Taunton High School Business Department

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Course Offerings

 

 

The Business and Technology Education Department provides students with important life skills and experiences. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for post-secondary education or to enter the work force. The faculty in the department have all been successful in business and industry and are able to incorporate best industry practices in their daily lesson plans. The majority of our classes are five credits and include the following paths: Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, and Office Administration.

 

All programs in the Business and Technology Department correspond to the school's mission statement and expectations for student achievement. Special emphasis is placed on the academic expectations of communicating effectively, thinking critically, and employing technology. Students are also encouraged to adhere to Taunton High School's social and civic expectations.

 

 

Accounting I:

5 credits

 

Students are taught the fundamentals of double entry accounting, covering the complete accounting cycle. They learn how accurate

records become the basis for reports that show the financial condition of business.  Special journals, subsidiary ledgers, the worksheet with adjustments, closing entries, and financial reports are studied.  Students work on real life simulations in which they act as the accountant, handling all business papers, keeping the records, and preparing the financial reports.  This course carries college credit for Tech Prep students.

 

 

Accounting II:

 

5 credits

 

This course is a continuation of Accounting I.  This course is intended to give a foundation to those students who wish to continue studies in the field of accounting and have a general understanding of business methodology.  Accruals, inventories, investments, depreciation, payroll procedures, departmental accounting and partnerships, and corporations will be some of the topics covered in this course.  Students work on advanced real-life simulations in which they act as the accountant, handling all business papers, keeping the record, and preparing the financial reports.  Computers will be used extensively in this course.  This course carries college credit for Tech Prep students.

 

 

Accounting III:

 

5 credits

 

This course provides students with the accounting and computer skills necessary to secure employment in this competitive field.  Integrated accounting software will be used to implement a diverse selection of accounting problems.  Students will use the general ledger system, integrated bank reconciliation tools, graphs, payroll modules, and inventory systems.  Advanced accounting concepts are also reinforced in order for students to be able to make the transition from intermediate to advanced accounting.  Students work on real-life simulations preparing financial reports.  Computers will be used extensively in this course.  Students will be using accounting software as well as Excel spreadsheets.  Students will learn the fundamental concepts from formatting data and entering formulas to building their own spreadsheets. 

 

 

Banking & Investments:

 

5 credits

 

This course will provide students with an overview of the banking and finance industry.  Students will gain a knowledge of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, how banks function, and career opportunities in the banking and financial world.  Students will explore the banking and financing fields through classroom instruction, related training and operating a school bank.  Students will be prepared for employment as bank tellers or other entry-level positions.  Students enrolled in this course will be candidates for positions in Taunton High School’s school bank.  Students will develop a stock portfolio and learn to follow the stock market.

 

 

Banking Practicum:

 

5 credits

 

This is the hands-on portion of the Introduction to Banking course.  Students will be selected to train in the school bank based on interest, attendance, and performance.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Banking & Investments

 

Business & Personal Law:

 

5 credits

 

This course is an in-depth survey that studies law as it relates to juveniles, families, business, housing and criminal law.  A strong component of the legislative process is included.  A focus on the Supreme Court and specifically the Supreme Court cases and their ramifications are stressed.  Students will study a series of sophisticated readings.  Mock trials are included.  Students will write analytical papers and a research project is required.  Students may take this course for honors credit.

 

Computer Information Systems I:

5 credits

 

This course is an introduction to computers dealing with concepts and applications.  The purpose of this course is to provide students with a general understanding of how a computer works.  The course is designed to give the students a firm foundation that they can build upon in software and hardware.  An introduction to the Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, Access, and Power Point – will be covered.  Students may be working towards Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) certification.  This course carries college credit for Tech Prep students.

 

Computer Information Systems II:

 

5 credits

 

This course will include an in-depth study of spreadsheets including the database and graphic capabilities, as well as a study of the leading word processor including desktop publishing features. Students will work with an integrated office package including its database components.  The course will include software evaluation techniques and the student will learn to analyze what software best meets a particular set of needs.  After this course, the students will have all the knowledge and skills necessary to sit for a Microsoft Office User Specialist Exam.  This course carries college credit for Tech Prep students. 

Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in CIS I

 

AP Economics:

5 credits

This course provides students with a through understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, bother consumers and producers, within the larger economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets, and includes the study of factor markets and of the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy.

 

Economics:

 

5 credits

 

This course is intended to give students an in-depth study of the issues that impact global economy under the various economic systems.  Micro and Macro economics will be covered.  Through the use of case studies and projects, students will acquire an appreciation for the roles that people, business, and governments have in the field of economics.  Student research using the Internet will be emphasized.  This class can be taken for honors credit.

 

Entrepreneurship:

 

5 credits

 

This course will focus on helping students recognize a business opportunity and on starting, operating and maintaining a business.  It will prepare students to become successful entrepreneurs.  Analyzing markets, sales and advertising strategies, obtaining capital, modern management techniques, managing personnel, personal finances and much more will be taught.  Students will learn what it is like to fund one’s own business; what is involved in starting a business; and what problem-solving techniques are needed to be successful in business.  A detailed business plan will be the final project.  This course will allow the students to understand the role played by entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in the development on the American economy.  It will also allow the student to understand the role played by entrepreneurs in the modern-day economy and the relationship on entrepreneurship to economic development and the impact of economic growth of future career choices of students.  This course will provide the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for students to prepare for active participation in the economy and to conduct business activities both as employees and business owners.

