Business, Computer Science, & Library Media Department

BUSINESS, COMPUTER SCIENCE, & LIBRARY MEDIA 

The discipline of business and marketing education helps students develop the knowledge, skills and behaviors necessary to succeed in the workforce using the appropriate business and communication tools. These courses will help students develop skills in finance, information systems, entrepreneurship, marketing, management, and international trade. Computer science and programming education provides an opportunity for students to engage in real-world problem solving and computational thinking while experiencing the fundamentals of computing and developing programming expertise. The acquired skills provide a foundation for career and college readiness as well as prepare students for post-secondary study in a business cluster, computer science and programming. Technology and information literacy courses help students recognize the social implications of technology and develop the ability to identify the need for information, locate, evaluate, analyze and use it effectively. These courses will help students acquire the necessary skill set that is increasingly important in this “Information and Technology Age”.

BUSINESS EDUCATION COURSES

CAREER & FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12

The Career and Financial management course (CFM) is designed to equip students with essential life skills related to both financial literacy and career planning. This course emphasizes practical knowledge and tools that are directly applicable to real-world situations, empowering students to make informed decisions regarding their finances and future careers. Students will learn about budgeting, interest rates and loans, credit management, saving and investing and making sound financial decisions. Students will explore career pathways, personal goal settings, resume building and job search strategies. Key softskill such as communication, teamwork, time management, task priority and problem-solving will be emphasized as essential tools for career success.

MARKETING 1: INTRODUCTION TO MARKETING Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12

This introductory marketing course provides students with a comprehensive foundation in the core principles and functions of marketing as they relate to various industries. The course is designed to offer students a thorough understanding of the marketing process, focusing on both the theory and practical application of marketing strategies across different types of products, services, and ideas. Key topcs covered include: marketing fundamentals, distribution channels, financing, market information management, pricing, selling and promotion. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to apply the concepts they learn through case studies, group projects, and real-world examples. By the end of the course, students will have a strong understanding of the marketing functions and how they work together to drive business success. This course serves as a prerequisite for students interested in advancing to specialized marketing fields, such as Sports and Entertainment Marketing, by providing them with the foundational knowledge necessary for more complex marketing topics. 

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING Half year – ½ credit, Grades 10-12

This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how marketing principles apply to both the sports and entertainment sectors. Students will learn fundamental theories and strategies in the areas of market research, consumer behavior, branding, advertising, partnerships and digital marketing focusing on collegiate, professional and amateur sports and the movie, theater and music industries. Students. Students will develop strategies to market teams, films and concerts. This course assumes students have a basic understanding of marketing concepts and requires Marketing 1 as a pre-requisite course.

INTRO TO BUSINESS LAW 1 Half Year - 1/2 credit, Grades 10-12

 This course provides high school students with a foundational understanding of business law and its critical role in the legal environment. Students will explore the key legal concepts that impact both businesses and individuals today. Key topics covered in the course include contracts, sales, ethics, dispute resolution, agency law, and the various legal structures of business organizations. Students will develop an understanding of how laws influence business operations, decision-making processes, and consumer protection. In addition, students will be introduced to the court system, methods of legal dispute resolution, and the roles of various legal professionals. By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the legal environment and its implications in both business and personal contexts.

ACCOUNTING 1 Half year – ½ credit, Grades 10-12

This course is designed to build foundational skills in bookkeeping and accounting. Key objectives of the course will introduce students to: Recording Journal Entries (Students will learn to accurately document financial transactions in journal entries). Updating Ledger Accounts (Students will update and maintain various ledger accounts to track business activities)
Preparing Financial Statements (The course will teach students to prepare basic financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements).
Analyzing Financial Statements (Students will also analyze these financial statements to assess the financial health of a business).
Making Projections (Using the data from financial statements, students will learn how to make business projections, helping businesses plan for the future).
Use of Accounting Software (Practical experience will be gained through the use of accounting software, which will assist students in completing accounting tasks efficiently).
Excel Skills (A working knowledge of Excel software is necessary, as it will be used for organizing data and performing calculations).

