Business Department » Program Planning Guide

Program Planning Guide

Business Education


The Business Education Department provides students with the opportunity to explore many electives and career choices. Our electives are generally divided into four broad areas: accounting, law, marketing and computers. They provide an excellent opportunity for students interested in these areas to get some insight and even gain college credit. You don’t have to want to be an accountant, lawyer or computer engineer to benefit from our courses. They will provide guidance in everyday life, from balancing a checkbook, to buying insurance, to using a PC to keep track of your possessions. Check out the broad range of electives below.


Accounting Courses
BUSINESS MATH
Term: Full Year
Prerequisite: Grades 10, 11, 12
To be a smart consumer and have a successful career, students need to understand math and its application to business and personal finance. This course will give students practical life skills related to math and improve financial literacy. Students will solve a variety of mathematical problems commonly found in everyday business situations.
NOTE: THIS COURSE IS AVAILABLE TO MEET THE THIRD CREDIT OF THE REQUIRED THREE UNIT MATH SEQUENCE. SEE YOUR COUNSELOR FOR DETAILS


ACCOUNTING
Term: Full Year
Prerequisite: Grades 10, 11, 12
This introductory accounting course focuses on basic concepts and the accounting cycle. It is strongly recommended for students pursuing any business major in college. This course gives students an excellent foundation in accounting and will prepare them for future business courses.
NOTE: THIS COURSE IS AVAILABLE TO MEET THE THIRD CREDIT OF THE REQUIRED THREE UNIT MATH SEQUENCE. SEE YOUR COUNSELOR FOR DETAILS


COLLEGE CREDIT ACCOUNTING — HONORS
Term: Full Year
Prerequisite: Grades 11, 12
This accelerated course provides an introduction to the field of accounting. Students progress through the basic accounting cycle, depreciation, inventory and computerized accounting. It is intended for everyone and is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for students planning a career in business. A computerized practice set is included. This is an HONORS level course. Students can opt to earn three college credits through CW Post. CW Post does charge a tuition fee, which is the responsibility of the student if he/she opts to receive college credit.
NOTE: THIS COURSE IS AVAILABLE TO MEET THE THIRD CREDIT OF THE REQUIRED THREE UNIT MATH SEQUENCE. SEE YOUR COUNSELOR FOR DETAILS

 

Law Courses


BUSINESS LAW — HONORS
Term: Full Year
If you are considering a college major in Business or have an interest in law, this is the elective to choose. BUSINESS LAW is a required course for business majors in college; this course will give you the head start that you will need to succeed in the college course. In fact, you could receive college credit as early as your sophomore year of high school by taking the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exam in June. A fee charged by CLEP is the responsibility of the student if he/she opts to sit for the exam. Most colleges grant three college credits for a passing grade on this exam.
BUSINESS LAW is the type of law that most lawyers practice and that you will deal with on a daily basis in your lifetime, both in the business world and in your personal life. Topics include contracts, bailments, sales, debtor & creditor, employment, agency, labor laws, real estate, insurance, partnerships & corporations, commercial paper, wills and estates.


CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE
Term: Semester - September and February
This course will teach students how our criminal justice system operates. You will learn how to find actual statutes on the Internet as well as use actual law books in our law library. We have a complete law library, including a set of all New York statutes and court decisions, as well as selected federal laws. All students receive Internet access to LEXIS: the premier research tool for the business and legal community. We are the first high school in the United States receiving LEXIS for each student in the class. As part of this pilot program, LEXIS gives you access to a complete set of state and federal laws, as well as many other data bases. The course is divided into two segments: New York’s Penal Law, which defines specific crimes, and New York’s Criminal Procedure Law, which outlines the steps our justice system follows when dealing with alleged criminals. In each segment you will have a choice of assignments. Topics include specific crimes (e.g., murder, rape, arson, burglary, gambling, and obscenity), search and seizure, sentencing, insanity, trial, appeals, and capital punishment. An honors option will be available.


LEGAL PROBLEMS
Term: Semester - September and February
LEGAL PROBLEMS deals with law and society. As in CRIMINAL LAW, you will use the Internet and our law library to complete your assignments. Note that while many students take both courses, CRIMINAL LAW is not a prerequisite for LEGAL PROBLEMS. You will learn how to use actual law books in our law library, which has a complete set of New York statutes and court decisions, as well as selected federal laws. Additionally, all students receive Internet access to LEXIS: the premier research tool of the business and legal community. We are the first high school in the United States receiving LEXIS for each student in the class. As part of this pilot program, LEXIS gives you access to a complete set of state and federal laws, as well as many other data bases. LEGAL PROBLEMS is broken into two segments. In each segment you will have a choice of assignments. The first segment covers Family Law. Assignments cover topics such as marriage, divorce, adoption, and child custody. The second segment covers Constitutional Law with an emphasis on the influence the Supreme Court has had on our society. Assignments include famous Supreme Court cases, capital punishment, reverse discrimination, rights of the accused, and an independent study unit.

