BA118IU VNU – International University

Introduction to Psychology School of Business Administration

Vietnam National University – HCMC

International University
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

COURSE SYLLABUS1

BA118IU
Introduction to Psychology

1*The syllabus is prepared following the format provided by the School of Organization and Management,
University of New South Wales, with kind permission.

1
BA118IU VNU – International University
Introduction to Psychology School of Business Administration

1. COURSE STAFF

Lecturer: Mr. Nguyễn Hải Trung

Room: 01.308
E-mail: nhtrung@[Link]

2. COURSE INFORMATION

2.1 Name of the course: Introduction to psychology

2.2 Course code: BA118IU

2.3 Units of Credit

This course is worth 3 credits.

2.4 Course type: Elective

2.5 Parallel teaching in the course

There is no parallel teaching involved in this course.

2.6 Relationship of this course to others

Relationship of this course to others

Introduction to Psychology focuses on the application of scientific psychology to human

life. Emphasis is on "normal" behavior and its antecedents. Includes the study of broad
categories of human behavior through various psychological models, Psychology is an
introductory course that studies the foundations of human behaviors, thoughts, and
emotions. The course will approach various topics from a scientific perspective, using
systematic investigation and critical thinking methods rather than personal impressions and
“common sense”. The knowledge of Psychology is very useful for students who need to
learn people as producers and consumers.

2.7 Approach to learning and teaching

Employing interactive learning and problem-based teaching approach, this course

emphasizes the interaction between the lecturer and students. The lecture materials will be
introduced to help the students preview the materials and concentrate on listening and
critical thinking during the lecture. This will help students interact with the lecturer in the
classroom. The session for presentations and discussions comprises case studies as well as
answering some theoretical and conceptual questions, which help the students see how the
concepts are applied in the international business context. Students will present and discuss
related cases with their peers.

2
BA118IU VNU – International University
Introduction to Psychology School of Business Administration

3. COURSE AIMS AND OUTCOMES

3.1 Course Aims

The chief aims of this course are for students to learn:

• The subject of human behavior,

• The methods of social sciences,
• The resources for continuous learning after the course,
• The applications in both professional and personal realms, and
• The enjoyment of learning.

3.2 Course Learning Outcomes

Toward this Aim, the objectives are that each student will:

• CLO1: Define and explain basic psychological concepts.

• CLO2: Apply psychological principles to personal growth and other aspects of
everyday life
• CLO3: Psychology explains general principles that govern behavior while
recognizing individual differences.
• CLO4: Develop basic teamwork, written and verbal communication skill

3.4 Learning Outcomes Matrix (optional)

The relationship between Course Learning Outcomes (CLO) (1-4) and Program/Student
Learning Outcomes (SLO) (1-6) is shown in the following table:

PLOs
CLOs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 I,R
2 I,R
3 I,R
4 I,R

3.5 Teaching Strategies

In order to gain the most from the lectures and class activities, the assigned
text/reading should be read before the lecture to participate in the discussions.

The learning system in this course consists of lectures and scheduled

presentations/discussions. Lectures elaborate the appropriate theoretical content in the
textbook and readings. Classes provide a more detailed and refined analysis of both
concepts and applied materials. Classes are strongly oriented towards interactive
discussion of the text and cases.

3
BA118IU VNU – International University
Introduction to Psychology School of Business Administration

From the second week, the students will need to form small discussion groups (3-4
students/group) which will take turns in presenting the assigned cases each week. However,
all students are required to take active part in the discussions in class. Look at articles and
clippings from business sections of relevant electronic and print media which are relevant
to the presentation topic. The students should explain how the material relates to the theory
discussed in the text. Discuss with group members as to the common strategy for sourcing,
documenting, analyzing and presenting cases each week - for which a basic minimum
interaction will be necessary. For the audience, it is important that they contribute to the
case by getting additional information carefully beforehand so that they are fully familiar
with the materials, and are prepared to participate in the discussions.

4. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND CONDUCT

4.1 Workload

It is expected that the students will spend at least six hours per week studying this course.
This time should be made up of reading, research, working on exercises and problems, and
attending classes. In periods where they need to complete assignments or prepare for
examinations, the workload may be greater.

Under-commitment has been a cause of failure for many students. They should take the
required workload into account when planning how to balance study with part-time jobs
and other activities.

4.2 Attendance

Regular and punctual attendance is expected for this course. University regulations indicate
that if students attend less than eighty percent of scheduled classes, they will not be allowed
to take the final exam.

Exemptions may only be made on medical grounds.

4.3 General Conduct and Behaviors

The students are expected to conduct themselves with consideration and respect for the
needs of the fellow students and teaching staff. Conduct which unduly disrupts or
interferes with a class, such as ringing or talking on mobile phones, is not acceptable and
students will be asked to leave the class. More information on student conduct is
available at the university webpage.

4
BA118IU VNU – International University
Introduction to Psychology School of Business Administration

4.4 Keeping informed

The students should take note of all announcements made in lectures or on the course’s
Blackboard. From time to time, the university will send important announcements to their
university e-mail addresses without providing a paper copy. The students will be deemed
to have received this information.

