Career and Technical Education Courses, News, and Information

see also: Career and Technical Education faculty

Course Offerings

Business

see also: the Business program's website

Industrial Technology

ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING (843700) Grades: 10-12 Credit: One
Prerequisite: Basic Technical Drawing Co-Requisite: None
Students study the history of architecture, examine various construction techniques, use computer assisted drafting (CAD) equipment, and design a house. They develop working drawings and specifications as well as a scale model. Students interested in architecture or related careers will benefit from this course. Students completing Architectural Drawing may articulate three credits at the Northern Virginia Community College by successfully completing the Assessment by Local Examination (ABLE) administered by the community college. Course Fee: $20.00

BASIC TECHNICAL DRAWING (843500)
Grades: 9-12 Credit: One
Prerequisite: None Co-Requisite: None
Students develop basic skills in drawing, study careers related to drafting, become familiar with computer assisted drafting (CAD) equipment, and gain an understanding of technical drawing processes. The course is recommended for students interested in technical drawing, interior design, fashion merchandising, decorating, construction, architecture, or engineering careers. Course Fee: $20.00

COMPUTER SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY (853627)
Grades: 11-12 Credits: Two
This course is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in the computer industry. Students will develop microcomputer repair skills and related knowledge essential for a successful transition in the computer service technician field. An emphasis will be placed on maintaining and servicing computers and related peripheral equipment. In addition, test instruments and diagnostic hardware and software are utilized. Students successfully completing this course will be eligible to take the nationally recognized A+ certification exam. Students who complete the A+ certification course may also have the opportunity to become certified as a "Network Cabling Technician" through Lucent Technologies. Students completing Computer Systems Technology may articulate up to three credits with Computer Learning Center . For more information, contact the Marshall Academy website. Course Fee: none

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY (840300)
Grades: 9-12 Credit: One
Design and Technology is designed as a foundation high school course in industrial technology. Students use core technology knowledge to solve open-ended problems and create systems. Laboratory activities engage students in the design process through projects that integrate math, science, and other core subjects into activities such as rockets, electronics, solar powered vehicles and other areas of interest. Working in groups, students build and control systems in the development of technology. Course Fee: $20.00

ELECTRONICS 1 (841600)
Grades: 9-12 Credit: One
Students explore the field of work in electricity and electronics. The course includes information on careers, electrical and electronic theory and applications, components, simple circuits, troubleshooting, and consumer information. Students will also be engaged in the use of electronics simulation software and systems components to understand, design, and use electronic systems for problem solving. Laboratory activities include the making of printed circuit boards, power supplies, alarm systems, circuit testers, and electronic novelties. It is strongly recommended that potential students should have successfully completed Algebra 1 prior to taking this course. Students interested in engineering or related careers will benefit from the course. Course Fee: $20.00

ENGINEERING SYSTEMS (844700)
Grades: 10-12 Credits: One
Prerequisite: Mathematics: Algebra 1; Science/Engineering: Design and Technology (840300) or

Introduction to Engineering (849000) or Physics of Technology (451026)
Co-Requisite: None
Instructor: Mr. Montie
This is a Marshall Academy course that is open to students of all Fairfax County high schools. Engineering Systems is the first course of what will become a two-year elective Engineering Systems sequence. It is designed for students with a strong interest in engineering and technology. Students are introduced to five major areas of engineering: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Robotics Engineering. Through the application of system development programmatics and systems engineering, students learn the basis for development of sophisticated modern systems. The course is heavily oriented toward robotics -- it includes participation in the Botball competitive program for autonomous tabletop robots and the FIRST competitive program for joystick-controlled robots. In addition, the students are introduced to the engineering of modern manned aircraft. Curriculum concept topics include universal concepts, inquiry processes, systems engineering, mechanical systems, electrical systems, robotic systems, fluid measurements, and air systems. Students participate in three curriculum-related field trips, and engage in periodic career and college information seminars. Additional course information and contact information for Mr. Montie are available at the Marshall Academy web site. Course Fee: $30.00

