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Course Descriptions » Business/Computer Courses

Business/Computer Courses

Business Course Descriptions

Updated November 2024 for the 2025-2026 School Year

 

Portage High School and Ivy Tech have partnered in a dual-credit agreement for students enrolled in Accounting Fundamentals, Advanced Accounting, Marketing Fundamentals, Management Fundamentals, Strategic Marketing, and Principles of Business Management (courses are marked with an * ). Three free college credits are available through Ivy Tech upon achieving a passing score on the Ivy Tech KA Assessment test and by earning a grade of C or better in the course.  Juniors and Seniors, with a GPA of 2.6 or higher, are exempt from taking the KA Assessment test. These credits earned are transferable to many Indiana state colleges. They count toward requirements for the Academic Honors Diploma, Technical Honors Diploma, Post Secondary Readiness Competencies (with additional core requirements). Beginning with the class of 2029, these credits also fulfill requirements for the Enrollment Seals.

 

Accounting Fundamentals*, 2 Semesters, 2 Credits  4524

Grades 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Sophomores are required to have an overall GPA of a 2.0 or better

 

Accounting Fundamentals is a basic requirement of any business curriculum. The course introduces the language of business using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and procedures for proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations using double-entry accounting.  Emphasis is placed on accounting principles as they relate to both manual and automated financial systems.  This course involves understanding, analyzing, and recording business transactions and preparing, analyzing, and interpreting financial reports as a basis for decision-making.  Your enrollment in Introduction to Accounting will give you a competitive edge in college accounting.

Ivy Tech credit: ACCT 101 Principles of Management (3 credits)

 

Advanced Accounting*, 2 Semesters, 2 Credits  4522

Grades 11, 12

Prerequisite: Introduction to Accounting with a grade of C or better is required

 

Advanced Accounting expands on the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and procedures covered in Introduction to Accounting. It is career-oriented with a dual purpose: (a) to provide increased knowledge and competence for students who will be seeking entry-level employment after graduation, and (b) to provide a more firm, broad base of understanding for those desiring to continue the study of accounting.  Additional topics covered include an introduction to cost accounting and auditing as well as Intuit Quickbooks Software.

Ivy Tech credit: ACCT 122 Accounting Systems & Applications (3 credits)

 

 

Business Office Communications 2 Semesters, 2 Credits       7144

Grades 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Principles of Business Operations & Technology

 

Business Office Communications emphasizes the analysis of communication to direct the choice of oral, written and visual technique methods.  It includes composing a variety of messages used to communicate in business with an emphasis on the message impact on the receiver as a basis to plan and deliver effective business communications.  Students will practice and gain confidence in public speaking, giving presentations, and crafting strategies to effectively reach their intended audience.  Through completing projects and gaining good preparation skills, students will further develop their knowledge while using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Publisher.

 

Introduction to Business, 1 Semester, 1 Credit   4518

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Introduction to Business is a course that provides the groundwork for future business courses. This course introduces students to economics, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, risk management, ethics, and law. Students begin exploring roles and functions that business and marketing play in a global society, develop an understanding of the market place, as well as understanding product placement and promotion. This course focuses on developing knowledge and skills around marketing, pricing, distribution and management, while also focusing on economics and interpersonal skills. In addition, it provides the student with a basic understanding some initial business formation requirements.  Students will actively participate in projects that will help them understand how to start and plan a business, present their plan to gain financing, and ultimately start a business.

 

Management Fundamentals*, 2 Semesters, 2 Credits  7143

Grades 11 & 12.  Grade 10 enrollment requires instructor permission or a referral.

Prerequisite: All students are required to have an overall GPA of 2.0 or better

 

Management Fundamentals describes the functions of managers, including the management of activities and personnel. Describes the judicial system and the nature and sources of law affecting business. Explores contemporary and historical management theory. Case studies and group projects are used to refine leadership and management skills. The role of collective bargaining and its impact on management is also discussed.

Ivy Tech credit: BUSN 105 Principles of Management (3 credits)

 

Marketing Fundamentals*, 2 Semesters, 2 Credits  5914

Grades 11 & 12.  Grade 10 enrollment requires instructor permission or a referral.

Prerequisite: All students are required to have an overall GPA of 2.0 or better

 

Principles of Marketing is a course designed to introduce students to the different activities that comprise the many aspects and functions of marketing. Product management, distribution, selling, marketing-information management, financing, pricing, and promotion occur every time a product or service is developed, advertised and sold. Marketing is a very complex part of business and is very important to the success of businesses and to the satisfaction of customers. Students will prepare an advertising campaign for a business and/or complete a computer simulation.

