Course Title:                Economics and Personal Finance, BUS 6120

Length of Course:       Eighteen Weeks (Semester)

Academic Credit:        1 Credit

Prerequisite:                None

Software:                    Desire 2 Learn (southampton.desire2learn.com)

Textbook:                    None

Course Description:

Economics and Personal Finance prepares students for careers in the business and marketing services industry.  In addition, it prepares them for their own future.  Students learn how to make career plans and manage their money wisely.  Students are encouraged to explore their chosen career fields in order to get the most useful information and discover the best career opportunities.  Students learn Money Management, which emphasizes computing gross and net pay and managing all aspects of their money.  Students learn to complete income tax forms; details about budgeting and financial record keeping; how to maintain a checking account; saving options and investments; usefulness and potential hazards of credit along with credit laws and rights.  Students explore global economies, the industry connections between business and marketing, and consumer choice.  Overall, students will learn how to navigate the financial decisions they must face and to make informed decisions related to career exploration, budgeting, banking, credit, insurance, spending, taxes, saving, investing, buying/leasing a vehicle, living independently, and inheritance.  Development of financial literacy skills and an understanding of economic principles will provide the basis for responsible citizenship and career success.

Competencies and Course Outline:

A separate list of the Virginia Department of Education Statewide Competencies is attached.  Competencies designated by bullets are considered essential statewide and are required of all students.  Essential competencies that must be taught and evaluated are identified as the minimum that must be learned.  Students will also receive a course outline for the class.

Materials Needed:

Each student must bring a three-ring binder (at least 1”) with loose-leaf paper and dividers to class each day.  This binder is to be used to compile handouts, class notes and graded work.  The student must also bring a black pen and a #2 pencil to class each day.  Students will need a USB to save class projects.  Students also need a basic calculator. Finally, students will need to have an Internet Access sheet on file and an active SHS Internet Account because there are several assignments where we will be using the computer to research topics.  The teacher will announce other materials as needed.  

Attendance Policy:

Regular school attendance is important and essential for the academic development of students.  Excessive absences (excused and unexcused) from school or tardies to class and/or early dismissals from class are detrimental to such development.  Class attendance is very important.  Students are responsible for giving absentee notes to the teacher as they enter the classroom upon returning to school following an absence or an early dismissal.  Any student who has nine (9) or more absences from a one (1) credit class (including days due to tardies and/or early dismissals) will receive No Credit for that course. We will adhere to Southampton High School’s attendance policy outlined in the Student Handbook

Homework:

Homework is a vital part of this class.  Most assignments can be completed in the classroom, but some work will need to be completed at home.  Students are expected to complete homework assignments when they are given and turn them in on time.  Students are expected to review their notes daily for reinforcement, checkpoints, and to study for quizzes/tests as announced. 

Makeup-up assignments:

It is the student’s responsibility to check with the teacher for assignments missed.  These assignments should be completed at an appropriate time during the class period, if possible.  The number of days given to make up work will be comparable to the number of days absent.  Students can work with the teacher to find a day and time before/after school to make up long assignments.  A grade of zero (0) is given for any assignment not made up on time.  All make-up work is the responsibility of the student—not the teacher. No late make-up work will be accepted. Students may also check D2L for their assignments and complete them prior to returning to school.

Grading Evaluation:

Grading Scale                                                Grade Weighting                 

A         93 – 100                                              40% - Daily Work      

B         85 –   92                                              40% - Tests

C         77 –   84                                              20% - Homework, Quizzes

D         70 –   76                                             

F          Below 70                                

Basic Classroom Procedures:

Attendance will be checked daily immediately following the tardy bell.  Students are to be in their assigned seats when the tardy bell rings and ready to begin work immediately.  Students entering the classroom during and after the tardy bell will be marked TARDY.  A combination of three (3) tardies and/or early dismissals counts as one (1) unexcused absence.

Students should always check the board for class objectives and assignments and begin the assignment immediately.  Complete all work assigned by the teacher correctly, and complete it on time.

Students are expected to do their own work.  Cheating will not be tolerated in any manner.  If cheating is discovered, all parties involved in the cheating will receive a grade of zero (0) on the assignment(s). No make-up work will be accepted for cheating.

Absolutely NO food or beverages are allowed in the classroom.  NO EXCEPTION!  No eating, drinking, chewing gum, combing hair, or putting on make-up, lotion, etc is allowed and will not be tolerated.  Students are to remain in their assigned seats until dismissed by the teacher—not the bell!  Students are expected to demonstrate respect and good behavior at all times.

Notebooks:

Each student is required to keep an organized notebook (three-ring binder).  The teacher may conduct notebook checks throughout the semester.  All notebooks should contain the following sections—with 12 dividers—and is to be arranged in the following order:

• Class Syllabus and Competencies
• Workforce Readiness
• Sections 1 – 12 :  Modules 1 – 12 respectively

Co-curricular club information:

The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is a co-curricula organization for students taking business education classes.  Southampton High School’s Business Department encourages membership in FBLA.  Student organization activities enable students to apply and practice what they have mastered within the course content—and are fun!  Please see your teacher for more club information and to sign up.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

All students must sign a network agreement to use the networked computers and internet for class. Parents/guardians must also sign the agreement. This is essential for this class since it is primarily online. Computer usage rules must be followed to maintain computer access.

Other expectations are as follows:

·         Come to class prepared and ready to work.

·         Sit in your assigned seat.

·         Bring your own supplies to class daily. Otherwise, this can result in a referral.

·         Bring your own ear buds daily for online assignments

·         Listen to/read and follow all directions carefully and completely.

·         Work quietly at your desk. Talking is disruptive and can result in a referral.

(Consequences for talking: 1. Warning 2. Referral)

·         Do your own work. Cheating gets you and your partner a zero.

·         Work should be neat and legible.

·         Complete all classwork today and turn in by end of class.

·         Pick up after yourself – clear your desk area of trash, organize your keyboard/mouse, and push your chair in neatly before leaving.

·         Maintain a neat organized notebook that includes vocab, assignments, notes, etc.

·         If absent, bring an admit slip when you return. Missed work must be turned in within the number of days allowed.

(Assignments can be found on the D2L website and can be completed while absent)

CLASSROOM RULES

·         Respect yourself and others

·         Treat others the way you want to be treated

·         No cellphones. They must be off and out of sight.

Contact Information:  Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding this class.

Ms. J. Warren

23350 Southampton Parkway             Telephone:    (757) 653-2751

Courtland, VA  23837                        E-mail:   jenellw@southampton.k12.va.us                            

Please complete, sign, and return

I have read the Course Syllabus for Economics and Personal Finance and understand all requirements and rules.

Student Signature:      _________________________________

Date:                           _________________________________

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Thank you in advance for your support and the privilege of teaching your child.

Please provide the following information so that I may contact you concerning the progress and development of your child.

Parent/Guardian Name (Please Print):  ______________________________________

Parent/Guardian Address                  ______________________________________

                                                              ______________________________________

Telephone Number – Home:_____________________________________________

                                   Work:   _____________________________________________

                                      Cell:   _____________________________________________

                                  E-mail:   _____________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature:            ____________________________________________

           Date:    __________________________

Parent/Guardian Comments (if any)

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