Course Offerings and Descriptions
600/2, 6007/2, 6008, 6042/60062, 6009 Financial Literacy F/S
Open to freshmen and sophomores
1 semester; 1 credit
This course is an introduction to practical economics and an overview of basic aspects of business. Emphasis is on the student’s role as consumer, producer, and citizen. Topics include money management, banking services, savings and investments, credit, insurance, business and government services, taxes, the American business system, and basic economics. Successful completion of this course fulfills the state consumer education requirement.
602/2, 6027/2, 6028, 60242/60262, 6029 Financial Literacy J/S
Open to juniors and seniors
1 semester; 1 credit
Students learn about their rights and responsibilities as consumers. Topics include decision making, money management, insurance, credit, savings, marketplace frauds, and buying goods and services in the area of foods, clothing, housing, and new and used cars. Successful completion of this course fulfills the state consumer education requirement.
604/2, 6057/2, 6049 Applied Keyboarding/Introductory Microsoft Office
1 semester; 1 credit
This one-semester course is designed to provide an opportunity for students to master the skills of entering alphabetic, numeric, and symbolic information on a keyboard using the touch method of typing. Emphasis is placed on development of accuracy, speed, proper techniques, and correct fingering. Students learn how to use the computer as a learning tool for problem solving and in the production of both print and non-print materials through developing proficiency in computer applications such as word processors, spreadsheets, presentation software to name a few. Students learn what it means to be a good digital citizen and how to use technology, including social media, responsibly. Students expand their knowledge of how to use digital devices and software to build decision-making and problem-solving skills. Students may be provided with the opportunity to seek industry-recognized digital literacy certifications. Critical thinking skills are taught through the use of project-based scenarios that challenge students to apply their hardware and software knowledge to real life situations and gain job skill related experience. Successful completion of this course fulfills the computer proficiency graduation requirement. Students who have completed a semester or more of touch keyboarding in middle school may elect to take the separate Computer Applications course which also to satisfies the computer proficiency graduation requirement.
628/2, 6388/2 Accounting and Investment Principles
1 semester; 1 credit
This class is a must for students who are contemplating a college degree in Accounting or Finance. Students will learn about various investments such as stocks, mutual funds, bonds, and real estate and will plan, implement, and manage their own successful investment plan. Students will conduct a fundraiser to generate money to buy actual stock and invest in the stock market. The class will have accounting and investment professionals as guest speakers and will often have a field trip to such sites as the Federal Reserve Bank and the Chicago Board Options Exchange. Students will also learn the basic fundamentals of accounting such as computing, classifying, recording, verifying and maintaining financial records. Emphasis will be placed on interpretation and statistical analysis of financial statements so as to understand how management decisions are made. Additional course content includes accounting fundamentals, preparation of reports and budgets and investigating career opportunities in the accounting field.
633/2, 6337, 6338 Computer Applications
Prerequisite: none, but the ability to type at least 30 WPM recommended
1 semester; 1 credit
Students use a variety of application software and equipment to perform tasks frequently needed in business, marketing and management. Students will explore a variety of applications such as graphics, word processing, email, spreadsheets, and presentation software. Emphasis is placed on digital literacy and ethical citizenship as well as skills needed in business related occupations. Students will use both the Google and Microsoft Office Suites as well as other applications and emerging technologies available on the Internet. Responsible, ethical and professional use of these digital tools is encouraged. Both team and individual projects are incorporated into the curriculum as well. Successful completion of this course fulfills the computer proficiency graduation requirement.
632/2 Computer Applications A
Prerequisite: none, but the ability to type at least 30 WPM recommended
1 semester; 1 credit
In this honors level course, students are challenged to develop awareness and understanding of application software and equipment used by employees to perform tasks in business, marketing and management. There is increased emphasis is placed upon business concepts, critical thinking, and creativity. Students use computers to perform apply problem-solving skills and learn a variety of applications such as graphics, word processing, email, databases, spreadsheets, and presentation software. Successful completion of this course fulfills the computer proficiency graduation requirement. Both team and individual projects are incorporated into the curriculum as well.