 

Marketing Courses
COLLEGE MARKETING
Term: Semester - September and February
Prerequisite: Grades 11, 12
This course is designed for students interested in a Business major in college, or any person who may become involved in marketing a product or service in any future endeavor (artists, scientists, writers, etc.). Most colleges require their Business majors to take at least one semester of Marketing. Students will explore the latest marketing concepts in the new global economy. Domestic marketing concepts, strategies and techniques will be included. Students will participate in a marketing project covering demographics, advertising, new products development and market research.

SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING
Term: Semester – September and February
Prerequisite: Grades 11, 12
This course will present an overview of the application of marketing principles in the sports and entertainment industries. Using a variety of classroom activities, students will participate in step-by-step methods of creating a marketing mix, pricing, designing appropriate advertising, creating new products, and professional selling of sport and entertainment products and services. Case study analysis, computer programs, and videos will enhance the content of this valuable course.

Computer Courses
PERSONAL COMPUTING/MICROSOFT CERTIFICATION FOR POWERPOINT
Term: Semester - September and February
Prerequisite: Completion of WORD PROCESSING or demonstration of knowledge of both keyboarding and word processing skills
If you use a personal computer for your homework and reports, you are moving in the right direction. However, that computer is a lot more than a glorified typewriter and you have just begun to tap its power. The components of Personal Computing are:
1. to learn about the Windows operating system and file management
2. to teach you how to take advantage of the Internet, effectively search for web sites and learn the basics of how web pages are designed
3. to learn how to make a web site. All students will make their own web site. (For more advanced users, see our course, WEB PAGE DESIGN listed below).
4. to learn Microsoft PowerPoint to create an effective slide show presentation. Students will have the option of earning MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) certification in PowerPoint. (See Microsoft Certification for Word for additional information on the MOS tests.)
This course is designed for the student who has some familiarity with using a computer; it is not for advanced computer users.
NOTE: OTHER MICROSOFT CERTIFICATIONS OFFERED INCLUDE EXCEL AND WORD (SEE MOS CERTIFICATION FOR WORD/EXCEL)

WEB SITE DESIGN
Term: Semester - September and February
Prerequisite:  Strong computer file management skills
Students will learn design, programming, information architecture, and the web editor Adobe Dreamweaver to develop a website. Students will learn to write HTML code by hand and use Adobe Dreamweaver to create attractive, effective, and memorable web designs. After completing this course, students will be able to mark up text, add links and images, create tables and forms, and use CSS to design page layouts. Students will also learn Adobe Photoshop to prepare photos for the web, and create web banners and graphics for their sites. Weekly demonstrations, tutorials, and student web projects will be the focus of this course. Each student will publish his or her own functioning personal website at the end of each semester. Sites will be uploaded to our server for all to see and students will learn how to manage, update, and expand their sites. Virtually all businesses now have a web presence. The ability to create and manage a complex web site can lead to a career as a developer or enhance your resume for almost any job. Besides, it’s a lot of fun!


ADVANCED WEB SITE DESIGN
Term: Semester–September & February
Prerequisite: WEB SITE DEVELOPMENT and teacher recommendation
This course will continue and build upon skills acquired in Web Site Design. Advanced use of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Flash will allow you to create animations and interactive web pages. We will team with various departments at Schreiber to construct and maintain their web sites, giving you the experience of creating web sites for “clients.” Web site development skills are a hot commodity in today’s job market—get in on the action. THIS COURSE MAY BE REPEATED FOR ADDITIONAL WORK AND CREDIT WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT.


WORD PROCESSING 1
Term: Semester - September and February
Learn how to use the computer more efficiently; master touch typing and accomplish tasks necessary for college and the “real” world. Write business/personal letters, resumes, research papers (with footnotes, table of contents, bibliography, cover page) and tabulations with a professional look. It’s no secret that teachers and college professors prefer (sometimes require) typewritten documents. Speed, accuracy and proofreading skills will also be stressed.
Note: Students who can demonstrate proficiency on the keyboard will advance to the units listed above.


WORD PROCESSING 2
Term: Semester - February
Prerequisite: WORD PROCESSING I
An extension of COURSE I, speed and accuracy at the keyboard will be improved.Tasks taught in COURSE I will be truly mastered and more advanced word processing features will be taught. Advanced business letters, tabulations, memorandums, mail merges, resumes, outlines and other business documents will be mastered. Completion of this course will prepare and make you more desirable in today’s job market.


