Psychology and Today’s Challenges: Psychology for Study and Life

This course will provide you with an introductory overview of major fields and key concepts and methods of psychology with particular focus on development of your skills to apply them in daily life and/or help you get prepared for study of psychology.

You will gain insights into historical roots of psychology. You will learn about research methodology and have opportunity to practice critical evaluation of classic experiments, contemporary studies, and ethical considerations.

While focusing on personality characteristics and their measurement, intelligence, decision making, managing emotions and stress, motivation, effective communication and presentation skills, you will have opportunity to discuss the topics in class, and to practically develop your skills to apply them in real life. You will be supported to identify your personal values, motivation and developmental goals. Attention will be given to contemporary challenges in psychology, e.g. the role of AI and ethical requirements in psychology, strengthening mental health to manage stress and anxiety in the modern digital world, to control influence of social media, etc.

ACQUIRED SKILLS

  • Understand basic psychological concepts related to the practical application in real life
  • Understand the role of psychological experiments and research, including ethical issues
  • 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
  • Understand the psychological challenges of the digital age with a focus on impact of social media and AI
  • Obtain knowledge and skills for potential study of psychology

GENERAL INFORMATION

Course term: 
Available seats: 
Price: 
Category: 
Status: 
Deadline: 

20. 07. – 31. 07. 
2 
950 € 
Personal Development & Communication Skills 
Few places left 
20.07.2026  

Course term: 20. 07. – 31. 07. 
Available seats: 2 
Price: 950 €
Category: Personal Development & Communication Skills 
Status: Few places left 
Deadline: 20.07.2026 

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 Methods: 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 1

Introduction to course and discussion on class expectations • Syllabus review • Introduction to psychology – definitions and overview


Day 2

Basic concepts of general psychology • Six main psychological perspectives


Day 3

Psychology as science • Research methods in social sciences • Key psychological experiments • Ethical aspects of psychological research


Day 4

Biological basis of human behavior • Cognitive abilities • Intelligence and learning • Decision making and creativity


Day 5

Emotions and moods in human behavior • Emotional intelligence • Stress management and conflict resolution, mental heath


Day 6

Personality I: key concepts • Unique character and determinants of personality • Personality traits and types


Day 7

Personality II: tools to identify and measure different personality types • Impact of personality on people interactions • Examples of personality tests and their usage


Day 8

Motivation: key concepts and their application • Motivation at work: job satisfaction, employee engagement • Motivation in personal development and growth


Day 9

Common mental disorders and their treatment • Contemporary challenges in psychology (role of AI, social media, ethical issues…) • Final project


Day 10

Catch-up and/or reinforcement of previous topics • Final group exercise and recapitulation

<span class="kurz-detail-output" data-field="lecturer_kurz" style="display: contents;">Ivana<br>Schmidtova</span>

LECTURER

Ivana
Schmidtova

Charles University in Prague 
Psychologist, Counselor and Lecturer

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

Literature

  • Spielman, R.M., et al. (2014). Psychology. Houston, Texas : OpenStax College, Rice University.
  • Nolen-Hoeksema, S., Fredrickson, B., & Loftus, G.R. (2009). Atkinson & Hilgard's Introduction to Psychology (15. ed.). Andover : Cengage Learning.
  • Huffman, K. (2012). Psychology in Action (10. ed.). Hoboken, N.J. : Wiley.
  • 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%

Course outline

COURSE GALLERY

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.

ASSESSMENTS

COURSE TIME TOTAL 125 HOURS

– Course runs 2 weeks Monday to Friday 9:00-14:00
– Total time of in-class work = 50hours
– Preliminary assignment = 10hours
– 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 2026 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

PREREQUISITES

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

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ANY QUESTIONS?

Feel free to contact our coordinator:

Andrea Josífková 
Coordinator

+420 777 879 192

info@europeansummerschool.com

Testimonials

Isobel Bates

Digital Graphics

I went on the trip thinking I knew what the school would be about... it was better than anything I could of thought. Everyone was so lovely and it really was a once in a life time trip. It’s taught me how easy it is to live in another country and I was lucky enough to meet different people from different countries and backgrounds. I feel very bless to have had to opportunity. I would easily go again.

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Varuna

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I had the most creative and eye-catching opening summer this year at ESS where the classes were a perfect mix of understand brand building, concepts innovation in a setting that was relaxed and energising at the same time. The ESS crew was incredibly fun and friendly making the process of exploring culture and activities are Prague an englightening experience.

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My time at the ESS has been an amazing experience. The Advertising and PR course was both educational and fun. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring Prague on my own and during the fun activities planned by the organization. I met a lot of really nice people and would definitely recommend ESS to everyone looking for a great time.

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