The business department is dedicated to helping students attain skills that will be helpful for applying to colleges and/or working in the business field. The business department provides a path to economic productivity. We hope to expand educational options through hands-on activities.

About Us

Patricia Pletcher, Business chairperson
Laura Homan, Technical Computer Assistant
Department email: ppletcher@blueblazers.org

Department Telephone: 574-295-4733

Description of classes...

Accounting IA, IB             #5251 & 5262                

Level: 10, 11, 12              Length: 2 terms       
Credit: 1 credit/term

Accounting I is a business course that introduces the language of business using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)  and procedures for proprietorships and partnerships using double-entry accounting.  Emphasis  is  placed  on accounting principles as they relate to both manual and automated financial systems.  This course involves understanding, analyzing, and  recording  business  transactions and preparing,  analyzing, and interpreting financial reports as a basis for decision making.  Projects, simulations , case studies and business experiences are used to apply accounting theories and produce appropriate financial reports.

Prerequisites:  Digital Communication Tools; Computer Applications highly recommended.

Accounting IIA, IIB                 #5271 & 5282         

Level: 11, 12                    Length: 2 terms           Credit: 1 credit/term

Accounting II, an advanced-level business course, builds upon the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and procedures learned in Accounting I.  Emphasis is placed on managerial decisions made in corporate accounting, including in-depth analysis of financial statements.  Instructional strategies include the use of spreadsheets, word processing, and accounting software.  Projects, simulations, case studies, and business experiences are used to apply accounting theories and produce appropriate financial reports.

Prerequisite:  Accounting IA and IB, Computer Applications highly recommended

 

Business Foundations                            #5101        

Level:  9, 10         Length: 1 term      
Credit: 1 credit/term

Business Foundations, an introductory business course, provides the framework for all future business courses.  This core course acquaints students with economics, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, law, risk management, banking, personal finance, and careers in business.  The importance of application of business etiquette and ethics are included.

Prerequisites:  Digital Communication Tools or Keyboarding recommended.

 

Business and Personal Law            #5771      

Level: 11, 12        Length: 1 term    
Credit: 1 credit/term

Business  and  Personal Law  provides  an  overview of  the legal system.  Topics  covered include:  Basics of  the  Law, Contract Law, Employment  Law, Personal   Law, and  Property  Law.  Both criminal  and  civil  trial procedures  are  presented.  Instructional strategies include mock trials, case studies, professional mentoring, field  trips, guest  speakers, and  internet projects.

Prerequisites:  Business Foundations, Keyboarding proficiency recommended.

 

Digital Communication Tools        #5131       

Level: 9          Length: 1 term    
Credit: 1 credit/term

Digital Communication Tools is a business course that prepares students to use computerized devices and software programs to effectively handle communication-related school assignments and to develop communication competencies needed for personal and professional activities after graduation.  Students will learn the capabilities and operation of high-tech hardware and software and will develop proficiency using a variety of computer input and output technologies, including touch keyboarding, speech recognition, and handwriting recognition.  Knowledge of hardware, software, and  input  and output proficiencies will be applied to communication situations that require problem solving and critical thinking.  The projects included in this course will enable students to enhance their math, reading,  listening, writing, speaking, and information presentation skills.

 

Business Math IA, IB                   #5565 & 5566

Level: 10, 11, 12            Length: 2 terms
Credit: 1 credit/term

 

Business Math is a business course designed to prepare students for roles as entrepreneurs, producers, and business leaders by developing abilities and skills that are part of any business environment.  A solid understanding of math,  including algebra, basic geometry, statistics and probability,  provides the necessary foundation for students interested in careers in business and skilled trades areas.  The content includes mathematical operations related to accounting, banking and finance, marketing, and  management.  Instructional strategies include simulations, guest  speakers, tours, Internet research, and business experiences.  This class may fulfill up to two graduation credits of the minimum Math requirement for a standard diploma--one credit per trimester.

Prerequisites:  Algebra I; Digital Communication  Tools or Keyboarding  proficiency  recommended.

