Business
Introduction to Business
Open to: All
Prerequisite: None
Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit
Level: Standard
Explore the world of business through team projects, simulations and an introduction into business courses such as Sports Management, Marketing, Business Law, Entrepreneurship, Accounting and general business practices. Students will delve into international markets and trade using project based assignments. Case studies that require higher order thinking and authentic learning experiences will spark student interest in this class. Basic operation and financing will open students’ eyes to the business, legal, and social environment of today’s world. This course is articulated with Quinebaug Valley Community College; students can earn three college credits at no cost by completing registration with the community college.
Software Applications I
Open to: All
Prerequisite: None
Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit
Level: Standard
Large businesses and corporations have chosen Microsoft Office Suite to run their offices and organizations. This new curriculum will explore publication skills in word processing and spreadsheet software. Students will work on simulations and produce letters, memos, worksheets, charts, and graphs for a company of their choice. Students will complete an integrated simulation as a prelude to the Software Applications II course.
Software Applications II
Open to: All
Prerequisite: Software Applications I
Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit
Level: Standard
Students will learn how to analyze real world business problems and make decisions using data. Students are provided realistic practice scenarios using basic commands and features of PowerPoint and Publisher. Students will continue their integrated simulation from Software Applications I. This course is articulated with Quinebaug Valley Community College; students can earn three college credits at no cost by completing registration with the community college.
Learn How to Make Money
Open to: All
Prerequisite: None
Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit
Level: Standard
Stocks, bonds and investments can make you rich. Using simulation software, learn how to make your money grow or how not to lose it! This course will teach students the workings of the stock market. Students will research companies, invest and trade. Learn how to financially prepare for college by investigating sources of money for your education. Learn how to create investment strategies so you can put your money to work for you.
Marketing
Open to: All
Prerequisite: None
Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit
Level: Standard
Change your consumer view and step into the world of marketing. Explore real world marketing scenarios and learn through project based curriculum. Marketing is not about looking up the answer, it is about telling the story of your product to the potential consumer. Simulate “real-life” scenarios and solve them by being part of the solution and creating the marketing answer.
Entrepreneurship
Open to: All
Prerequisite: None
Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit
Level: Standard
Immerse yourself in creativity and design your own business. Working in groups or individually, students share ideas on how to create and run their own business. This project based class puts emphasis on getting to know your customers and competition; the importance of location and facilities; marketing; strategies for pricing and sales planning; and financing and managing your small business. The fun is in the idea!
Reality: The Game of Life
Open to: All
Prerequisite: None
Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit
Level: Standard
Develop the skills needed to make important life decisions by using a fun, active introduction into reality and by playing the game of life. Students will take an active part in living life as an adult by choosing a college, career, and learning how to make decisions that will support their chosen lifestyle. Students will encounter many trials and tribulations from coping with stress, substance abuse, being a savvy consumer, while learning about nutrition, budget modifications and how to navigate advertising gimmicks.
Business Ethics & Law
Open to: All
Prerequisite: None
Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit
Level: Standard
Debates, skits, simulations and learning about both the substance and the process of our legal system encompass both social and ethical issues studied in Business Law. This course will cover legal procedures, range of remedies, means of locating sources and methods of legal research, the use of precise legal language, and the formulation of legal arguments. Students create compelling arguments during case studies, debates amongst peers and mock trials.
Accounting I
Open to: All
Prerequisite: None
Duration/Credit: 1 year / 1 credit
Level: Standard
Explore one of the fastest growing professions in the United States. This course will cover the principles and procedures for recording transactions using double-entry accounting and reporting of month and year end financial statements. This course presents the complete accounting cycle for a service business as well as a corporation. Students use higher order thinking skills, problem solving and independence to demonstrate and apply accounting content to business today. Through accounting exploration students may focus on cultural diversity, careers, math applications, and making ethical decisions. Integrated technology is woven throughout the course equipping students to complete Internet research activities and to work through problems using Microsoft Excel and Google spreadsheets.
