Consumer Education

CONSUMER EDUCATION

Fall 2011 Course Syllabus

Teacher: Mr. Christianson Location: Room 217 Period: 1st Email: [email protected] Prep Period: 2nd and 7th (Room 217)

Course Overview This course provides students with a better understanding of being a productive and ethical member of society. Students will be introduced and given applications on the following topics: economics in our world today, consumer protection, advertising and its influences on the consumer, comparative shopping, using checking and savings accounts, borrowing and investing money, using charge accounts and installment contracts, buying home, auto and life insurance, providing housing, law and the consumer, and preparing personal income tax forms. (1/2 Credit)

Grading The grading scale will be as follows:

92-100 A 83-91 B 74-82 C 65-73 D Below 65 F

1st Quarter = 40% 2nd Quarter = 40% Final Exam = 20%

You will be evaluated on the following criteria:

 Tests – Students will be tested over each chapter covered.  Projects – Students will be expected to complete various projects throughout the semester.  Homework – Students will periodically receive in-class or take-home assignments relating to the topics covered in class.  Final Exam – Students will be required to take a final exam covering all of the topics discussed throughout the semester.  Late work – 1 day late will be 50% off the score you receive, 2 or more days late will be a zero unless arrangements have been made in advance. Materials

Students are expected to come to class prepared to participate and learn. Each student is expected to bring the following items each day to class:  Pen/Pencil  Paper  Consumer Education Textbook and Workbook  Calculator  Folder

Make-Up Work

 Excused Absence – Upon returning to class, students will have the same number of days as they were absent to turn in assignments upon their return.  Unexcused Absence – Students absent from school without a valid excuse for any part of the day will be expected to turn in assignments upon their return. Work assigned the day of the absence will be due the day after the student returns to school.  Long-term absence – See me ASAP if you know you are going to be gone from school for an extended amount of time to come up with a plan.

**You are expected to ask me what you have missed upon your return to school. I will not take class time to help you understand material that you have missed. You must come see me before or after school in Room 217!!

Classroom Rules

 BE RESPECTFUL!! o Do not talk while the teacher or another student is speaking. o Raise your hand before talking.  Be in your seat and ready to start class when the bell rings.  Be on time. See page 24 of handbook for tardy consequences.  Pick up after yourself. Do not leave any trash in the room.  Absolutely no food or drink in the classroom.  Do not use the computer unless you have permission. These are new computers, please help to take care of them.  Most importantly!! TRY YOUR BEST!! Course Outline

**This is a tentative schedule and may be changed at my discretion. Depending on time constraints, we may cover more or less than what is listed below.

Chapter 1 Consumers – The Engine that Runs the Economy Chapter 3 Consumer Protection – Rights, Responsibilities, Resolutions Chapter 4 Choose a Career – Get a Job Chapter 5 Income Taxes – How Much Will You Keep? Chapter 6 Budgeting – How Will You Use Your Money Chapter 7 Banking Services – Where to Stash Your Cash Checking Account Packet Chapter 8 Saving – Plan for Financial Security Chapter 9 Investing – Prepare for Your Future Chapter 10 Credit – You’re in Charge Chapter 11 Budget Essentials – Food, Clothes, and Fun Chapter 12 Transportation – How Will You Get There? Chapter 13 Housing – A Place to Call Home Chapter 19 Automobile and Home Insurance – Sharing the Risk Chapter 20 Health and Life Insurance – Your Personal Security COURSE OUTCOMES

At the completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Describe the three economic roles that most people play throughout their lives 2. Name six consumer rights and responsibilities that go with them 3. List five federal agencies that are responsible for consumer protection and identify people who helped shape the consumer movement 4. Explain what an economic system does and describe the four types of economic systems 5. Identify the stages of a business cycle 6. Define the economic indicators used to measure the American economy 7. Name three types of activities that government performs 8. Identify government spending at the federal, state, and local levels 9. Explain what income taxes mean to you and your first job 10. Explain why countries trade with one another and describe how international trade affects the U.S. consumer 11. Name the three barriers to trade 12. Explain how personal qualifications, life goals, and job trends affect career decisions 13. Describe how to use a variety of references to research careers and discuss effective job search techniques 14. List employee rights and responsibilities 15. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of being an entrepreneur 16. Describe the five steps involved in developing a budget and how to revise a budget 17. Explain four methods of keeping accurate financial records 18. Identify the three most common mistakes people make when budgeting 19. Identify the factors that influence consumer spending 20. Describe how to apply the seven steps of economic decision making 21. Show how to select the best place to purchase a given item 22. Explain how timing can affect buying decisions 23. Identify some of the most common forms of deceptive advertising and sales practices 24. Describe three fraudulent sales practices 25. Explain how to make an effective consumer complaint 26. Describe how a small-claims court works 27. Explain how savings become investment 28. List three savings plans and guidelines for saving money 29. Identify four kinds of financial institutions and describe three main factors in choosing a particular institution for saving 30. Name different types of savings accounts and three kinds of retirement accounts 31. Explain how to reconcile a bank statement and three kinds of endorsements 32. Give examples of different methods of payments such as money orders, traveler’s checks, and certified checks 33. Explain the differences between stocks and bonds and how to invest in them 34. Explain what credit is and identify the essential element in credit 35. Explain how consumer credit differs from commercial credit, and name at least three types of credit cards 36. Explain what insurance is and how it works 37. Illustrate how to prove property loss 38. Identify different types of insurance risk 39. Identify the six basic types of auto insurance coverage 40. List the factors that determine auto insurance rates 41. Describe the various types of life, health, and homeowner’s insurance coverage