Memorial High School Business Department


Business Foundations- Level II
One Semester, Grades 9-10
Prerequisites: None

Business Foundations is an introductory business course which provides the framework for all future business courses. By taking this course, students will acquire valuable lifetime skills. Topics to be covered are:  banking, consumer credit, money management, savings and investment strategies, insurance, consumerism, economics, entrepreneurship, business careers, business etiquette, and ethics.


Digital Communication Tools (Skills Workshop)- Level II
One Semester, Grades 9-10
Prerequisites: None

Digital Communications Tools prepares students to use computerized devices, software programs, and other learning tools to effectively handle communication-related school assignments and to develop communication competencies needed for personal and professional activities after graduation.  Students will further develop their touch keyboarding skills and use speech and handwriting recognition technology.   The projects included in this course will enable students to identify their learning styles and develop their skills in goal setting, time management, listening, test taking, note taking, and critical thinking. In addition, students will look at their interests, skills, personality, and attributes and use what they discover to make a viable career decision.  Students will then prepare for some of the demands that the world of work will place upon them, such as interviewing for a job, getting along with employers and co-workers, having and keeping a job, decision making, and coping with peer pressure. Students will also format documents as they relate to the world of work.  This course is highly recommended for all freshmen.  Digital Communication Tools or Skills Workshop must be taken before Computer Applications or Computer Programming.   ($30 fee in lieu of textbook)


Computer Applications- Level II
One Semester, Grades 9-12
Prerequisites: Digital Communications or Skills Workshop

In Computer Applications students will learn the basic skills needed to use a Windows-based professional suite (Microsoft Office 2003), 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.   ($15 computer lab fee in lieu of textbook)


Advanced Computer Applications- Level II
One Semester, Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Digital Communications or Skills Workshop and Computer Applications

In Computer Applications, Advanced, students will continue to learn the programs in Microsoft (MS) Office.  They will learn the advanced features of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.  Students will also learn how to use emerging technology such as voice recognition software (Dragon NaturallySpeaking), which will allow them to operate a computer hands-free.  Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification preparation is integrated into MS Word lessons.  Students are encouraged to take either the Word Specialist or Word Expert level MOS certification exam* during the course.  Students are required to take the MOS practice test.   ($20 computer lab fee in lieu of textbook) *Additional fee applies for MOS certification exam (either Specialist or Expert levels).


Accounting- Level II
Two Semesters, Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: None

Accounting skills are valuable to people in both their professional and personal lives.  This course presents the basic theory of accounting principles with the opportunity for students to apply these principles in real-world scenarios.  Emphasis is placed on how these principles pertain to proprietorships and corporations.  Accounting involves understanding, analyzing, and recording business transactions and preparing, analyzing, and interpreting financial reports as a basis for decision-making. 


International Business- Level II
One Semester, Grades 11-12
Prerequisites:  None

As foreign companies become increasingly involved in the United States and U.S. companies expand or move business operations to foreign countries, students must be prepared to associate with people and businesses of other countries.  This course emphasizes an awareness of the global economy and how business is conducted.   Areas of study include the cultural, geographic, political, and legal ramifications on business markets and world trade; and the international aspects of finance, management, marketing, communication, and technology.  Guest speakers from business and diverse cultures and backgrounds will present some of the information. Students will conduct research on various aspects of the international business world.


Technical Communications- Level II
One Semester, Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: None

Technical Business Communications provides students with the communication and problem-solving skills to function effectively in the workplace and in academic and social settings.  Areas of study will include written, verbal and visual communication, listening, Internet research/analysis and communication technology.  Concepts addressed will include adapting communication to real world technologies using handwriting and voice recognition, Palm pilots, and tablet PC’s. Instructional strategies will include team projects, partner activities, class or small group discussions, case studies or scenarios, computer technology, and real-world communication experiences.


Computer Programming- Level III
One Semester, Grades 11-12
Prerequisites: Digital Communication Tools or Skills Workshop, Computer Applications, Geometry- Level III with a grade of 3 or above, and Instructor Approval

Computer Programming is designed primarily to introduce students to writing instructions that a computer can understand.  Students will explore computer concepts, use logic procedures, and implement programming procedures using Visual Basic.NET.  Instructional strategies may include individual and team hands-on development and scenario-based activities.  Emphasis is on problem solving and analysis using logical thinking processes.  ($15 computer lab fee in lieu of textbook)


Web Design- Level III
One Semester, Grades 10-12
Prerequisites: Digital Communications or Skills Workshop and Computer Applications with a Grade of 4 or above

Web Design provides instruction in the principles of web design using HTML/XHTML and a powerful tool for professional Web developers, Macromedia Studio MX 2004.  Students will use Dreamweaver to create and manage websites and webpages, build animations with Flash, and create and edit sophisticated images for the Web with Fireworks.  ($15 computer lab fee in lieu of textbook)


Business   English     Fine Arts    Foreign Language    Health/Driver Ed/P.E

Math    Science    Social Studies   Theology     Non-Departmental

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