Business and Computer Management Systems

Introduction to Computer Systems and Languages
Grades 9, 10
Course # 4510
1 Credit(Technology Education Credit)
This is an introductory course which involves exploration of word processing, the impact of technology, machine codes, operating systems, networks, spreadsheets, databases, algorithms, web page design, and programming in Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) and BASIC languages. This course may only be taken prior to Software Applications I or Computer Science I as these courses continue the concepts introduced in the Introduction to Computer Systems and Languages course.


Principles of Business
Grades 10, 11, and 12
Course # 551M
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Software Applications I
This course is designed to introduce students to current business practices. Students will examine business trends including topics in the areas of consumer economics, marketing, finance, international business, and entrepreneurship. The goal of this course is to prepare students for entry level positions in business upon graduation from high school or continuing studies in business management at the college level.


Accounting I
Grades 10, 11, and 12
Course # 5601
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Software Applications I
This course covers the basic principles of accounting for personal, business, or professional use. The course consists of learning experiences designed to enable students to set up accounts and prepare qualitative records, to verify accuracy of data by applying auditing principles, to prepare budgets and final reports, and to use micro computers for electronic spreadsheet and accounting simulations. The entire accounting cycle is presented with application problems to simulate authentic business experiences.


Accounting II
Grades 11,12
Course # 560M
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Accounting I
This course provides students with a more comprehensive study of accounting principles and the application of these principles to a wide range of business situations. It includes extended use of the microcomputer for accounting applications. Topics to be explored include the accounting cycle; accounting for assets, liabilities, and equity; understanding business information; accounting for other forms of organization; special accounting systems; and accounting for business decisions.


Economics and Business Law
Grades 11, 12
Course # 562M
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Accounting I
This course introduces students to major topics concerning supply and demand theory, inflation, unemployment, fiscal and monetary policy, government regulations and international trade. As the course progresses, students also build and broaden their understanding of business and personal law concepts which include criminal and civil law, torts, contracts, wills, and trusts, and consumer protection issues.


Economics and the World of Finance/Banking & Credit
Grades 11, 12
Course # 580M
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Accounting I
This course provides students with a comprehensive study of economics, finance, and banking principles, and the application for these principles to a wide range of business situations. Topics include basic economic principles, government and the economic system, labor and the economy, a history of banking, banking in the US today, retail banking, and careers in finance and banking. This is a required course for the Academy of Finance program.


International Finance/Financial Planning
Grades 11, 12
Course # 581M
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Economics and the World of Finance/ Banking & Credit
In this course, students explore major components of the international financial system such as the study of foreign trade, the international monetary system, foreign exchange rates, foreign exchange markets, international financial markets, international banking and the multinational corporation. In addition, this course introduces students to the financial planning process and the components of a comprehensive financial plan. Students will learn how to prepare a financial plan that includes saving investing, borrowing, risk management (insurance), and retirement and estate planning. This is a required course for the Academy of Finance program. (This course is being piloted only at Howard and River Hill High Schools during the 2001-2002 school year.)


Business Education Work Experience
Grades 11, 12
1-3 Credits
Course # 5751
1 Credit
Course # 5752
2 Credits
Course # 5753
3 Credits
As a part of the third year in the Career and Technology Education completer program, students are eligible for work experience. Such paid or unpaid placements must be scheduled on an individual basis and supervised by a school coordinator. The number of approved hours and job performance determines the number of credits received. Enrollment in this class requires business education teacher approval.


Software Applications I
Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12
Course # 4520
1 Credit(Technology Education Credit)
This course is intended for students who are interested in learning computer operations and software applications. Topics include keyboarding, word processing, database management, spreadsheets, sue of the Internet, and software integration. The students will apply these skills to both business and personal use.
*Successful completion of this course with a grade of B or better, earns the student 3 credits at Howard Community College.


Office Technologies Management
Grades 10, 11, and 12 
Course # 4511
1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Software Applications I
 Students enrolled in this course will gain hands-on experiences with computer-based office technologies.  They will apply keyboarding skills as well as use word processing, database, spreadsheet, and desktop presentation applications to manage and complete authentic, office-related tasks such as events planning.  Communication, decision-making, problem solving, and personal career development skills will be emphasized.

