Consumer Education Syllabus
Textbook: Economic Education for Consumers, Miller & Stafford (2006)
Objective:
The objective of this 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 and taxes, consumer rights, insurance, credit cards, banking, and checking account management. Consumer Education is a graduation requirement.
Class Requirements:
Assessments: A variety of assessments will be utilized throughout the course. Quarter and semester grades will consist of chapter homework, chapter quizzes, unit assessment, and any other related work. A major assessment piece will be given within or after each of the seven units.
Final Exam: A final comprehensive exam is worth 20% of the final semester grade and will be given during semester exam week. Seniors who have a 90.0% or higher average prior to this exam will be exempt.
Absences: You are responsible for any missed assignments. Unexcused absences will result in a zero for the day.
Grading Scale (LZHS Grading Policy):
Quarter and semester grades will be based on the following grading scale:
A = 100% to 90%
B = 89% to 80%
C = 79% to 70%
D = 69% to 60%
F = 59% or less
Unit Topics
Unit 1: Economics and Consumer Rights – Chapters 1, 3 & 17 (3 Weeks)
| Consumers’ role in the global economy, economic systems |
| Consumer decision-making, advertising, being a responsible consumer |
| Consumer rights and responsibilities, government and consumer protection, deception and fraud, and resolving consumer problems |
Unit 2: Interviewing Skills – Chapter 4 (2 Weeks)
| Job application, cover letter, and resume |
| Successfully completing a mock interview |
Unit 3: Money Management – Chapters 5, 6 & 7 (4 Weeks)
| Taxes and your paycheck, how to file a tax return |
| Budgeting, setting financial goals |
| Banking services, managing a checking account |
Unit 4: Saving Money, Investing and Credit – Chapters 8, 9 & 10 (3 Weeks)
| Advantages and disadvantages of consumer credit, credit rights and responsibilities, understand your credit rating |
| Simple and compound interest, saving and investing basics, mutual funds, stocks, and retirement investments |
Unit 5: Budgeting For Consumer Purchasing – Chapters 11 & 12 (2 Weeks)
| Evaluating alternatives when budgeting for food, clothing, and entertainment |
| The car-buying process, leasing an automobile |
Unit 6: Housing and Insuring Property – Chapters 13 & 14 (2 Weeks)
| Automobile and homeowners’ insurance |
| Housing options: renting vs. buying real estate |
Unit 7: Health and Life Insurance – Chapters 15 & 16 (2 Weeks)
| Healthcare providers, plans, government assistance |
| Consumer rights and responsibilities |
Page Author: Cindy Klebba
Page Sponsor: Angela Fortune
Updated Date: August 24, 2010