Owatonna High School

Syllabus
Introduction to Business
Teacher: Mr. Olson
Contact: 507.444.8855, molson2@owatonna.k12.mn.us
Course Description:
The purpose of this course is to help students become more knowledgeable
consumers, informed citizens, and productive workers in todays changing
world. Through projects, reports, classrooms discussions students learn to
develop an awareness of business practices and procedures. Including:
business terminology, business functions, methods of business operation,
types of business ownership and the role of business in society.
Primary Course Objectives:
This courses purpose is to introduce business principles and concepts. Both
theory and practical application will be addressed. Upon successful
completion of this course, participants will have a working knowledge of the
following:

Acquire an understanding of the impact of external factors on business

decisions relative to the accomplishment of the mission and objectives
of an organization.
Gain an understanding of various business functions and practices and
their impact on the successful operation of a business.
Understand the impact of business decisions on external environments.
Develop the ability to read, understand, and converse in the language
of business that appears daily in the news and in conversation.
Demonstrate awareness of ethical principles, personal and company
values and socially responsible management practices.

Course Format:
This class will have a varied format. This course will strive to be as
interactive as possible and will integrate multimedia formats into classroom
learning. In addition to classroom lectures, important class components will
consist of presentations, videos, in-class discussions, team activities, case
analysis, guest speakers, field trips, simulations and work in the computer
lab. Students will be expected to use computers to help complete papers,
projects and conduct research. **Approximately 1/3 of the class grade will be
from the final project.
**Students are required to have a dedicated class notebook (preferably 3ring binder) for this class. It is expected that students will come with the
notebook and a pen or pencil with which to take notes and document
assignments.

Syllabus: Introduction to Business

Classroom Policies:
1.

Attendance: Attendance in this class is critical to success. Please refer to the

OHS attendance policy in your planner for more information.

2.

Participation: Participation in group work and class discussion is critical to this

course.

3.

Electronics: Students are expected to ensure that when class begins all
consumer electronics are turned off unless approved by the teacher for use during
class. (including, but not limited to: cell phones, beepers, alarm watches, MP3
players and headphones)

4.

Food: No food or drink is allowed in the classroom or in the lab.

5.

Class Time: Class will begin and end promptly at the bell. Students should take
their seats when the bell rings. Students should not leave their seats until dismissed
by the teacher.

6.

Respect: Students are expected to show respect to their peers, faculty and
guests. Any behavior that distracts from class learning is disrespectful.

7.

Homework: You are responsible for knowing what homework has been assigned
and when it is due. If you are absent, please check there for missed work and
assignments.
All assignments are due at the beginning of the class period on the date due. Most
homework assignments cannot be made up because we review them in class
together the day they are due.

8.

Extra Help: Help is available before school (usually by 7 a.m.), after school
(usually until 5 p.m.) and during the teacher prep time. It is best to make an
appointment to be sure the teacher does not have a meeting or other conflict.

9.

Academic Integrity: Academic integrity is an important value. By enrolling in this

course, you assume the responsibilities of an active participant in a scholarly
community in which everyones academic work and behavior are held to the highest
standards of honesty. Cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, and helping others to
commit these acts are all forms of academic dishonesty, and they are wrong.
Academic dishonesty will result in a zero on the assignment(s). A second violation
will result in failing the course.
Grading:
This course is based on the textbook format and materials. Grades will be given on
homework for each chapter, quizzes, class group work, and larger projects, including
a simulation, papers and presentations. A cumulative grade is given based on the
following scale:
A 94%

A- 93.99% - 90%
B- 82.99% - 80%

B+ 89.99% - 87%

B 86.99% - 83%

C+ 79.99% - 77%

C 76.99% - 73%

C-

D+ 69.99% - 67%
F < 60%

D 66.99% - 63%

D-

72.99% - 70%
62.99% - 60%

Syllabus: Introduction to Business