Software Applications II
Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12
Course # 453M
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Software Applications I
This course is designed to continue topics included in Software Applications I. Topics include advanced word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and integration applications. In addition, students will develop multi-media and hypermedia presentations, use presentation and authoring software as well as advanced telecommunications projects, including development of Internet web pages. The students will apply this technology to authentic projects.


Computer Science I
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Course # 450M
1 Credit(Technology Education Credit)
Prerequisite: Algebra I
This course introduces students to the fundamental principles and technology of object-oriented programming primarily the Visual BASIC language Students will also explore QBASIC and it's relationship to Visual BASIC; simple computer-engineering concepts will be addressed as well. Topics to be explored include Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs), variables and constants, decision structures, looping structures, functions, mathematical and business functions, arrays, graphics, as well as sorting and searching.


Computer Science II - G/T
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Course # 460M
1 Credit(Technology Education Credit)
Prerequisite: Geometry
This course introduces students with no previous programming experience to the fundamentals of structured programming. Topics include syntax, control statements, and simple structured data types, including arrays and records. An emphasis will be placed on problem solving, structured programming, algorithm design, modulation, and documentation. The language used in this course will be Pascal.


Computer Science III- Advanced Placement G/T
Grades 10, 11, 12
Course # 465M
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Computer Science II
This course introduces the fundamental principles and technology of object-oriented programming using the C++ language. Topics include syntax, control statements, and simple and structured data types, including arrays and structures. Advanced topics may include dynamic allocation and linked lists. The main objective of this course is to prepare students for the A version of the Advanced Placement Computer Science examination.


Computer Science IV- Advanced Placement G/T
Grades 11, 12
Course # 471M
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Computer Science III
This course explores data structures using the C++ language. Topics include dynamic allocation stacks, queues, linked lists, trees, templates, information hiding, sorting, and searching. Students may choose to take the AB version of the Advanced Placement Computer Science exam upon completion of this course.


Advanced Object- Oriented Design- G/T
Grades 11, 12
Course # 471M
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Computer Science III
This course explores the advanced components of object oriented design. Topics include Graphic User Interfaces (GUIs), classes, databases, and advanced aspects of software development. Java, Visual BASIC, and related programming languages will be explored and use of graphics will be highlighted.


Networking Design I
Grades 10, 11, 12 
Course # 4567
1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Computer Science I or Computer Science II
 This course introduces the fundamentals of computer networking, with an emphasis on Cisco routing protocols. Students will learn networking theories and topologies as well as planning for a variety of networking configurations. Hands-on lab activities will involve installing network cabling and configuring routers for TCP/IP protocol.


Mathematics, Science, and Technology Research I, II , III- G/T
Grades 10, 11, 12 
Course # 441M - Research I
Course # 442M - Research II
Course # 443M - Research III
1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Software Applications I and teacher recommendation
 The purpose of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to pursue independent research in the areas of science, mathematics, and technology. Students formulate a problem or research question, use appropriate research methodologies to solve the problem and communicate the results to an authentic audience. All students seek out professional advice from experts in the area of special interest.
 Students will be allowed to determine an area of concentration (the area of concentration will determine the credit) in one of the following programs:

Mathematical Research I, II, III
 The mathematics concentration provides mathematically highly able students with an opportunity for in-depth study and investigation of mathematic topics beyond the scope of high school course offerings.  Topics such as fractal geometry, chaos theory, data modeling and statistics, symbolic logic and correlations are possible subjects to be explored.  The results of the independent research will be
communicated through written reports including theory, proofs, and solutions to a variety of problems, as well as seminars, science fairs, and research reports.

Science Research I, II, III
 The science concentration provides highly able students with training in the methods of science research.  Instruction will include advanced methods of scientific inquiry, including the use of technical instruments, collection of data, use of statistical methods, and style in preparing scientific reports.

Technology Research I, II, III
 The technology concentration provides highly able students with opportunities to research technological problems.  Students will develop and produce an original product and any necessary testing devices for their topic using a variety of appropriate technologies.  Students may investigate topics in biotechnology, communication, construction, manufacturing, power & energy, transportation, and software development.  Instruction will focus on laboratory safety, methods of research and experimentation, statistical analysis, technical reports, and oral presentations using technologies such as multimedia, webpages, and other design elements.