Business & Computer Science (STEM)

SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS                                                                           (1308)

            One semester               Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.00

Successful completion of Software Applications is a graduation requirement.  The course is open to students in grades 10, 11 and 12.  This course is designed for students with an existing general understanding of the PC and software.  The course fits the needs of both the college-bound and non-college-bound student.  The goal is to equip students with software and computer skills for use in and out of school.  In addition, this course will prepare students for adapting to computer hardware and software changes on a personal and vocational level.  This course will cover software applications including: word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, desktop publishing, and web design.  Emerging topics in hardware, software, and communications are integrated using authentic tasks.

Note: Software Applications does not meet the STEM requirement for graduation but will meet the 0.5 credit graduation requirement in Software Applications.

PERSONAL FINANCE                                                                                      (1322)

            One Semester               Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.00

Successful completion of this course is a graduation requirement.  The course is open to all students in Grades 11 and 12.  This course provides students an opportunity to learn how to manage their personal finances now and in the future, in a computer learning environment.  Topics include financial planning, income and taxes, budgeting, banking, credit, saving and investing, and insurance.

Note:  Personal Finance does not meet the STEM requirement for graduation but will meet the 0.5 credit graduation requirement for Capstone- Personal Finance.

PERSONAL FINANCE (College Career Pathways)                                           (1318C)

            One Semester               Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.10

Can be taken for MCC credit in place of Personal Finance (1322)

Successful completion of this course is a graduation requirement.  The course is open to students in Grades 11 and 12 'who have successfully completed Algebra I.  This course provides students an opportunity to learn how to manage their personal finances now and in the future, in a computer learning environment.  Topics include financial planning, income and taxes, budgeting, banking, credit, saving and investing, and insurance.  Students who successfully meet all requirements will receive the MCC equivalent credit for BFN 111.  A grade of B or better must be earned to receive credit for Financial Literacy (BFN 111).  Students will earn three college credits from Manchester Community College when the course is taught by an MCC-certified instructor.

Note: Personal Finance (CCP) does not meet the STEM requirement for graduation but will meet the 0.5 credit graduation requirement for Capstone- Personal Finance.

BUSINESS LAW                                                                                               (1209)

            One Semester               Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.00     

This course is open to students in Grades 11 and 12.  Grade 10 students may select the course with the permission of the instructor.  This course will explore how business laws affect all of us in our daily lives.  The course will look at laws governing business structures, contracts, workplace employment, and consumer protections.  The course will also discuss new laws as they are passed by the state and federal governments.

MANAGEMENT                                                                                                (1307)

            One Semester               Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.00

This course is open to students in Grades 11 and 12.  Grade 10 students may select the course with the permission of the instructor.  This course deals with techniques of effective management.  It covers all areas that managers address.  Students will study motivation theories as well as power, leadership, and authority.  Students will also analyze the employee lifecycle from interviewing and hiring to performance evaluation and awarding raises and promotions.  Students will research how business culture varies across the globe.

INTRODUCTION TO MARKETING                                                                    (1314)

            One Semester               Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.00

This course is open to students in Grades 10, 11 and 12.  Successful completion of Software Applications is recommended.  This course will provide students with an understanding of the role of Marketing in the modern business world.  The course will also provide a basic understanding of the fundamental topics in Marketing.  Some topics that are included are: sports marketing, public relations, global marketing, distribution, promotion, endorsements, agents, managers, ethics, advertising, and market research.

ENTREPRENEURIAL I                                                                                     (1319)

ENTREPRENEURIAL II                                                                                    (1320)

            One semester each       Credit 0.50 each            Weight 1.00

These courses are open to students in Grades 10 (at instructor’s discretion), 11, and 12.  Students must complete Entrepreneurial I before to enrolling in Entrepreneurial II. Successful completion of Software Applications is recommended.  Completion of English 11 with a grade of B or better is recommended.  These courses deliver solid coverage of the fundamentals of business management as students learn not only how to start a business, but also how to manage, grow, and harvest a business.  The courses also place the student in the role of decision maker, allowing them to immediately apply what they have learned to current challenges in today’s small businesses.  Thorough emphasis is placed on building business plans ensuring that students can effectively create, manage, and analyze a plan for their own venture.

BUSINESS AND MATH CONCEPTS THROUGH SPORTS                                 (1321)

            Fall Semester only         Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.00     

This course is open to students in Grades 10, 11 and 12.  Through professional football, students will be provided with an understanding of business and math concepts including: budgeting, statistics, research analysis, communication, and business writing.  Data will be organized using spreadsheet software and evaluated to draw various conclusions.  Students will be provided a weekly budget amount and through statistics and analysis assemble a weekly football team.  Using a “Fantasy Football” foundation, students will be given a salary cap each week and can only select the proper combinations of players that will fit within that predetermined salary cap.  Students will be responsible for assembling weekly rosters, and compete with other students’ teams.  Each week students will prepare weekly statistics and provide quarterly management reports (verbal and written) on their success in budget and statistical management.