 

Computer Applications                                                    #5751  

Level: 9, 10, 11, 12       Length: 1 term
Credit: 1 credit/term

Computer Applications is a business course that provides instruction in  software concepts using a Windows-based professional  suite, which  includes word  processing, spreadsheet, database, graphics, and presentation  applications.  Instruction in basic computer hardware and operating systems that support software applications is provided.  Additional concepts and applications dealing with software integration, Internet use, and information about future technology trends are included.

Prerequisite:  Digital Communication Tools or Keyboarding proficiency.

Computer Applications, Adv.              #5761  

Level: 9, 10, 11, 12       Length: 1 term
Credit: 1 credit/term

Computer Applications, Advanced  is a business course that integrates computer technology, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.  Areas of instruction include advanced applications and integration of a professional suite and the use of emerging technology.  Students should be given the opportunity to seek business/industry certification, such as Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification.

Prerequisite:   Computer Applications 

 

Desktop Publishing                                                                #5951

Level: 10, 11, 12           Length: 1 term
Credit: 1 credit/term

Desktop Publishing is a business course designed to allow students to develop proficiency in using desktop publishing software to create a variety of printed publications.  Students will incorporate journalistic principles in design and layout of print and Web publications including integration of text and graphics and use sophisticated hardware and software to develop and create quality materials for business related tasks.

Prerequisites:  Digital Communication Tools, Computer Applications

 

Entrepreneurship                                                               #5782 

Level: 11, 12              Length: 1 term                                         Credit: 1 credit/term

Entrepreneurship is a specialized business course designed to enable students to acquire the knowledge and develop the skills needed to effectively organize, develop, create, and manage their own business.  Topics addressed include the assessment of entrepreneurial skills, the importance of business ethics, and the role of entrepreneurs in a free enterprise system.  Students will develop a written business plan for a business of their choice.

 Prerequisite:  Business Foundations or Marketing; Keyboarding proficiency highly recommended.

Marketing                                                                         #5551

Level:  10, 11, 12             Length: 1 term
Credit: 1 credit/term

Marketing  is a business course  that provides a basic introduction to the scope and importance of marketing in the global economy.  Emphasis is placed on oral and written communications, mathematical applications, problem solving, and critical thinking skills as  they relate to advertising/promotion/selling, distribution, financing, marketing-information management, pricing, and product/service management.

Prerequisites:  Computer Applications or Keyboarding proficiency highly recommended.

 

Personal Finance                                                        #5451

Level:  11, 12                   Length:  1 termsCredit: 1 credit/term

Personal Finance  is a business course that focuses on personal financial planning.  The content includes financial planning, income and asset protection, income and money management, and spending and credit management.  Students will learn the financial concepts and principles that provide a basis for avoiding financial pitfalls.  This course prepares students for the roles and responsibilities of consumers, producers, entrepreneurs, and citizens.

Prerequisites:  Computer Applications or Keyboarding proficiency highly recommended.

 

Web Design                                                                 #5962

Level:  10, 11, 12                   Length:  1 term
Credit: 1 credit/term

Web Design is a business course that provides instruction in the principles of web design using HTML/XHTML and current/emerging software programs.  Areas of instruction include audience analysis, hierarchy layout and design techniques, software integration, and publishing.

Prerequisites:  Digital Communication Tools and Computer Applications.

 

Tech/Business Communication                #5672

Level:  11, 12             Length: 1 term             
Credit:1 credit/term

Technical/Business Communication is a business course that provides students with the communication and problem-solving skills to function effectively in the workplace.  Areas of study include written/oral/visual communication, listening, informational reading, Internet research/analysis, and electronic communication.  Concepts addressed will include adapting communication to the situation, purpose, and audience.  Students produce documents related to employee handbooks, instructional manuals, employment communication, organizational communication, business reports, and social and professional situations using word processing, presentation, multimedia, and desktop publishing software.  This class fulfills one minimum Language Arts requirement for graduation.

Prerequisite: Computer Applications or Keyboarding proficiency highly recommended.

The Business Department @ Elkhart Central High School
Back row: Margarita McClain, Janet Riley
Front row: Patricia Pletcher, Mike Drews



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