Ivy Tech credit: MKTG 101 Principles of Marketing (3 credits)

 

 

Personal Financial Responsibility*, 1 Semester, 1 Credit  4540

Grades 10, 11, 12

*Graduation requirement

 

Personal Financial Responsibility focuses on planning your financial future. The course explains how to make money by getting the career you want, how to earn money and grow it through investing, and how to protect your money and assets once you have them. The content includes financial planning, budgets, checking accounts, personal insurance, as well as spending and credit management. Students will learn the financial concepts and principles that provide a basis for avoiding common financial pitfalls. This course prepares students for their roles and responsibilities as consumers and citizens through in class projects and computer simulations of real-life activities including: job hunting, getting an apartment, time management, shopping, credit, and insurance. 

 

Preparing for College and Careers*, 1 Semester, 1 Credit 5394

Grades 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

*Graduation requirement

 

Preparing for College and Careers addresses the knowledge, skills and behaviors all students need in preparation for success in college, trade schools, their careers, and life. The course focus is the impact of today’s choices on tomorrow’s possibilities. Topics addressed include 21st century life and career skills; higher order thinking, communication, leadership and management processes; exploration of personal aptitudes, interests, values and goals; examining multiple life roles and responsibilities as individuals and family members; planning and guiding employability skills; transferring school skills to life and work; and managing career pathways, an in-depth investigation of one career pathway, reviewing graduation plans, developing career plans and developing personal and career portfolios. 

 

Principles of Business Management*, 2 Semesters, 2 Credits 4562

Grades 11, 12

Prerequisite: All students are required to have an overall GPA of 2.0 or better

 

Principles of Business Management is the initial business course that provides the groundwork for future business courses and a Next Level Program of Study graduation pathway. This course introduces students to economics, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, risk management, ethics, and law.  Students begin exploring roles and functions that business and marketing play in a global society, develop an understanding of the market place, as well as understanding product placement and promotion. This course focuses on developing knowledge and skills around marketing, pricing, distribution and management, while also focusing on economics and interpersonal skills.  In addition, Portage High School is in an agreement with Microsoft that provides students with real world technology skills through digital curriculum and certifications. The Microsoft (NGL Cengage) IT Academy consists of web-based modules and instructions, which allow students to learn Microsoft computer programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access) at their own pace. The Microsoft IT Academy allows students to achieve a greater mastery of productivity and technological skills that are validated through certifications through Certiport.

Ivy Tech credit: BUSN 101 Introduction to Business (3 credits)

 

 

Principles of Business Operations & Technology, 2 Semesters, 2 Credits 7153

Grades 9, 10

Prerequisite: None

 

The Principles of Business Operations and Technology course will prepare students to plan, organize, direct, and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization and be successful in a work environment. Students are provided opportunities to develop attitudes and apply skills and knowledge in the areas of business, management, Microsoft Office, and basic finance. This course will also simulate the workplace of today, including learning about employee onboarding, ethics, meeting protocols, proper business communication, scheduling, and time-management.  The course prepares students to enter the workforce with the skills that any employer will require.

 

Strategic Marketing*, 2 Semesters, 2 Credits   5918

Grades 11, 12

Prerequisite: Principles of Marketing.  Dual Credit through Ivy Tech pending approval.

 

Strategic Marketing builds upon the foundations of marketing and applies the functions of marketing at an advanced level. Students will study the basic principles of consumer behavior and examine the application of theories from psychology, social psychology and economics. The relationship between consumer behavior and marketing activities are reviewed.

Ivy Tech credit: MKTG 230 Consumer Behavior (3 credits)

 

Digital Data Applications, 2 semesters, 2 credits 7146

Grades 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite/Concurrent Enrollment: Principles of Business Operations & Technology; Business Office Communications.  Dual Credit through Ivy Tech pending approval.


Students will use Microsoft Excel to sort and search records, combine files, produce reports, and to extract data from files. The course is designed to include creating and formatting worksheets, using formulas and basic functions, creating charts, and printing professional-looking reports. Additionally, students will use Microsoft Access to create and manage databases through the creation and modification of queries, tables, forms, and reports.  A historical look at data management systems and contemporary data usage topics, including ethical responsibilities in data management, will be discussed.

 

Business Special Topics: Real Estate, 1 semester, 1 credit 5968R (Fall semester only)

Grades 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite:  Intro to Business, Principles of Business Management, or Business Operations & Technology

 

Real Estate is an extended learning experience designed to address the advancement and specialization of careers through a specialized course for a specific workforce. The learning experience is designed to give the student the opportunity to learn and practice technical skills while being directed by an appropriately licensed professional. Throughout the course, students will focus on obtaining the knowledge, skills and attitudes essential for success in specific occupations. Course standards and curriculum will be tailored to the specific profession, preparing students to advance in this career field, and where applicable, provide students with opportunities for certification or dual credit. The following topics will be covered: 