 

Finance Math:

 

5 credits

 

This course is the study of the interrelationship of mathematical processes and business problems common to all persons.  Topics include a review of the arithmetic of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents; enabling the extension of these concepts to business applications, including problems dealing with income, personal money records, banking and financing, payroll, taxes and discounts, insurance and investments, sales, and management. Business statistics and probabilities are introduces.

 

Financial Management:

 

5 credits

 

This course stresses the role of the aware consumer in today's society.  To meet this objective, the course will focus on specific consumer issues that the student will encounter during both his and her school and adult life.  Some of the topics covered will include: consumer spending, savings and investing, consumer borrowing, installment credit and understanding of credit, knowledge of financial institutions and their services and how to be socially responsible.  This course is recommended for all students who wish to better understand their role as effective consumers.  

 

Introduction to Networking:

 

5 credits

 

This course gives the students an in depth understanding of Networks.  Students will distinguish between network classifications; work with network components, such as: cables, network interface cards, and concentrators.  Students will identify network protocols and create network file systems.  There will be hands on experience, as students will build a functional Network in class.

Prerequisite: PC maintenance with a grade of C or better

 

Computer Concepts:

5 credits

This course will train the student on the use of technology and safety in the work place. The student will take the OSHA 10 hour course and test. The student will also receive a basic overview on computer usage including proper internet usage, email, Microsoft office software, Microsoft windows operating systems and computer hardware. There will be an industry standard test given for IC3 certification as a final exam and the students that pass will receive certification certificates.

 

Keyboarding:

 

2.5 credits

 

This nine week course prepares the students to use a personal computer as a communication tool.  Students are introduced to the basic keyboarding skills with emphasis on letters, memos and report typing.  Mastery of the touch-typing system for personal and business use is the main objective of this course.  Keyboarding software will lead students through the study of this valuable skill. Through the use of simulations/projects, students will apply critical thinking skills to a variety of workplace situations.

 

Management:

 

5 credits

 

This course is designed for all students who plan to major in business on the college level and for students who wish to be employed in managerial positions.  The course will cover the management principles as well as business financing, production, sales, advertising, taxes and human resources.  The concepts of planning, controlling, organizing and leading used in both profit and nonprofit settings are studied.  The diverse and dynamic context within which managers operate is further defined by examining the managerial implications of a global economy, ethics, and social responsibility.  Students may take this course for honors credit.

 

Marketing I:

 

5 credits

 

This course is designed to give students an exploratory investigation of the career opportunities in the broad field of marketing.  These students will also obtain “hands-on” experience in a variety of marketing projects that match their career interests. The class is divided between textbook theories and working on school based enterprises, class/individual project based activities.

 

Marketing II:

 

5 credits

 

This course is the second part of learning marketing and business management with emphasis on preparing students for careers in the business world.  Students will continue studying marketing theory and take on "management roles" in many marketing education business projects operated in the school and in the community such as fashion shows, sports and entertainment programs, public relations activities, writing an entrepreneurship business plan to obtain financing.

 

Multimedia:

5 credits

This course is an introduction to the use of basic graphic design and typographic principles in a computerized business environment.  In this course, the student will learn to prepare media-rich, highly interactive projects using multimedia development package.  The emphasis will be on learning the technical skills needed to utilize the multimedia software effectively to create demonstrations and presentations.

 

Office Administration:

 

5 credits


Office Administration provides a broad overview of the continuing impact of technology in the office.  Emphasis is placed on communications – from E-mail to the Internet – and electronic equipment.  Skills vital to any manager, assistant, or office employee are taught.  These include computer activities offering learning opportunities for word processing, spreadsheets, database, and simulations emphasizing commitment, teamwork, research, problem-solving, and information management skills.  Students will be introduced to manual and computerized filing, medical and legal machine transcription, proper telephone techniques, and computer application using Microsoft Office Suite.  The course also highlights people skills and human relationships vital to a successful career.  Students may also participate in an internship with area businesses.

 

 

PC Maintenance:

 

5 credits


This course offers an in-depth understanding of computer systems including hardware and operating system.  Students learn how to maintain a computer and solve operating system and hardware problems.  The course provides a solid understanding of PC Hardware, MSDOS 6.2, Windows 95, 98, 2000 operating systems, and trouble-shooting.  The management of PC hard disk drives and PC configuration using boot files is emphasized. This course provides initial training necessary for students who wish to take the A+ Certification Examination, a recognized industry standard for computer service technician certification.

 

School Store Co-Op Internship/Practicum:

 

5 credits


Students will be assigned to work in "The Little Closet" to obtain on-the-job experience, during the school day.  For full credit, students must also work on marketing projects, field trips and DECA mini projects.

 

Prerequisite: Enrolled in Marketing I or Marketing II

 

 

Web Design:

5 credits

This course teaches students to design and maintain websites. Students will develop WebPages using HTML, JavaScript, and other web designing tools.

 

Web Design II:

5 credits

This course prepares students with work related skills for advancement into post secondary education and industry. The course focus will be on exposure to basic through advanced Web Design using hands-on development with current programs such as Dreamweaver MX as well as developing and presenting professional web sites. The course content provides students with the opportunity to acquire fundamental skills in both theory and practical application of Web development.

Prerequisite: A grade C or better in Web Design

 

Video Game Design:

5 credits

This class offer students the opportunity to learn how to effectively implement game ideas using a comprehensive and analytical approach to game engine architectures. The curriculum is designed around Microsoft visual studio and Microsoft Visual C+. The video game engine is Microsoft XNA Game Studio Express. A reasonable familiarity with computer is required. No prior game or graphics programming experience is necessary.