636/2 Video Game and Multimedia Development
Prerequisite: none, but basic computer skills are recommended
1 semester; 1 credit
Video Game and Multimedia Development prepares students for careers in business and industry working with interactive media products and services; with emphasis on the entertainment industries. This course emphasizes the development of 1 digitally generated or computer-enhanced products using multimedia technologies. Using state-of-the-art video game design software, students create several different types of video games, including arcade, RPG, and FPS game styles. Students will be introduced to both Drag and Drop and GML programming language. Students will learn to analyze, design, and create interactive three dimensional animation and games. Instruction will include an overview of 2D and 3D graphics, modeling, texturing, lighting, animation, and rules of game play. Industry software will be utilized to create simple games as individual or group projects Students will also learn to create their own game sprites and background music. Students will learn to design and create their own game elements and use them in games that they create. This course is available for students who are interested in in-depth knowledge and experience with high-level video game development. Students will develop an understanding of professional business practices including the importance of ethics, communication skills, and knowledge of the “virtual workplace”.
607/2 Website Development I
Prerequisite: none, but basic computer skills are recommended
1 semester; 1 credit
This course is designed for students who are interested in creating websites and learning basic HTML and CSS coding. Students will learn the fundamentals of web page design using HTML, HTML editors, and graphic editors as well as programming tools such as JavaScript. Students will make several different websites and maintain and revise their work as needed. Students will learn to create pages, add hyperlinks, add and link to images, make tables, and create forms. Students will learn how to use templates, cascading style sheets and interactive elements to enhance web pages. Software packages such as Adobe Dreamweaver and Photoshop are utilized. Other software could be used to create content for the websites (audio and video editing).
634/2 Business Management and Communication
Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors
1 semester; 1 credit
Business communication functions, processes and applications in the context of business may be practiced through problem-based projects and real world applications in the context of business may be practiced through problem-based projects and real world application.
637 AP Economics 1-2
Open to juniors and seniors
2 semesters; 2 credits
The “AP” notation included in this course title indicates “Advanced Placement.” This course is an introductory study of macroeconomic and microeconomic principles including evolution of the U.S. economy, money and banking, business cycles, unemployment, inflation, fiscal and monetary policy, distribution of wealth, and the prevailing economic philosophies of Adam Smith, John Maynard Keynes, and others. Course content is designed to help students develop critical thinking skills through understanding, application, and analysis of fundamental economic concepts. AP Economics is a year-long course for those who want to take the AP examination in microeconomics and/ or macroeconomics. Students who do not wish to take the AP exam can take either one semester or both semesters. Successful completion of this course fulfills the state consumer education requirement.
638 Business Incubator
Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors
2 semesters; 2 credits
Launch your own start-up! This fun, dynamic entrepreneurship program aims to fulfill students’ business aspirations by acquainting them with the knowledge and skills necessary to own and operate their own business. The course is delivered through a hands-on, project based learning approach in which students apply what they learn about economics, marketing, human relations, psychology, business law, ownership, financial planning and accounting to their own business idea. Local entrepreneurs serve as mentors and subject matter experts who guide student teams through the process of developing a business concept, securing seed money to test it with real potential customers, and pitch it for investment at the end of the course. In addition to learning entrepreneurial and business concepts, students also develop a growth mindset and a range of ‘21st century’ transferable and professional skills. Finally, the course gives students the opportunity to gain the ‘Entrepreneurship and Small Business’ certification offered through Certiport which can be added to resumes and college applications and validates the skills and knowledge for those students with entrepreneurship and business career aspirations. Students will have the opportunity to earn dual credit with Triton College upon successful completion of the course.
639 Student Helpdesk Internship
Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Prerequisite: Application process and departmental approval.
