Course Descriptions
The Academy of Finance curriculum is developed with leading representatives from industry and education to ensure that courses are both current and relevant. By integrating necessary workplace skills in the classroom, students come to understand the connection between academic learning and career success.
In 2006 and 2007, NAF will be redeveloping curriculum for this Academy. New Scopes and Sequences will be completed in 2006, and new curriculum will begin to be developed in 2007.
The Academy of Finance course list appears below. Please refer to the AOF Course Scope for a more complete outline of the Academy program of study.
Strategies for Success (One term course)
This one semester course of study helps to orient students to the world of work and school. Ideally, this course is offered in the ninth or tenth grades as it addresses the need for students to develop good work and study habits, helps students to prepare portfolios, learn about school resources, develop career plans, start preparing for college and develop solid interpersonal skills.
Finance (Four terms required)
Introduction to Financial Services
This course can be offered either as a one- or two-semester course to be given in either the ninth or the tenth grade as a means of introducing students to the various sectors for the financial services industry. The objective of this course is to help students learn about both the nature of the careers found in a particular sector and the scope of the work that comprises businesses such as insurance, real estate, public finance, accounting, and the securities industry.
Economics and the World of Finance
This is a one-semester course in macro and microeconomics that provides an understanding of how our market economy functions in a global setting. It provides students with a survey of economic concepts including all of the twenty-two basic principles recommended by the National Council on Economic Education. In addition, a unit on capital markets acquaints students with the role that markets and securities play in our overall economic framework.
Banking and Credit
This one semester course presents a survey of the principles and practices of banking and credit in the United States. The students learn about the major functions of banks and other depository institutions, in-house operations and procedures, central banking through the Federal Reserve System and modern trends in the banking industry. The credit component provides an overview of credit functions and operations including credit risk evaluation, loan creation and debt collection. This course culminates in the Fed Challenge project.
Securities
This is a one-semester course focusing on the roles and functions of a modern securities organization. Through a study of the structure of brokerage firms, the trading process, credit and margin practices, automated processes, and government regulations, students gain an understanding of how a securities firm services its customers and plays an important role in our economy. Students are given the opportunity to relate their knowledge of economics, accounting, and data processing to the operations areas of various sectors of the securities industry. Emphasis is placed on the skills and attitudes necessary for success in business and college.
Insurance
This is a one-semester course that introduces students to various elements of the insurance industry, including insurance needs and products for businesses and individuals. Students learn about insurance sales, rate-setting, insurance and financial planning, insurance regulations, and careers in the industry. It is often combined with the Securities course.
Financial Planning
This is a one-semester course that introduces students to the financial planning process and the components of a comprehensive financial plan. Students learn how to prepare a financial plan that includes saving, investing, borrowing, risk management (insurance), and retirement and estate planning.
International Finance
This one-semester course familiarizes students with topics that relate to international finance, such as identifying current events subjects that deal with international finance , how international finance relations influence their lives, international corporate structures, monetary policy, balance of payments, international trade, and financial markets.
Entrepreneurship (To be developed in 2007)
Accounting (Two terms required)
Curriculum for these courses is provided by the local school or district. The Accounting courses should be completed by the end of the junior year.
Business Computer Applications (one term required)
Paid Internship
Paid, finance-related internship, during summer between junior and senior year.
College-Level Finance Course (Preferably fall semester of senior year.)
Principles of Finance (or other finance related course)
Offered senior year preferably at a four-year institution and taught by a college professor.
