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