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Syllabus
Course Title and Description
Course Title: Financial Ninja: Slaying Predatory Lending Practices
Course Description:
Welcome, financial ninjas-in-training! This minicourse is your essential guide to navigating the complexities of personal finance and protecting yourself from exploitation. In an economic climate where more people are struggling to make ends meet, predatory lenders are a growing threat. This course is designed to bridge that knowledge gap, transforming you from a potential target into a knowledgeable defender of your own financial future. We will concisely explain what predatory lending is, how it works, and how to avoid these common financial traps. By the end, you'll be able to spot red flags from a mile away and use your new skills to empower others.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Define predatory lending and articulate its key characteristics.
Identify predatory lending practices and differentiate them from traditional lending options.
Explain the detrimental effects of predatory lending on individuals, families, and communities.
Recognize key red flags of predatory lending, including manipulative marketing techniques, hidden fees, and confusing contract language.
Utilize online resources and tools to conduct research on lending products and evaluate the credibility of lenders.
Identify and access appropriate consumer protection resources, regulatory agencies, and support networks.
Instructor Contact Information
Instructor: Ali Syed
Email: alisyed.ny@gmail.com
Virtual Office Hours: Wednesdays from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM ET via Zoom. A link will be posted on the course homepage.
Communication Policy: I will do my best to respond to all emails within 24-48 hours during the week.
Course Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites for this minicourse. Learners should be high school-age and have a fundamental grasp of technology.
Technology Requirements
A reliable computer, laptop, or tablet with a stable internet connection.
A modern web browser (e.g., Chrome, Safari, Firefox).
Familiarity with online learning platforms and collaborative tools.
A smartphone or tablet with a video recording application for the TikTok Knowledge Drop Challenge.
Grading Policy with Grade Scale/Weights
Your final grade will be based on the following components:
Interactive Quizzes & Games: 20%
Discussions & Peer Participation: 30%
Assignments & Projects: 50%
Grade Scale:
A: 90-100%
B: 80-89%
C: 70-79%
D: 60-69%
F: 59% and below
Late Policies
As this is an asynchronus online course, there is not late policy in place. Take your time to complete the assignments. Please reach out if you have an extenuating circumstance.
Schedule of Instructional Events
Module 1: Intro & What is Predatory Lending?
Module 2: Understanding Predatory Lending
Module 3: Identifying Red Flags
Module 4: The Impact of Predatory Lending
Module 5: Researching Lending Products
Module 6: Resources and Support
Module 7: Empowering Others through Knowledge
Module 8: Course Review and Final Assessment
Academic Honesty Policy
Academic integrity is essential. All work must be original and your own. Plagiarism or cheating of any kind is strictly prohibited. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools is permitted for brainstorming and initial research, but the final submitted work must be an original creation and written entirely by you.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
This course is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment. If you require accommodations, please contact your institution’s disability services office to begin the verification process. We will work with them to ensure you have the necessary support to succeed.
PDF Version Available on Course Site
A downloadable PDF version of this syllabus is available on the course homepage for your convenience.
Technical Support Contact
If you encounter any technical issues with the course website, such as trouble with video playback, quizzes not loading, or other platform-related problems, please contact our support team. This is your first stop for all things tech.
Technical Support Email: tech.support@gmail.com
Support Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM ET
Additional Course Information
Course Philosophy:
My goal is to empower you to become a proactive and confident decision-maker. This course is designed to be engaging and interactive, ensuring you don’t just memorize facts but truly develop the skills you’ll need to navigate real-world financial challenges.
Community Guidelines:
Our success depends on collaboration. Please engage with your peers and the instructor with respect, offer constructive feedback, and contribute positively to our learning community.