BUSINESS & FINANCe PATHWAY

The mission of the Business & Finance Education Department is to develop the use of technology, business and economic concepts, and ethical principles that are essential to all citizens in a global economy. Business & Finance courses promote the application of acquired skills to numerous disciplines and tasks. The Business & Finance curriculum prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary for advanced study in post-secondary education and career preparation. Through a rigorous and comprehensive course of study, students are exposed to business pathways in accounting, finance, marketing and information technology.

Business & Finance Education offers college credit for select courses as noted through the College Career Pathways (CCP) program partnership with Connecticut community colleges.

Accounting I

1 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None

Graduation Category: STEM/Elective

The fundamentals of accounting are presented in this course through the examination and analysis of financial information within key concepts of the accounting cycle. Students will discover accounting systems, theories and concepts through small business and corporate simulations that offer opportunities to interpret data and business conditions within an automated practice set. Accounting courses are essential foundations that offer students a competitive advantage when pursuing business and finance degrees and careers. Note: students have the opportunity to earn community college credit in Accounting I if enrolled in the College Career Pathways (CCP) program.

Accounting II

1 Credit
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Accounting I

Graduation Category: STEM/Elective

This in-depth course is intended for students who wish to study advanced accounting methods and procedures. Accounting II introduces innovative theory and practice within the financial operations of a partnership and corporation. Students will critique accounting for notes, bad debts, inventory and depreciation through hands-on, real-world application. Detailed financial analysis and interpretation are emphasized to facilitate further study at the post-secondary level. Accounting courses are essential foundations that offer students a competitive advantage when pursuing business and finance degrees and careers.

Advanced Finance & Investments

.5 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Financial Literacy

Graduation Category: STEM/Elective

In this advanced course students study financial instruments and types of investments available in today's market place. With an overview of the banking industry and financial institutions, topics on monetary policy, common stock, preferred securities, bonds, mutual funds and portfolios will be evaluated. Students will explore issues within stock underwriting, security valuation, regulations, mergers, acquisitions and fraud. One of the highlights of this course includes a real-time, authentic online stock market simulation allowing students to research, assess and monitor all types of investments in multiple domains. Financial Literacy is a prerequisite to this advanced finance course. *Seniors without the prerequisite may be eligible with the instructor's permission.

Entrepreneurship: Intro to Business

.5 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None

Graduation Category: STEM/Elective

Entrepreneurship is an introduction to the planning and management of a small business. Students will explore business trends, regulations, risks, costs, competition, and technology that affect the free enterprise system. With the opportunity to simulate the creation of a company students will utilize problem-solving, decision-making and collaboration as they explore business planning, marketing, finance, economics and management. Students in this course are eligible to join the DECA student organization and potentially participate in state and national activities. At Hall students participate in the Junior Achievement Program that focuses on the operation and liquidation of a student-run company.

Note: Students have the opportunity to earn community college credit in Entrepreneurship: Intro to Business if enrolled in the College Career Pathways (CCP) program.

Financial Literacy

.5 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None

Graduation Category: STEM/Elective
*Graduation Requirement – Class of 2027 and beyond

At a time when both credit card debt among eighteen to twenty-four year olds and overall unemployment are dramatically increasing, the successful management of personal financial planning and investment is critical to reaching financial goals. This "must have" course aimed at every student provides fundamental financial concepts surrounding budgeting, goal setting, banking, savings, consumer credit and protections, investments, housing, taxes and retirement. Through projects, activities, case studies, and computer simulations the emphasis of this course is on learning how to make money work. Note: students have the opportunity to earn community college credit in Financial Literacy if enrolled in the College Career Pathways (CCP) program.

International Business

.5 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Entrepreneurship: Intro to Business

Graduation Category: Humanities/Elective

In this course students will study the global business environment and its effect on the US market. Key concepts include business management, economics, social, cultural diversity, political and ethical factors. Student research will address the global impact of importing, exporting and legal agreements within global trade. International Business further complements course offerings within the Business & Finance Career Pathway, including Entrepreneurship - Intro to Business and Sports & Entertainment Marketing

Sports & Entertainment Marketing

.5 Credit
Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None

Graduation Category: Humanities/Elective

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of marketing, economics, and merchandising through the concepts and theories found within the lucrative sports and entertainment industries. Students will develop an understanding of the billions of dollars spent each year in these ever-growing fields. Topics covered will include marketing, economics, sponsorship, public relations, sales, advertising, social media, licensing and industry-related themes. Students will gain valuable knowledge on the impact that sports and entertainment have on consumer spending by working individually and within teams on projects, activities, case studies and computer simulations.

Note: students have the opportunity to earn community college credit in Sports & Entertainment Marketing if enrolled in the College Career Pathways (CCP) program.