ACCOUNTING I (College Career Pathways) - S1 & S2*                                    (1305CA/1305CB)

            One Semester each      Credit 0.50 each            Weight 1.10

This course is open to students in Grades 10, 11, and 12.  Successful completion of Algebra I is recommended.  The College Accounting I course provides students with a sound basic knowledge of accounting concepts and procedures.  It provides a good foundation for advanced study in various areas of business.  This course is intended for students interested in pursuing a future career path in business (accounting, finance, management, etc.) at the college level.  The mental processes of analysis, interpretation and synthesis of accounting data receive emphasis to develop logical reasoning techniques.  Exposure to manual and computer methods of accounting are provided to open vistas for career development.  The course also provides a good foundation for entry into business occupations.  Its work is advanced in content.  The fundamentals are presented in a practical, easy-to-understand manner, teaching by example.  The accounting principles described are those endorsed by the National Accounting Standards Board and the Connecticut CPA Association.  This course may be taken in a student’s junior or senior year for College Career Path credit.

*These courses (when completed together) qualify for the College Career Pathways Program with Manchester Community College.  A grade of B or better must be earned to receive credit for Financial Accounting (ACC 113).  Students will earn three college credits from Manchester Community College when the course is taught by an MCC-certified instructor.

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE I                                                   (1538)

            One semester               Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.00

Introduction to Computer Science I is open to students in Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12.  Successful completion of Algebra I is recommended.  This course is intended to be an introductory computer science course.  Mapped to CTSA – Computer Science Teachers Association - standards, the course takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as problem solving, programming, physical computing, user centered design, and data, while inspiring students as they build their own websites, apps, animations, games, and physical computing systems.

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE II                                                  (1539)

            One semester               Credit 0.50                    Weight 1.00

Introduction to Computer Science II-Python is open to students in Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12.  Successful completion of Algebra I is recommended.  This course is designed to offer an introduction to computer science using the Python programming language and the Alice object oriented programming environment.  Students learn the basics of computer programming, along with the basics of computer science.  The material emphasizes computational thinking and helps develop the ability to solve complex problems.  The course covers the basic building blocks of programming along with other central elements of computer science.  It gives a foundation in the tools used in CS computer science and prepares students for further study in computer science, including A.P. Computer Science Principles and A.P. Computer Science A courses.  Topics will include: Number Calculations and Data, Decisions, Repetition and Loops, Graphics, For Loops, Text and String Processing, Functions, Arrays, 2-D Arrays, and the Internet.  Students will have an opportunity to preview other programming topics as well.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES - S1 & S2

One Semester each      Credit 0.50 each            Weight 1.10                  (1552A & 1552B)

This course is open to students in Grades 10, 11, and 12 who have successfully completed Algebra and who have earned at least a 3.0 GPA.  This course is designed to be equivalent to a first semester introductory college computer course for humanities majors.

In this course, students will develop computational thinking skills vital for success across all disciplines, such as using computational tools to analyze and study data and working with large data sets to analyze, visualize and draw conclusions from trends.  The course is unique in its focus on fostering student creativity.  Students are encouraged to apply creative processes when developing computational artifacts and to think creatively while using computer software and other technology to explore questions that interest them.  Students also develop effective communication and collaboration skills, working individually and collaboratively to solve problems, and discussing and writing about the importance of these problems and the impacts to their community, society, and the world.

COOPERATIVE WORK EXPERIENCE - S1 & S2                                               (1323A & 1323B)

            One Semester each      Credit 0.50 each            Weight 1.00

This course is open to students in Grade 12 or with instructor approval.  Work Experience is a course designed to help students learn the practical skills necessary to be successful in future employment.  Students will combine academic instruction in the classroom with actual work/job training experience in the business community.  Classroom instruction will focus on topics including career planning, career acquisition and retention, work safety, labor laws, problem solving, self-management, communication skills, and utilizing technology in the work environment.  Grades will be based on successful completion of assignments related to the work experience, site visitations, projects, and classwork.

COOPERATIVE WORK EXPERIENCE WORKPLACE CREDIT - S1 & S2               (1324A & 1324B)

            One Semester each      Credit 0.50 each            Weight 1.00

This course is open to students in Grade 12 or with instructor approval.  Students must be able to provide their own transportation to and from work.  Students must receive a 70% or higher in the classroom component to be eligible for this credit.  In addition, students must work a minimum of ten (10) hours per week during the semester, provide proof of employment, and complete various workplace evaluation reports and assignments.