PHYSICS OF TECHNOLOGY (451026)
Grades: 10-12 Credit: One (Provides one laboratory science credit toward the Standard or Advanced Diploma)
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and one year of laboratory science
Co-Requisite: None
Instructor: Mr. Montie
This is a Marshall Academy course that is open to students of all Fairfax County high schools. The first course of a two-year Physics sequence, Physics of Technology (PT) is designed for students with an applications-oriented interest in the physical sciences, engineering, and technology. It also is available for students who desire to take Physics before Chemistry. The curriculum is algebra-based, stresses inquiry and experimentation, and includes participation in two competitions -- the Team America Rocketry Challenge and the Technology Student Association CO2 Dragster Competition. Curriculum topics include universal concepts, inquiry processes, forcing functions, movement functions, time-dependence functions, resistance functions, energy functions, transforming functions, unifying forces, unifying laws, and space-time extremes. Students participate in three curriculum-related field trips, and engage in periodic career and college information seminars. PT may be taken in lieu of Physics 1. Upon successful completion of PT, students may continue related projects and studies in the second-year Engineering Physics course, or in Engineering Systems. Additional course information and contact information for Mr. Montie are available at the Marshall Academy web site.Course Fee: $30.00

Marketing

INTRODUCTION TO MARKETING
Grades: 9-12 Credit: one, two or three
This introductory course in marketing enables students to gain a basic understanding of marketing principles, techniques, and career opportunities. Students will develop fundamental social, economic, mathematical, marketing, job search and decision-making skills necessary for successful initial employment in retail, wholesale, or service businesses. Field trips, guest speakers, and competitive events through DECA membership enhance the course work.
NOTE: In schools offering Introduction to Marketing (811000), a sophomore marketing student should begin the marketing sequence with the fundamentals course.

MARKETING 1
Grades: 10-12 Credit: one, two or three
This course is designed for students interested in studying a variety of marketing concepts. Instruction will include the relationship of products, prices, and promotion to the marketing of goods and services to consumers. Students may supplement the classroom instruction through their participation in internship experiences, or they may enroll in the course without the additional commitment required through on-the-job training. While enrolled in this course, the student is an active member of DECA, an association of marketing students. Juniors will be accepted only if space is available.

ADVANCED MARKETING
Grade: 12 Credits: one, two, or three
Prerequisite: Marketing I, Fashion Marketing I, Sports and Entertainment Marketing I
Students develop marketing competencies necessary for full-time employment and job advancement in marketing or merchandising. The course includes an introduction to management functions within an organization with emphasis on merchandising, sales promotion, marketing research, and the process of organizing a marketing business. While enrolled in the course, the student is an active member in DECA, an association of marketing students. Juniors will be accepted only if space is available.

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING
Grades: 10-12 Credits: one, two, or three
Sports and Entertainment Marketing is a unique and innovative course designed for students with an interest in the sports and entertainment industry. Instructional areas include: an orientation to the sports and entertainment industry, market analysis, decision making, event marketing, event execution, the production of a culminating event and analysis of the event. Classroom instruction will be reinforced through the use of outside lectures, case studies, and field trip experiences. Juniors will be accepted only if space is available.

ADVANCED SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING
Grades: 11-12 Credits: one, two, or three
Prerequisite: Sports and Entertainment Marketing
Enrollment in this advanced-level course will allow students to expand their knowledge in the sports and entertainment field. Instructional topics include: contracts, the role of agents and personal managers, market research, planning and segmentation, group sales, business ethics, management and entrepreneurship. Classroom instruction will be reinforced through the use of case studies, guest lecturers, and field trips. Juniors will be accepted only if space is available.

FASHION MARKETING 1
Grades: 10-12 Credits: one, two, or three
This is a specialized option which enables students to investigate and prepare for careers in fashion marketing and design. The objective is to provide students with preparation in the technology of fashion merchandising which will lead to immediate employment and/or become the basis for continuing education. Students may supplement the classroom instruction through an internship experience, or they may enroll in the course without the additional commitment required through on-the-job training. A trip to the New York garment district may be included. Juniors will be accepted only if space is available.

FASHION MARKETING 2
Grades: 11-12 Credits: one, two, or three
Prerequisite: Marketing 1 or Fashion Marketing 1
This curriculum provides an in-depth study of merchandising techniques, fashion trends, fashion promotion, and management skills. Students may supplement the classroom instruction through an internship experience, or they may enroll in the course without the additional commitment required for on-the-job training. Juniors will be accepted only if space is available.