5. LEARNING ASSESSMENT

5.1 Formal Requirements

In order to pass this course, the students must:
● Achieve a composite mark of at least 50; and
● Make a satisfactory attempt at all assessment tasks (see below).

5.2 Assessment Details

Quizzes + Group presentation 30%

Mid-Term Exam 30%
Final Exam 40%
Total 100%

5.2.1 In Class activities

[Link] Quiz: 10%

Quiz will be held at the end of class to help you reflect on the new knowledge.

[Link] Group presentation (20%)

At first week of the course, each group must register ONE topic in the schedule the group
would like to present. Every week, one or two groups will present one topic.

5.3 Class participation and Presentation

A minimum attendance of 80 percent is compulsory.

5.4 Special Consideration

Request for special consideration (for final examination only) must be made to the Office
of Academic Affairs within one week after the examination. General policy and
information on special consideration can be found at the Office of Academic Affairs.

5
BA118IU VNU – International University
Introduction to Psychology School of Business Administration

6. ACADEMIC HONESTY AND PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism is the presentation of the thoughts or work of another as one’s own (definition
proposed by the University of Newcastle). Students are also reminded that careful time
management is an important part of study and one of the identified causes of plagiarism
is poor time management. Students should allow sufficient time for research, drafting,
and the proper referencing of sources in preparing all assessment items. The university
regards plagiarism as a form of academic misconduct, and has very strict rules regarding
plagiarism.2

7. STUDENT RESOURCES

7.1 Course Resources

Please note that it is very important to gain familiarity with the subject matter in the
readings prior to attendance in classes.

Textbook required:

[1]Rod Plotnik and Haig Kouyoumdjian, Introduction to Psychology, ninth edition

Further reading:

[1] Robert B. Cialdini, Influence – the Psychology of Persuasion, 2007

7.2 Other Resources, Support and Information

Additional learning assistance is available for students in this course and will be made
available in Blackboard. Academic journal articles are available through connections via
the VNU - Central Library. Recommended articles will be duly informed to the students.

2 This is adapted with kind permission from the University of New South Wales.

6
BA118IU VNU – International University
Introduction to Psychology School of Business Administration

8. COURSE SCHEDULE
Course Schedule
Date Topic Textbook Class Activities
Class 1 Introduction to the Group register
Class
Class 2 Sensation and Module 6 Lecture
Perception Group presentation
Class 3 Learning Module 9, 10 Lecture
Group presentation
Class 4 Memory Modules 11 Lecture
Remembering and Module 12 Group presentation
Forgetting
Class 5 Intelligence Modules 13 Group presentation and
Class Discussion
Class 6 Emotions Modules 16 Lecture
Group presentation
Class 7 Motivation Module 15 Lecture
Group presentation
Class 8 Midterm Review
Midterm exam week Cover class
2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Class 9 Personality Module 19 Lecture
Module 20 Group presentation
Class 10 Health, Stress and Modules 21 Lecture
Coping Group presentation
Class 11 Social Psychology – Module 25 Lecture
Self-identity and Group presentation
perceiving others
Class 12 Social Psychology - Module 25 Lecture
Social Influence and Group presentation
persuasion
Class13 Social Psychology - Module 25 Lecture
Group processes, Group presentation
Prosocial behaviors
Class14 Anxiety and Module 25 Lecture
disorder/love Group presentation
Class 15 Final review
Make up presentation
Final exam Covers class
9,10,11,12,13,14,15

7
BA118IU VNU – International University
Introduction to Psychology School of Business Administration

Grading rubric for presentation

Capstone Milestone Benchmark

3 2 1
Organization Organizational pattern (specific Organizational pattern (specific Organizational pattern (specific
introduction and conclusion, introduction and conclusion, introduction and conclusion,
sequenced material within the sequenced material within the body, sequenced material within the
body, and transitions) is clearly and transitions) is intermittently body, and transitions) is not
and consistently observable within observable within the presentation. observable within the
the presentation. presentation.
Delivery Delivery techniques (posture, Delivery techniques (posture, gesture, Delivery techniques (posture,
gesture, eye contact, and vocal eye contact, and vocal expressiveness) gesture, eye contact, and vocal
expressiveness) make the make the presentation expressiveness) detract from
presentation interesting, and understandable, and speaker appears the understandability of the
speaker appears comfortable. tentative. presentation, and speaker
appears uncomfortable.
Supporting Material Supporting materials Supporting materials (explanations, Insufficient supporting
(explanations, examples, examples, illustrations, statistics, materials (explanations,
illustrations, statistics, analogies, analogies, quotations from relevant examples, illustrations,
quotations from relevant authorities) make appropriate statistics, analogies, quotations
authorities) make appropriate reference to information or analysis from relevant authorities) make
reference to information or that partially supports the reference to information or
analysis that generally supports the presentation or establishes the analysis that minimally
presentation or establishes the presenter's credibility/ authority on supports the presentation or
presenter's credibility/ authority the topic. establishes the presenter's
on the topic. credibility/authority on the
Central Message Central message is clear and Central message is basically Central message can be
topic.
consistent with the supporting understandable but is not often deduced, but is not explicitly
material. repeated and is not memorable. stated in the presentation.

Last updated: 10th July 2025