MICROSOFT CERTIFICATION FOR EXCEL/WORD
Term: Semester-September & February
Prerequisite: Basic computer skills
You say you know Microsoft Excel/Word? Now you can prove it! Obtain MOS certification. MOS stands for “Microsoft Office Specialist.” MOS certification demonstrates that you are proficient in the use of a particular application either Excel or Word. Students will take the Microsoft computerized test right here at Schreiber for a fee. Fees charged for MOS certification are the responsibility of the student.
This course takes an in depth look at the application being studied. Course can be taken twice to earn certification in both applications.


BUSINESS COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
(with college credit option)
Term: Semester-September & February
Prerequisite: None
This is an introductory level computer course which may be required at the college level. This course will provide the student with fundamental Internet skills, as well as teach the basics of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Students have the option of earning three college credits through CW Post for a fee. College credit can be earned by sophomores, juniors or seniors.


NetPrep at Schreiber

3Com Corporation, manufacturer of networking hardware, has instituted NetPrep, an educational partnership with high schools and colleges throughout the world. The goal of the program is to prepare individuals for the hundreds of thousands of jobs in the high tech support field. Four semester courses aimed at the high school student creates an opportunity to enter the labor force immediately after graduation. Additionally, a post secondary program consists of eight semester courses, the first four closely paralleling the high school program, allowing the student to place out of a portion of the college program. 3Com has over 400 secondary schools world wide already participating in the program. The program has been independently certified by NACSE, the National Association for Communication Systems Engineers. Certification ranges from Student Network Technician at the high school level to Associate and Senior Network Specialist certificates at the college level. The courses are presented in multiple formats, including online browser based instruction, PowerPoint presentations, textbook, workbook and hands-on labs. A complete description of the program, courses, and materials may be found at http://www.westnetinc.com. While maximum benefit and certification are obtained from taking all courses, students are welcome to take less than the full sequence to increase their knowledge of computer networking.


NETPREP 1 AND 2: NETWORKING FUNDAMENTALS/LOCAL AREA NETWORKS
Term: Semester: Fall & Spring
This course will combine the first two NetPrep courses, resulting in a challenging and fast paced introduction to the world of networking, with an emphasis on LANs (Local Area Networks). Learn about the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model; LANs, WANs and MANs; Ethernet and Token Ring systems; as well as components such as repeaters, relays, bridges, routers, switches, hubs and gateways. Peer-to-peer networks, Novell Netware and Windows NT will be covered, including the protocols used by these network operating systems. Ethernet and wireless systems (802.11b, 802.11a and now 802.11g) will be explored. Hands on labs will include cable building, setting up peer-to-peer networks, hub vs. switch experiments as well as setting up Novell and Windows networks.


NETPREP: WIDE AREA NETWORKS
Term: Semester
Prerequisite: Networking Fundamentals/LAN’s
Intro to WAN’s is the third of the four part sequence which starts students on the road to a career in the world of information technology. We will begin with a discussion of fundamental concepts related to WAN technologies and services and how information is transported over a WAN. Devices such as modems, microwaves, satellites, and multiplexers are reviewed. You will learn the various protocols used in WAN’s, as well as newer technologies such as asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) and cable modems. Other subjects such as virtual private networks (VPNs) and voice over alternative technologies are also discussed.


NETPREP: INTRODUCTION TO TCP/IP
Term: Semester
Prerequisite: Networking Fundamentals/LAN’s
This course covers Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, the most popular and widely used architecture in networking. We will cover an overview of TCP/IP Applications, TCP/IP Structure and Addressing, Internet addressing, subnetting and Domain Name Resolution. You will learn how the TCP/IP protocols move information across a TCP/IP network and how TCP/IP applications such as Telnet and FTP work. Finally, you will to troubleshoot a TCP/IP network using such tools as “ping” and “tracert.”

BUSINESS LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
Term:  Semester - September and February
The business scene in this new 21st century exists anywhere reachable by a cellular phone, a fax machine or the Internet. Communication in the modern workplace has both significant social and economic consequences. This course is designed to develop effective writing and communication technology skills and then apply them to the modern workplace. Students will become empowered by creating virtual corporations to market a product or service to the virtual public. Through this venture, students will become more accomplished in the writing process; recognize the importance of style and clarity in successfully promoting an enterprise; create business documentation; correspond in an appropriate manner; negotiate the job application process; host meetings and presentations; learn how to trouble shoot; and utilize workplace technology, such as Web Hosting, PowerPoint, Web Design and internet research. The students will also read both long and short literary works that address these issues as they pertain to our changing environment.

 

SENIOR SEMINAR
Term: Full Year
Students will identify their learning and working styles, interests, intelligences, strengths, values and preferences and how they fit with particular careers. They will write resumes, be involved in mock interviews and conduct job searches. All students will develop an individual Career Plan Portfolio. (Full-year, ½ credit)