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
This course provides students with the opportunity to learn about the features of our economy, explore a variety of careers, learn the skills and competencies needed to succeed in the workplace and to begin to become financially literate. Students learn about balancing budgets, interest rates associated with purchases, loans, and credit. Students also have the opportunity to explore career opportunities, set goals and paths for specific careers, and college opportunities.
MARKETING 1: INTRODUCTION TO MARKETING Half year – ½ credit, Grades 9-12
This course provides students with the opportunity to learn about the foundations and functions of marketing as they relate to a variety of industries. The foundation and functions will cover marketing of a good, service, or idea. The functions that students will understand are distribution, financing, marketing-information management, pricing, product/service management, basic introduction to marketing, promotion, and selling. (This course is a pre-requisite for students who would like to take Sports and Entertainment Marketing.)
SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING Half year – ½ credit, Grades 10-12
This course will provide students with a thorough understanding of the marketing concepts and theories that apply to sports and entertainment industries. The sports segment will include collegiate, professional and amateur sports. The entertainment segment will include movies, theater and music. Students will have an opportunity to develop promotional plans, sponsorship proposals, endorsement contracts, sports and entertainment marketing plans, and evaluation and management techniques. Prerequisite: Marketing 1
ACCOUNTING 1 Half year – ½ credit, Grades 10-12
This course is designed to develop occupational competencies in bookkeeping. Students will be able to record journal entries, update ledger accounts, and prepare basic financial statements. Additionally, students will be required to analyze financial statements and make projections for the future of the business. Accounting software will be used to assist in the preparation of accounting papers. Students should be familiar with the use of Excel software. (This course is a pre-requisite for students who would like to take Accounting 2.)
ACCOUNTING 2 Half year – ½ credit, Grades 10-12
This course will give students the opportunity to continue to develop occupational competencies in accounting/bookkeeping. Students will use the basic concepts presented in Accounting 1 while exploring the theory and practices for merchandising businesses. Special journals, expanded financial statements, payroll and benefits are some topics covered. Students will continue to use the advanced software to input transactions and prepare financial statements. Prerequisite: Accounting 1
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.
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS AND ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS TOOLS Full year (alt days) – ½ credit, Grades 9-12
This is a one-year course designed to introduce students to the computer and online-based platforms. Students will learn touch typing and word processing on the computer while developing skills in creating, formatting, and producing a variety of documents such as letters, reports and newsletters. There will be strong emphasis on navigating and using platforms like Microsoft Office 365 to communicate and present information to others. Administrative approval required.
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.
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. 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.