INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS CLASS SYLLABUS 2015-­‐‑2016 TEACHER: Mrs. Rachubinski ROOM NUMBER: B124 DURATION: Full Year TEACHER CONTACT: arachubinski@rtmsd.org or (610) 627-­‐‑6200 x6283 A. Class Description This is a full year class designed to introduce students to the exciting world of business! Topics and themes to be covered include (but not limited to): characteristics of an entrepreneur, role of the entrepreneur in business, problem identification and solutions, career development, finances, and advertising. We will explore each of these concepts through research, discussions, note taking, projects, quizzes/tests, and real-­‐‑world applications. B. Class Expectations 1. Always come to class prepared a. Once you have entered the classroom, you may not go to your locker for these materials. 2. Be on time! a. Students are expected to be in their seats when the bell rings. b. If students are late to class, you must arrive with a note. c. If students are late and do not have a note; the following consequences will be administered. (First late arrival = verbal warning, 2 late arrivals = teacher detention, 3 or more late arrivals = phone call home & write-­‐‑up.) 3. Be respectful! 4. Absolutely NO cell phones, for any reason. If students are caught with a cell phone, it will be turned in to the office. 5. The acceptable use policy for technology will be strictly enforced. Students may not use their iPad for any reason, until directed by the teacher. a. Students will NOT be permitted to use their iPads for taking class notes. 6. All students must remain seated until the bell rings to leave. 7. If a student misses class, it is that students’ responsibility to see check the class web page and obtain missed work. 8. Always sign out when leaving the classroom for any reason. 9. Students should conduct themselves like a professional in the business world. 10. Have fun, share ideas, and learn something new each day! Mrs. Rachubinski reserves the right to assign a ‘teacher detention’ for defiance of any class expectation. 1 C. Class Materials: You will need to bring with you each day: •
3-­‐‑ring binder with paper, including dividers for each chapter •
Pencil •
Pen •
Highlighter •
Textbook (must be covered) •
iPad (must be charged everyday!) D. Absences & Assignments If you are absent, you will need to see the teacher for missed work when you return (your responsibility!). You will have the same number of days to make up missed work as the number of days you were absent. Please provide notification of planned absences. If you are absent on a day that a project is due, it is STILL DUE. Please try to be in class each day. The content we will be covering is so important and new information relates to topics previously covered. E. Late Work and Grading Policy Turning any work in late is unacceptable. The following point deductions will be used for late assignments (excluding homework): •
1 day late = 5 point deduction •
2 days late = half credit •
3 days late = no points will be given for the assignment Note: The above point scale is for projects and multiple day assignments only. Homework will not be accepted late. If homework is not in class on the day it is due, the student will not receive any points. All homework builds on the lessons from that class period; therefore, it is so important to complete all activities to enhance learning. F. Chapters and Topics to be Covered •
Chapter 1: Basic Economic Concepts •
Chapter 2: Economic Resources and Systems •
Chapter 3: Economic Activity in a Changing World •
Chapter 4: Business Ethics and Social Responsibility •
Chapter 6: Business Ownership and Operations •
Chapter 7: Business Management •
Chapter 8: Leadership in Management 2 •
Chapter 9: Technology in Business •
Chapter 10: Business in a Global Economy •
Chapter 11: The Role of Government in Economy •
Chapter 12: Money and Financial Institutions •
Chapter 13: Marketing in Today’s World •
Chapter 14: Advertising •
Chapter 17: Financial Management •
Chapter 25: The Basics of Credit •
Chapter 29: Checking Accounts •
Chapter 5: Entrepreneurship •
Chapter 20: Career Planning **The teacher reserves the right to change the above schedule as necessary. G. Major Semester Projects a. Business 101 (Fall 2015 Project) i. Students will select a small business in Media to use for their project. Interviews with the owner(s) of the selected business will be conducted in order to learn what it takes to create and own a business. A formal project guideline and explanation will be distributed in class. b. The Sustainability Project (Winter 2015 Project) i. Working in small groups and with a selected business to study, students will research, interview, and conduct observations of five key components of sustainability. Once completed, students will make recommendations to the restaurant, identifying ways they can be more sustainable yet still maintain a solid business practice and revenue/profit. A formal project guideline and explanation will be distributed in class. c. The Business Plan (Spring 2016 Project) i. Students will simulate the development and creation of their own small business. Each component of the business plan will be discussed in class. A formal project guideline and explanation will be distributed in class during the spring semester. H. Teacher Contact Please feel free to contact me by phone or e-­‐‑mail. I check my e-­‐‑mail/voice messages two times a day, at the beginning of the school day and at the end of the school day. It is always my intent to respond as quickly as possible. Note – email responses are always easier and faster for me to respond to. 3