INCUBATOREDU ENTREPRENEURSHIP & ENTERPRISE  Full year – 1 credit, Grades 11,12

This course will provide students with an authentic entrepreneurship experience. This program gives students the opportunity to create and fully develop their own products or service. Real-world entrepreneurs and business experts serve as volunteer coaches and mentors, guiding student teams through processes of ideation, market research and business plan development. Over the course of the year, student teams learn about marketing, accounting, as well as the legal aspects of starting a business. They have access to a network of professionals to further develop their skills (teamwork, problem-solving, presentation, communication) for college and career readiness.

COMPUTER SCIENCE & PROGRAMMING COURSES

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE Half year—1/2 credit, Grades 9-12

Through a project based learning approach, students who are interested in computers and developing software applications will explore a variety of computer systems (hardware and software applications) and programming languages to create interactive applications and systems. By collaborating in a hands-on environment, students will develop problem solving skills, software design and debugging strategies. They will develop an appreciation for the foundations of computer science (file management, data structures, procedures, and algorithms). Students will work on projects (both individual and team) in the areas of computing career options, graphics and games, animation and art, electronics systems, and interactive fashion, all using a variety of programming languages. Students will develop a working knowledge of computer system designs, and skills and strategies that will serve a basis for the Computer Science Essentials course. Designed for students who have not taken Computer Applications for Business & Life in middle school or who want to develop technology and programming skills in a half-year course.

Computer Science Essentials Full year—1 credit, Grades 9-12

Computer Science Essentials (CSE) is the first course in the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Computer Science strand. Students experience the major topics, big ideas, and computational thinking practices used by computing professionals to solve problems and create value for others. The course aims to develop computational thinking and generate excitement about career paths that utilize computing. CSE helps students develop programming expertise and transition from the block-based programming to text-based programming languages. The course is designed to introduce students to a range of topics in computer science while building confidence that prepares them to move to advanced computer science courses. This course requires a working knowledge of basic software, hardware, and file management.

Intro to Robotics 1 Half year - 1/2 credit, Grades 9-12

Based on the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy curriculum and using REV Edu Kits, this project-based course focuses on the fundamental concepts of robotics including basic programming principals, construction, mechanical design, sensors, actuators and controllers.  Students are introduced to the role of robotics in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare and exploration. By the end of the course students will understand the relationships between mechanical, electrical and software components in a robot, develop basic programming skills to control robot behavior and collaborate effectively in teams to complete section and final projects.

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE Full year—1 credit, Grades 10-12

Students experience advanced computer science functions, including problem solving, working with data, understanding the Internet, cybersecurity, and programming. Using Python and Java Script as primary tools, students develop advanced projects to solve real world problems. This course incorporates multiple platforms and languages for computations. Students develop programming expertise and explore the workings of the Internet. The students will be involved in app development, visualization of data, cybersecurity and simulation. This course follows the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Computer Science curriculum. Students take the AP Computer Science Exam. Prerequisite: Computer Science Essentials or administrative approval

INFORMATION LITERACY COURSES

Technology, Research & Social Media Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12

This course focuses on technology and information literacy skills while using social media & research tools through project-based instruction.  Some of the hands-on projects may include, but are not limited to creation of videos, podcasts, 3D images and public service announcements (PSA).  Students will develop comprehensive understanding of Microsoft applications, online resources and databases, and new cloud-based and social media applications.  Students will also develop methods on identifying and critically analyzing the misinformation inbedded in fake news on social media and on  websites. This course is a great foundation for future technology and research classes, as well as college and careers. It also provides support for students to complete projects assigned in their academic classes. Designed for students who have not taken Computer Applications for Bus. & Life in middle school or want to develop additional technology and information literacy skills.