Consumer Education Syllabus
Objective
The objective of the course is to offer a sound understanding of the marketplace
and how to function in it as a wise and thoughtful consumer. Topics include:
the global economic system, interview skills, buying transportation and housing,
money management, consumer rights, insurance, credit cards, and banking.
Consumer Education is a graduation requirement.
Class Requirements
 Homework points will be added to each unit score. Late work will be accepted at
a penalty of 10% off per day.
 A unit exam will be given after each unit. Each exam consists of true/false and
multiple-choice questions. Questions from films shown in class may also be on
the unit exams. You will be expected to take the exam on the exam date.
 A final, comprehensive exam, worth 20% of the final grade, will be given during
exam week. Seniors who have a 90.0% average prior to this exam will be exempt.
Extra credit will rarely be given. Give your homework and exams your best
attention.
 Students can choose to attend class on Tuesdays and Fridays or complete
required course work outside of the normal school day. If a student does not
attend school on Tuesday and/or Friday, completion of assignments by the
designated due date is required. The teacher may also request small groups
of students attend class up to five days a week for extra help.
 Ipads will be utilized by all Consumer Education students.
Grading Scale
Final semester grades will be based on the following grading scale
(LZHS grading policy):
100% to 90% = A
89% to 80% = B
79% to 70% = C
69% to 60% = D
59% to 0% = F
Grades are posted on-line via e-school. Please check your grades often. If you
have any questions concerning grades, please ask your Consumer Education
teacher. Please be proactive concerning grading issues.
Unit 1 – Economics and You – 2 Weeks
Consumers in the marketplace
Recession and depression
Needs vs. Wants – Opportunity cost Inflation
Supply and demand
World trade
Economic Systems
Government and the economy
Advertising persuasion and the
consumer decision-making process
Interview Unit – Finding and Applying for a Job – 2 weeks
Career Search Process -Job application, cover letter, resume, interview
Unit 2 – The Consumer – 3 Weeks
Advertising persuasion and the consumer decision-making process
Evaluating alternatives when purchasing food and clothing
The car-buying process
Unit 3 – Money Management – 3 Weeks
Taxes and your paycheck
Filing a tax return
Setting financial goals
Estimating income/expenses
Budgeting
Advantages and disadvantages of consumer credit
Credit rights and responsibilities – Credit ratings
Unit 4 – Consumer Protection – 3 Weeks
Consumer rights and responsibilities
Government and consumer protection
Deception and fraud
Resolving problems
Housing options – renting an apartment vs. buying a home
Unit 5 – Banking and Investing Services – 3 Weeks
How banks work
Simple and compound interest
Checking accounts
Investing basics
Money markets and CDs
Mutual funds
Other banking services
Stocks
The importance of saving
Retirement investments
Unit 6 – Insurance – 2 Weeks
Automobile and Homeowners’ insurance
Health, Life and Property insurance
Healthcare providers, legal assistance providers and government assistance