Business/Technology

The vision of the Business Department is to prepare students to become knowledgeable and ethical decision makers as they fulfill their roles as students, consumers, workers, and citizens. The various courses offered in the Business Department focus on the ever changing business environment and technological advancements of the 21st Century. The Business Department branches out into three areas of study which includes courses in integrated computer technology, computer science, and business.

All freshmen will learn valuable use of technology necessary to achieve success at Notre Dame High School through the Integrated Computer Technology course. Students will then have the opportunity to explore courses in computer science and business. The Computer Science courses focus on the foundations of computer programming. The courses are structured in the inquiry based model helping students develop vital programming skills to become successful programmers. Furthermore, students will develop an understanding of the role that computer based algorithms play in the decisions that are made in areas of human interaction. These courses aim to accomplish these goals:

The curriculum provides opportunities for teamwork, algorithm skill development, and computational thinking.
Students will develop an understanding of programming syntax that can be applied to many commonly used programming languages.
Students will learn how computer programs interact with other programs, networks, and hardware.

Notre Dame’s Business courses assist students in becoming independent and self-reliant global, business thinkers. Students develop solid abilities to apply subject matter content for college courses and in their own personal endeavors. Business courses accomplish these goals:

Students will be provided the opportunity to meet the demands and responsibilities of the workplace.
Students will study financial literacy.
Students will learn how to function as knowledgeable citizens and consumers in our global society.

Computer Science

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
Computer Science focuses on the foundations of computer programming. Students will be introduced to basic programming concepts: variables, decisions, loops, arrays/lists, and functions/methods. This course will also touch on other core computer science concepts such as networks, the internet, digital representation, and the impact of digital technology on our world. It is expected that students will have basic computer skills, but little to no prior coding experience. Prerequisite: 75 in your most recent Algebra course or Geometry; or 70 in your most recent Honors Algebra course or Honors Geometry.

Honors Computer Science: Coding, Cybersecurity, and Computational Data Analysis

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
This survey course will introduce students to several Computer Science subspecialties such as coding, computational data analysis, and cybersecurity. Students will study programming, writing code for data analysis, implementation and monitoring of security on networks, and identification and protection against security threats. Students should be highly motivated as the course will be fast-paced and will require homework. Prerequisite: 80 in Algebra II or Geometry; or 75 in Honors Algebra II or Honors Geometry; or placement by the Notre Dame computer science teacher.

Accounting

Honors Accounting

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
A collegiately paced introduction to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) designed to provide students with an understanding of the accounting cycle as it relates to a proprietorship, a partnership and a corporation. The material covered in this class will be nearly equal to that of a business major’s first college accounting course. Prerequisite: 90 average in math class or 85 in honors math or approval of Accounting teacher.

Introduction to Business and Money Matters

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
Students will examine the social and legal foundations of American business and the principle of supply and demand in a global society. This course is designed to foster the students’ awareness of the various phases of business activity which form the basis of internal organization. Marketing, finance, communications, business writing, and management principles are investigated. Proficiency in writing, basic mathematical skills, presentation and strong analytical skills are required. The second half of this course is designed to give upperclassmen an understanding of finance topics such as: Taxes, Checking, Saving, Paying for College, Types of Credit, Managing Credit, Investing, Insurance, Budgeting, etc. These consumer topics will be approached from a mathematical perspective with an emphasis on practical applications. Students who pass their national standardized Financial Literacy Certification Test earn a widely-recognized CFL (Certified Financially Literate™) Prerequisite: Algebra 2 or a higher math course with a grade of 72 or better.

Entrepreneurship

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

Students who have an interest in starting their own business should take this course. Topics covered are marketing, finance, communications, advertising, business writing, and establishing a business of their liking. Students will have an opportunity to present their own work through an entrepreneurial venture at the end of the marking period This project will require students to analyze data and build project management skills, Word, presentation software and Excel or the Google equivalent. Therefore, proficiency in writing, basic mathematical skills, presentation and strong analytical skills are required. In-class participation is a significant part of the Entrepreneurship Class experience. This course will allow students to experiment with being their own boss and then have the ability to move forward.

AP Computer Science Principles

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles is designed as a rigorous, yet approachable and engaging introduction to the field of computer science. The course covers fundamental computer science concepts such as coding, digital representation of information, and how computing devices communicate via the internet. Students will explore how computer science influences our world now and predict how technology might impact life in the future. Students will complete the Create Task, which is part of the AP assessment, during this course.
Students will have the opportunity to earn credit through our Dual Enrollment program with Seton Hall. Prerequisite: 85 in Algebra II or Geometry; 80 in Honors Algebra II or Honors Geometry; or placement by the Notre Dame computer science teacher. (NCAA)

AP Computer Science Principles Seminar

Physical Computing and Robotics

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
This course is a hands-on, project-based introduction to computer science. Students will build and program small autonomous robots and physical devices to meet a series of challenges. Students will also have the opportunity to experiment with 3D printing. The course will culminate with students designing and creating a physical device/robot to address a self-chosen real-world problem or opportunity. Students are required to participate in a mandatory evening "Showcase" event towards the end of the semester. Prerequisite: 75 in your most recent Algebra course or Geometry; or 70 in your most recent Honors Algebra course or Honors Geometry.

Introduction to Data Science

2.5 Credits 40 minutes, 1 Semester
This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the field of Data Science. Students will utilize data analysis to make data-driven decisions by aligning basic statistics, mathematics, computer science, and civic responsibility. Through project-based learning, students will gain an understanding of how data analysis can help to make better sense of the world around them. Students are encouraged to have completed or be concurrently enrolled in Algebra II.

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