BUSINESS DEPARTMENT

Gina Lamar - Department Chairperson
(Gina.Lamar@pgcps.org)
 

BUSINESS COURSES

Job Search

Course Description:
This course explores job-related materials necessary for entry-level positions in the business field. Students will also learn job-  
seeking skills including the preparations of resumes, personal data and portfolios.

Course Objectives:
 o       Demonstrate the ability to use business equipment and a computer
 o       Apply English skills correctly in written communications    
 o       Identify career paths in business or related areas.
 o       Prepare an effective resume/data sheet and portfolio.
 o       Prepare a document using simple desktop publishers features
 o       Prepare simple recordkeeping/accounting tasks.
 o       Perform common activities performed in business offices.
 

 KEYBOARDING

Course Description:
This course provides the training needed to operate a computer correctly and efficiently, with particular emphasis on basic keyboarding skills. These skills include correct technique, form and arrangement of personal and business letters/envelops, tabulation problems, centering and report/outline format. The student will gain proficient keyboarding skills for personal and/or professional use, thus giving the student a marketable skill for employment. 

Course Objectives:

• Identify computer system components
• Demonstrate proper care of equipment and disks
• Solve common computer problems
• Demonstrate proper keyboarding (by touch) techniques
• Complete three, three-minute timed writings with a minimum speed of 35 words per minute, with no more than 3 errors
• Proofread and edit copy
• Create basic business documents, such as letters, tables, forms, and reports
• Improve language arts skills
• Identify and explore careers in keyboarding

Computer Science/DP Basic

Course Description:
To develop programming skills that may be used in college and/ or in the job market.  It also develops creative and logical thinking.

Course Objectives:
 o   Demonstrate an understanding of computer literacy.
 o   Demonstrate computer operational skills.
 o   Describe career opportunities in computer programming.
 o   Demonstrate the ability to write algorithms, flowcharts, code and key programs using Visual Basic 6.0.
 o   Write, debug and execute programs in Visual Basic 6.0.
 

Business Law

Course Description:
This one semester course, recommend for students in grades 11 and 12, is intended to provide knowledge of the basic principles of business and personal law. It teaches the students the elements of contracts. It also discusses legal rights and duties as a citizen, our court system, and the nature and kinds of laws. 

Course Objectives:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the American judicial system.
• Identify a consumer’s legal rights and responsibilities
• Utilize elementary business and legal forms that do not require the aide of an attorney.
• Exhibit an understanding of basic business law principles through application to problems of everyday living such as contacts, negotiable instruments, leases, mortgages, and insurance.
• Specific competencies of chapters in each unit covered will be provided to each student at regular intervals during the course of the semester.

Accounting I

Course Description:
This course offers a study of the methods and systems of preparing and maintaining financial records. Emphasis is placed on the need to apply manual and computerized procedures to interpret and accurately record businesses transactions. Students planning to pursue a business administration degree or have an interest in the basic principles of maintaining accounting records would benefit from this course. 

Course Objectives:
·         Develop an awareness of the importance of accounting in our economic system and career opportunities in the accounting field.
·         Classify accounts as assets, liabilities, capital, cost, revenue, or expenses, and to illustrate their relationship to the fundamental     
           accounting equation.
·         Analyze a business transaction and apply the principles of double-entry accounting (debit-credit theory)
·         Record transactions neatly and accurately in appropriate journals and post to accounts.
·         Prepare and interpret financial reports at the end of fiscal period.
·         Verify the accuracy of subsidiary ledgers with control accounts.
·         Record checking account transactions and reconcile a bank statement.
·         Maintain a payroll register and record related transactions required for government reports.
·         Compare and contrast the difference in records required for a service business with a merchandising business.

Accounting II

 Course Description:
This course offers an advanced study of accounting records and the analysis and interpretation of partnership and corporate records and accounts. Emphasis is placed on simulations and microcomputer applications. Students planning to pursue an accounting or business administration degree would benefit from this course.

 Course Objectives:
·        Account for cash and short-term investments.
·        Record business transactions in special journals and in the general journal.
·        Analyze and record transactions involving uncollectible accounts.
·        Record journal entries for notes receivables.
·        Prepare and interpret financial reports at the end of fiscal period.
·        Verify the accuracy of subsidiary ledgers with control accounts.
·        Journalize and post the adjusting entries.
·        Journalize and post the closing entries.
·        Maintain a payroll register and record related transactions required for government reports.
·        Compare and contrast the difference in records required for a service business with a merchandising business.

Word Processing and Office Technology

 Course Description:
This course provides a basic understanding in the area of information through word processing, office technology and advanced keyboarding skills. Emphasis is placed on decision-making, problem-solving, business applications, and written and oral communications using office technology. 

Course Objectives:
·         Identify the technology common to many officers.
·         Identify major communication skills necessary for job success.
·         Prepare group and individual presentations using presentation software.
·         Identify effective time management techniques.
·         Apply English skills correctly in written communication.
·         Improve critical thinking skills while using creative writing strategies.
·         Identify parts of word processing equipment and differentiate between hardware and software.
·         Increase keyboarding speed and accuracy.
·         Participate in planning and creating projects using office technology.

Entrepreneurship

Course Description:
This course offers a study of the methods and systems of initiating and operating an entrepreneurial business venture in the face of risk.  This course will also address recognizing opportunities, giving back to the community and marshaling resources.

Course Objectives:
o       Develop an understanding of what entrepreneurship is.
o       Understand the importance of providing entrepreneurship education.
o       Identify characteristics of entrepreneurs.
o       Identify opportunity recognition and opportunity evaluation.
o       Identify the target market for a product or service.

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