Accounting II
Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: Accounting I with final grade of 85 or better; teacher recommendation
Credit: 1 year / 1 credit
Level: Standard
Are you interested in an Accounting or Finance Career? Earn College Credit while at GHS! Accounting II is an advanced course for students interested in a career requiring accounting skills. Take part in this authentic learning experience by stepping into an accounting game, where businesses simulate accounting scenarios. Learn about basic principles and procedures and the accounting cycle for merchandising businesses organized as corporations. Accounting for corporate adjustments and valuation becomes the focus of the course. Topics covered are accounting for uncollectible accounts receivable, plan assets and depreciation, inventory, notes and interest, accrued revenue and expenses and end of fiscal period work for a corporation. Students will also work towards a QuickBooks certification. This course is articulated with Quinebaug Valley Community College; students can earn three college credits at no cost by completing registration with the community college.
Publications I
Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: Application and Teacher Approval
Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit
Level: Standard
This course is designed for students who have an interest in yearbook production, journalism, and/or writing. Strong writing skills, creativity, and the ability to work independently are necessary. The emphasis of Publications I is theme development, organization, and production of the Griswold High School yearbook, The Sentinel. Students will work on developing crisp, quality pages that tell the story of the school year. Photojournalism and image editing skills will also be taught to assist students in creating storytelling spreads. The real world skills of budgeting, advertising and sales will also be part of the required coursework.
Publications II
Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: Publications I; Application and Teacher Approval
Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit
Level: Standard
Students will be involved in the final stages of production of the Griswold High School yearbook, The Sentinel. This will entail text writing, proofreading, editing, sales, and the compilation of The Sentinel supplement. This is a class designed for the student with strong writing skills, and an interest in creative expression using mixed media.
Capstone: Personal Finance
Open to: Juniors
Prerequisite: None
Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit
Level: Standard
You are one step away from graduation and independence; financial literacy is a critical understanding in preparation for your life! This course provides the informational & decision making tools necessary for planning & implementing a successful personal financial plan for varied life situations. Students will complete a mock interview with area professionals which provides students with a real world experience as they begin to contemplate applying for part-time employment, college, and various careers. Completion of this course is a graduation requirement.
Sports Management
Open to: Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: None
Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit
Level: Standard
Sports Management is a fun, active introduction into the business of sports. Students will take an active part in learning through virtual reality games, field trips and by being taught the “behind the scenes” rules and regulations for various programs and divisions. Students will learn about the organization and management of athletic departments and explore sports careers and associated college majors.
ECE Contemporary Social Issues in Sport
Open to: Juniors, Seniors
Prerequisite: None
Duration/Credit: 1 year / 1 credit
Level: Advanced
This course examines issues, challenges, opportunities and constraints within the domain of sport. The course will explore socio-cultural, economic, political and other related issues in sport. students will locate sport as a social institution, and as such, examine the impact of sport in American culture and how American culture impacts sport. The course will cover sport at the youth, intercollegiate, professional and international level, considering how sport at these levels is differently experienced by individuals, communities, organizations, and broadly by society. Students will also engage in discussion of issues in sport relative to gender, race (ethnicity), differing physical and intellectual ability, sexual identity, and gender identity. This course is developed as a University of Connecticut ECE course. Students have the opportunity to earn three UConn credits for EDLR2001: Contemporary Issues in Sport. Students must complete registration with UConn to be eligible (at their expense).
Capstone: Vision of the Graduate
Open to: Seniors
Prerequisite: Capstone Personal Finance
Duration/Credit: 1 semester / ½ credit
Level: Standard
The Capstone Experience at GHS is a student-driven learning opportunity. This personalized senior project is the ultimate showcase of the skills that demonstrate the student’s college or career readiness and will empower students to succeed in their transition from our school community. The students apply their skills acquired during their K-12 education, fostering productive interactions and relationships with members of the community, culminating in a presentation of their personal interests. The experience allows students to gain confidence as they strive to achieve their postsecondary goals. This class prepares students for their Vision of the Graduate Showcase required for graduation.