The Business Department offers courses that give students a general knowledge of business operations and procedures and computer skills. By following a sequence of courses, students can graduate with skills necessary to qualify for a beginning job in business. Some business courses are valuable not only for primary careers, but also for college bound students who wish to obtain an employable skill. Grandville High School has an articulation agreement with Davenport University and Grand Rapids Community College that allows students to earn college credit with GHS Business Departmental approval. These courses are marked with an asterisk (*).
Accounting 1 | Year Long | 10th-12th Grade
This course covers the fundamentals of double-entry accounting. Accounting procedures, including income taxes, of three different types of businesses are studied, so that by the end of the year the student will be able to maintain an accounting system for a small business. The majority of assignments will be completed online using a computerized accounting program. (Math Related – 12th)
Accounting 2 (Prerequisite: Accounting 1) | Year Long | 11th-12th Grade
For those serious in their study of accounting, this class is a review of the accounting cycle along with a focus on the areas of accounting for corporations, budgeting, taxes, cost accounting, financial statement analysis, internal controls and other advance accounting areas. Students will be self paced and will use Excel and Automated Accounting. (Math Related – 12th)
*Business Law | Semester Long | 10th-12th Grade
This course is a study of law and how it affects individual business activities. Students will explore the challenges facing consumers and businesses related to our legal system. Topics considered are: contracts, commercial papers, sales contracts, and employer and employee relations.
Business Management | Semester Long | 10th-12th Grade
Students will explore opportunities in entrepreneurship (starting your own business). The course includes types of ownership, locating a business, human relations and management organization financing, hiring and training. Students will explore local businesses and have management from these businesses in class to speak on business management topics.
Computer Graphis and Design 1 | Semester Long | 9th-12th Grade
Students will use Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator along with digital cameras and scanners to create solutions to “real life” visual communication problems. Students study design elements and principles of design throughout the course. Concept development, design studio practices, and presentation skills are explored. Students create a portfolio of projects such as posters, collages, page layouts, package designs and corporate identity pieces.
Financial Freedom (Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of Algebra 2) | Semester Long | 11th-12th Grade
This class examines practical applications emphasizing financial responsibility and wise money management. Topics include: Getting a job and finding a career, Banking and credit, budgeting, taxes, investments, Understanding the basics of living on your own: housing, furnishings, consumer purchases, advertising, and consumer protection laws, safeguarding one’s identity, comparison shopping; Shopping for an automobile and insurance, Budgeting for entertainment, health and fitness, and shopping on the Internet. (Math Related – 12th)
Introduction to Business | Semester Long | 9th-12th Grade
The course focuses on personal assessment for education and career planning. Students develop a high school plan; explore colleges and their offerings, careers and related materials. A unit on employability skills will include finding jobs, letters of applications, application forms, resumes, interviewing, and job success skills. Students will explore careers in business and will complete a banking practice set. Students will be encouraged to do a job shadowing in the community.
Introduction to Game Programming | Semester Long | 10th-12th Grade
This course teaches the fundamental concepts of computer game programming using C++, the standard language used for commercial games. During this course the student will learn how to design games for Windows, creating several games along the way; 3D graphics will also be introduced. This course is applicable to anyone interested in learning how computer games are made and will also incorporate the business aspects of game programming.
Marketing | Semester Long | 10th-12th Grade
This class will explain how businesses get their products out on the market and into the hands of the consumer. Students will explore how a product is planned, promoted, packaged, priced, and distributed. Emphasis on the duties and functions of producers, wholesalers and retailers, as well as the study of the consumer, and the roles of each in marketing will be covered. Group projects and presentations will be completed in areas of product planning, market research, and a marketing campaign.
Merchandising | Semester Long | 12th Grade
Retail Merchandising is a practical hands-on course that examines the role of retail marketing within our free-enterprise society. Students explore retail concepts and practices necessary for successfully operating our Dog Den school spirit store. Activities involve retail concepts and practices that develop problem solving and critical thinking skills. Students will examine historically successful entrepreneurs, develop selling skills, order merchandise, develop marketing skills, including team commercials, and team presentations. Students learn budgeting, finance, communication skills, management and human resourcing skills. Students may participate in DECA business competitions at the district, state and national levels if desired.
Personal and Business Finance (Prequisite: Satisfactory completion of Algebra 2) | Semester Long | 9th-12th Grade
This course will cover checking accounts, banking services, investing, and insurance. Students will also develop a business plan including the writing of mission and vision statements, financial statements, product lists and services, marketing concepts, as well as building designs inside and out. Topics of personal finance and budgeting skills will be included with a practice set on money management. (Math Related – 12th)
Sales | Semester Long | 10th-12th Grade
This class includes instruction in all aspects of retail sales, including: careers in selling, sales personality, real estate sales, insurance sales, automotive sales, loss prevention, cash register operations and other related sales matters. Each student in the class will perform a retail sales demonstration.
Sports and Entertainment Marketing | Semester Long | 10th-12th Grade
This class is designed to introduce students to one of the fastest growing industries in the world. Students will study the basic marketing concepts with applications to various entertainment organizations both locally and nationally. This course will include diverse aspects of this billion-dollar industry through concepts of sports management, legal issues, public relations, promotion, product marketing, and recreation.