2 semesters; 2 credits
This course is a student-run helpdesk that prepares students to provide first-line technical support to students, support staff, and teachers. Students are trained to listen, observe, and assess general end-user issues. The hands-on classroom environment gives students authentic learning experiences involving troubleshooting hardware, software, and network programs as well as processing tickets and inventory stock. Students have individualized career pathways of study that include customer service, leadership, and certification including Google and Microsoft Office Specialist, coding, and apps. Successful completion of this course fulfills the computer proficiency graduation requirement. The course may be repeated
640/2, 6458/2 Sports and Music Entertainment Marketing
Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors
1 semester; 1 credit
This course is designed to meet the needs of students who are interested in business management and marketing careers. You will develop a fundamental knowledge of marketing that relates sports and entertainment industries, and career possibilities available in the industries. You will also develop the necessary entry skills for a career in the sports and entertainment fields. Sports & Entertainment Marketing is a course designed to teach marketing concepts rough (applied to) the sports and entertainment industry. Marketing is a tool that has allowed the U.S. economy to become highly successful internationally. The basic functions of market identification, product/service planning, packaging, purchasing, distribution, sales, marketing information management, financing, pricing, and promotion will be covered. In addition to marketing overview, this course is designed to show how advertising, sales, and event marketing and communications are important. Past guest speakers have included representatives from the Chicago Cubs, WSCR 670 AM, Marianos and local businesses.
642 Business Accelerator
Open to juniors and seniors
Prerequisite: Business Incubator
2 semesters; 2 credits
Students who wish to continue developing their business model started in Business Incubator are able to continue exploring and applying entrepreneurial and business concepts and processes in this capstone class. With an independent study approach supported by the same network of teachers and local entrepreneurs, students work their way through three major areas of content: customer acquisition, business processes and product provision. Within these areas, students will develop a more in-depth understanding of the content studied in Business Incubator as well as many of the concepts delivered in our existing management, finance and marketing semester classes (completion of these classes is NOT a prerequisite). The overall goal of the course is for students to achieve valid market traction and fully prepare the start-up for launch or sale. As is the case in Business Incubator, students continue developing a growth mindset and a range of ‘21st century’ transferable and professional skills, as well as retaining the opportunity to gain the ‘Entrepreneurship and Small Business’ certification offered through Certiport.
646/2, 9867, 9858, 9854/9856, 9859 Inter-related Co-op
Open to juniors and seniors by application
Prerequisite: Parental consent required
1 semester; 2 credits (1 for the course; 1 for the work experience)
This cooperative work-training program provides part-time vocational training and technology preparation for students who want to attend college as well as those who want full-time employment following graduation. The course is part of a student's full course load. The course includes instruction in employment laws, interpersonal skills, work ethics, workplace knowledge, and career and college planning. The instructor will facilitate student job placement that involves a minimum of 15 hours of work per week for at least 12 weeks of the semester. Students will prepare career objectives and develop a work portfolio related to several career alternatives, including Human Services, Information Technology, Business, Marketing, Finance, Arts-AV Technology, STEM, Transportation, Distribution and Logistics, and Hospitality. Student performance is evaluated by the instructor and the employer. Although students will earn wages in the work portion of the course, evaluation emphasizes the work experience. In related vocational sections, students will be engaged in a curriculum that promotes the importance of technology internet safety, email usage, and cell phone usage as it relates to accessing and maintaining meaningful employment. The instructor will facilitate job placement, coaching, and monitoring of job performance throughout the semester. With assistance, students will seek competitive community employment. Students will prepare career objectives and develop a work and career portfolio that reflects their career interests.
647/2, 9877, 9878, 9879 Work Experience
Open to juniors and seniors by application
1 semester; 1 credit
Students establish a mentor or partner from the business community. Students will be able to demonstrate acceptable personal characteristics through work experience. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain employment. Students must be employed at least 10 hours per week for 15 school weeks of the semester to receive credit. Students who obtain assistance in job placement will utilize curriculum that promotes the importance of technology, internet safety, and email usage and will utilize their cell phones as a supportive tool in fostering communication with parents regarding their work schedules and daily transitions. Assistance and support for some students will be provided in obtaining campus-based and competitive community employment based upon ongoing assessments that are embedded within the structure of the program. Utilizing data daily, job coaches will monitor the student’s acquisition of job skills as it relates to their specific plan goals. Students will prepare a work portfolio that reflects their active engagement in the work experience.