzes or assignments posted each week. Each quiz/exam will have a brief description which provides some hints about what material will be covered on them.
  • The paper (regarding "Your Temperament") can be graded largely on the basis of grammar, minimum word count requirement, etc., but also with an eye to the apparent thoughtful depth the student puts into it (grading rubric is provided).
  • Once the course is completed to the parent's satisfaction, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end to be filled in for your records.

Total Classes: 24

Prerequisite: None

Suggested Grade Level: 11th to 12th grade

Suggested Credit: 1 full semester Psychology, Philosophy, or Ethics

Instructor: Julian Ahlquist

Instructor Email: julian.ahlquist@gmail.com

Course Description: This course examines basic psychological concepts and terminology, as well as the roots of psychology as it arose in ancient Greece (as with Plato, Aristotle, and Galen) and onward to the medieval Scholastics (with a strong emphasis on ideas from St. Thomas Aquinas). Topics will be looked at from a fairly philosophical and oftentimes theological perspective through the lens of the Catholic faith.

Weekly Outline:

Week 1 through 2 - Introduction

Week 3 - Platonic Psychology

Week 4 through 5 - Aristotelian Psychology

Week 6 through 7 - Other Ancient Psychology

Week 8 - Early Church Psychology

Week 9 through 11 - Thomistic Psychology

Week 12 - Other Medieval Psychology

Course Materials: All materials provided FREE by the instructor as downloadable PDF files.

Homework: Homework will involve periodic quizzes involving fill-in-the-blank and multiple choice questions, two comprehensive exams, and a paper. Expect to spend 1 to 2 hours per week outside of the classroom on homework.