Introduction to Psychology

This course will provide you with an overview of theoretical and applied psychological approaches, methods and tools, with particular focus on personality characteristics and their measurement, intelligence, decision making, managing emotions and stress, motivation, effective communication and presentation skills. You will have the opportunity to gain knowledge of key psychological concepts, practically develop your skills, and apply them in real life.

Acquired skills

  • Understand basic psychological concepts related to the practical application in real life
  • Understand the role of psychological experiments and research
  • Comprehend the biological basis of human behavior
  • Understand human emotions and their role in motivation and communication
  • Understand the unique character of personality and tools to identify and measure different personality types
  • Improve interpersonal skills based on understanding and application of relevant concepts of intelligence, abilities, emotions, motivation, communication, decision making, and creativity
  • Understand and differentiate common mental disorders and their treatment

General information

Course term: 121.07. - 01.08.

Available seats: 12

Price: 950 €

Category: Personal Development & Communication Skills

Status: Available

Deadline: 30.04.2025

Description

The Introduction to Psychology course is an entry level course to Psychology. You will therefore have a better understanding of the applied psychological approaches, methods and tools used for defining ones personality characteristics and their measurement including intelligence, decision making process, coping with emotions and stress, motivation, effective communication and the level of presentation skills.

Teaching Method - lectures, presentations, in-class group discussions, role plays and exercises, feedback, examinations, article reviews, analysis of cases, homework readings and assignments, team project, etc.

Schedule

  • Day 1Introduction to course and discussion on class expectations, Syllabus review, Introduction to psychology – definitions and overview
  • Day 2Basic concepts of general psychology, Six main psychological perspectives
  • Day 3Psychology as science, Research methods in social sciences, Key psychological experiments, Ethical aspects of psychological research
  • Day 4Biological basis of human behavior, Cognitive abilities, Intelligence and learning, Decision making and creativity
  • Day 5Emotions and moods in human behavior, Emotional intelligence, Stress management and conflict resolution
  • Day 6Personality I: key concepts, Unique character and determinants of personality, Personality traits and types
  • Day 7Personality II: tools to identify and measure different personality types, Impact of personality on people interactions, Examples of personality tests and their usage
  • Day 8Motivation: key concepts and their application, Motivation at work: job satisfaction, employee engagement, Motivation in personal development and growth
  • Day 9Common mental disorders and their treatment, Final project
  • Day 10Psychological counseling and coaching, Catch-up and/or reinforcement of previous topics, Final group exercise and recapitulation

Course is running: Monday - Friday, 9:00 - 14:00

Lecturer

Ivana Schmidtova

Charles University in Prague

Psychologist, Counselor and Lecturer

Bio

Ivana Schmidtova is an experienced psychologist, manager, HR expert, and teacher. She earned both her Pharmacy Doctor degree and MA degree in Psychology at the Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. She also obtained the coaching certification at the Academy of Coaching Excellence. She gained broad management and leadership experience, especially in the area of Human Resources Management, including local and international assignments, in one of the largest global pharmaceutical corporations (Merck & Co.). Currently, she works as a private psychologist, consultant and counselor, and teaches at the Anglo-American University and at the Charles University in Prague.
Courses taught: Introduction to Psychology, Managerial Psychology, Industrial Psychology, Organizational Behavior, Organizational Culture. Human Resources Management, Introduction to Management.
Specialization: Psychology, Coaching, Counseling, Motivation, Career Development, Human Resources Management, General Management, Leadership, Communication Skills, Organizational Behavior, Organizational Culture & Change

Course outline

Literature

Compilation of relevant textbooks chapters, professional journals, and empirical research.

Assessments

  • Attendance and active in-class participation: 20%
  • Individual assignment – presentation: 25%
  • Team assignment(s): 20%
  • Final project: 35%

Credits

You will receive an official Certificate of Attendance upon completion of your course. Please inform the organizing staff if you require any extra supplements, such as Transcript of Records. The student is eligible to receive up to 5 ECTS credits, however please follow the instructions here and consult the acknowledgment process with your university in advance.

Course time total 125 hours

  1. Course runs 2 weeks Monday to Friday 9:00-14:00
  2. Total time of in-class work = 50hours
  3. Preliminary assignment = 10hours
  4. Preparation = 65hours

Price

Course fee includes the course itself, application fee, study materials, afternoon/evening social activities and events, welcome and goodbye drink as part of the graduation party. Other expenses, such as meals, accommodation, insurance, personal expenses, public transportation ticket, extra activities (such as trips outside of town over the weekend and entrance fees), and required equipment (i.e. pencils, paper for illustrations) are not included in the price.

Please note, after the 30th of April 2025 there will be a late enrollment fee charged in the amount of 100EUR on top of the course fee.

Terms and Conditions - Cancellation fees

Costs of living in Prague

Accommodation

For accommodation options, please visit the dedicated page

*Program/Course Outline is subject to change.

Prerequisites

  • Intermediate level of English (at least B1/B2)