Grades 11-12
Two Semesters, 2 Credits

Technical Business Communications provides students with 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
• electronic communication

Concepts addressed include adapting communication to the situation, purpose, and audience.

Students produce documents related to:

• employee handbooks
• instructional manuals
• employment communication
• organizational communication
• business reports
• social and professional situations using word processing, presentation, multimedia, and desktop publishing software

Grades 9-10
One Semester, 1 Credit

Introduction to Business provides a framework for future business courses. It has been divided into two semesters-with a different focus each semester. This course acquaints students with the business and government aspects of running a business.

Specific topics include:

• Communications
• Technology
• Management
• Marketing
• Entrepreneurship
• business careers

The application and importance of business etiquette and ethics will be introduced. Students will be involved in researching and presenting various topics. Opportunities may be provided for the student to participate in job shadowing, job mentoring, and other field experiences.

Instructional strategies include:

• computer and technology applications
• Simulations
• Projects
• teacher demonstrations
• cooperative ventures between the school and community

Grade 9
One Semester, 1 Credit

Digital Applications and Responsibility prepares students to use technology in an effective and appropriate manner in school, in a job, or everyday life. Students develop skills related to word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and communication software. 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 should be provided with the opportunity to seek industry-recognized digital literacy certifications.

Grade 9
One Semester, 1 Credit
Required of all Mater Dei Freshmen

Personal Financial Responsibility addresses the identification and management of personal financial resources to meet the financial needs and wants of individuals and families, considering a broad range of economic, social, cultural, technological, environmental, and maintenance factors.

This course helps students build skills in financial responsibility and decision making; analyze personal standards, needs, wants and goals; identify sources of income, saving and investing; understand banking, budgeting, record-keeping and managing risk, insurance and credit card debt.

Grades 11-12
Two Semesters, 2 Credits

Business Law & Ethics provides an overview of the legal system in the business setting.

Topics covered include:

• basics of the judicial system
• Contract, personal, employment and property law.

Application of legal principles and ethical decision-making techniques are presented through problem-solving methods and situation analyses.

Grade 9
One Semester, 1 Credit
Required of all Mater Dei Freshmen

Preparing for College and Careers addresses the knowledge, skills, and behaviors all students need to be prepared for success in college, career, and life. The focus of the course is the impact of today's choices on tomorrow's possibilities.

Topics to be addressed include twenty-first century life and career skills; higher order thinking, communication, leadership, and management processes; exploration or personal aptitudes, interests, values, and goals; examining multiple life roles and responsibilities as individuals and family members; planning and building employability skills; transferring school skills to life and work; and managing personal resources.

Activities may include making four-year plans, reviewing graduation plans, developing career goals, and developing personal and career portfolios. A project-based approach, including computer and technology applications, cooperative ventures between school and community, simulations, and real-life experiences.

Grades 10-12
Two Semesters, 2 Credits

Principles of Marketing 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.

Grades 11-12
Two Semesters, 2 Credits

Entrepreneurship & New Adventures introduces entrepreneurship and develops skills and tools critical for starting and succeeding in a new adventure. The entrepreneurial process of opportunity recognition, innovation, value proposition, competitive advantage, venture concept, feasibility analysis, and "go to" market strategies will be explored through mini case studies of successful and unsuccessful entrepreneurial start-ups.

Additionally, topics of government and legal restrictions, intellectual property, franchising location, basic business accounting, raising startup funding, sales and revenue forecasting and business plan development will be presented through extensive use of word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software.

Grades 11-12
Two Semesters, 2 Credits
Pre-requisites: Marketing

Sports & Entertainment Marketing is a specialized marketing course that develops student understanding of the

• sport/event industries
• economic impact, and products
• distribution system and strategies
• pricing considerations
• product/service management

Students acquire an understanding and appreciation for planning. Throughout the course, students are presented problem-solving situations for which they must apply academic and critical thinking skills.