  • Contract law and lease agreements 
  • Marketing property through websites and advertisements 
  • Tenant Screening and Retention 
  • Ethics in property sales 
  • Rent pricing structures 
  • Insurance aspects of property ownership, including damage claims
  • Basic home maintenance (property improvements) and the need to deal with contractors if the repairs become too complex 
  • Legal aspects of city, county, and state zoning and property rental laws
  • Brief taxation summary of IRS regulations regarding income and expenses

Business Special Topics: Entertainment Marketing, 1 semester, 1 credit 5968M (Spring semester only)

Grades 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Intro to Business, Principles of Business Management, or Business Operations & Technology

 

Entertainment Marketing is an extended learning experience designed to address the advancement and specialization of careers through a specialized course for a specific workforce. The learning experience is designed to give the student the opportunity to learn and practice technical skills while being directed by an appropriately licensed professional. Throughout the course, students will focus on obtaining the knowledge, skills and attitudes essential for success in specific occupations. Course standards and curriculum will be tailored to the specific profession, preparing students to advance in this career field, and where applicable, provide students with opportunities for certification or dual credit. The following topics will be covered:

  • Booking talent for events, including contract law and insurability
  • Booking events, including weddings, reunions, retirement parties, etc.
  • Event management strategies, including handling photographers and other subcontracted vendors 
  • Cost development and negotiation with customers and clients 
  • Sales commissions and revenue for eventsite, including equipment leases
  • Marketing through websites, advertisements, flyers, social media, etc.
  • Creating menu options for events; reviewing food and beverage options/costs
  • Legal aspects of city, county, and state laws regarding entertainment venues
  • Brief taxation summary of IRS regulations regarding income and expenses

 

 

Business Special Topics: Entrepreneurship, 1 semester, 1 credit 5968E (Fall semester only)

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Intro to Business, Principles of Business Management, or Business Operations & Technology or teacher recommendation

 

Entrepreneurship is an extended learning experience designed to address the advancement and specialization of careers through a specialized course for a specific workforce. The learning experience is designed to give the student the opportunity to learn and practice technical skills while being directed by an appropriately licensed professional. Throughout the course, students will obtain the knowledge, skills and attitudes essential for success in specific occupations. Course standards and curriculum will be tailored to the specific profession, preparing students to advance in this career field, and possibly provide students with opportunities for certification.

Participation in a related CTSO encourages the development of leadership, communication and career related skills, and opportunities for community service. 

  • Membership in the Portage Business Club CTSO (Business Professionals of  America-BPA) is required throughout the semester course. 
  • Students who later drop the course will not be refunded their membership fees. 
  • The course is designed to help students prepare for two Regional BPA events in December. Students must compete in their two events for credit. 
  • Students will choose their two events at the beginning of the course. o Events include Entrepreneurship, Computing Technology, Finance, Law, Presentation Skills, Job Interviews, Economic Research, Microsoft Office  Suite, Digital Design, Podcasting, TV., etc. 
  • The course will be independent study but under the supervision of a BPA advisor  familiar with the events and able to provide either direct academic assistance or  direct the student to other PHS faculty for guidance. 
  • The course is designed for students who wish to either open their own  entrepreneurial business (in whichever topic discipline chosen) or earn mastery  in their discipline through continual testing and practice opportunities. 
  • The course also has an optional community service component that students can earn credit and other awards through the National BPA organization.

 

Insurance Fundamentals, 2 semesters, 2 credits 7149

**Online course facilitated by the Business Dept

Grades 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Principles of Business Management

 

Insurance Fundamentals will offer students the opportunity to earn a nationally recognized industry designation before they graduate, equipping them with vital pre-career exposure and technical industry training. This course will provide a significant advantage as The Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) High School Program through the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance. Insurance Fundamentals is an extended learning experience designed to give the student the opportunity to learn and practice technical skills while being directed by an appropriately licensed professional online. Throughout the independent-study course, students will obtain the knowledge, skills and attitudes essential for success in the insurance industry. Course standards and curriculum are tailored to insurance careers, preparing students to advance in the insurance industry. The CISR High School Program provides students with technical knowledge and expertise in risk management and insurance and an understanding of liability, exposures and coverages. This prepares students for potential careers across the industry as Customer Service Representatives, Producers, Benefits Consultants, Managing General Agents, Claims Adjusters, Commercial & Personal Lines, Underwriters, Risk Managers, Brokers and Agents. The program includes video lectures enhanced with real-life examples, digital books and learning guides, study guides, practice exercises and quizzes, and industry certification exams.

The seven core modules of the CISR program are:

  • Elements of Risk Management
  • Insuring Personal Auto Exposures
  • Insuring Personal Residential Property
  • Commercial Property & Casulty
  • Life & Health Essentials
  • Business Basics
  • Workers Compensation
  • Dynamics of Selling & Service

 

Students earn the CISR Designation by passing five (5) certification exams during the program, with two retakes possible per topic.

Work-Based Learning Opportunities Engagement with industry professionals are possible to enhance classroom learning, and can lead to work-based opportunities offered as the CISR High School Program.