Course Syllabus

Entrepreneurship

Mr. Hull

hullgregg@neoshosd.org

Course Overview

Entrepreneurship is a hands-on course designed to help students develop the mindset, knowledge, and skills needed to turn ideas into business opportunities. Students will learn how entrepreneurs identify problems, create solutions, evaluate opportunities, develop business models, market products and services, manage finances, and plan for the launch and growth of a business. Throughout the course, students will apply what they learn by developing and presenting their own business ideas. 

Goals for This Class

1. Develop an entrepreneurial mindset and learn to recognize problems as potential business opportunities.
2. Explore creativity, innovation, and problem-solving techniques used by entrepreneurs.
3. Identify and evaluate potential business ideas and determine whether they are realistic and financially viable.
4. Conduct market research and identify target customers, competitors, and market opportunities.
5. Develop a strong value proposition, mission statement, vision statement, and business goals.
6. Learn the basics of entrepreneurial marketing, branding, sales, and customer service.
7. Understand startup costs, pricing, funding options, accounting basics, and financial projections.
8. Compare different business structures and understand the legal, ethical, and financial responsibilities of business ownership.
9. Develop a complete business model and business plan for an entrepreneurial venture.
10. Build communication and presentation skills by creating and delivering an effective business pitch.
11. Learn how entrepreneurs respond to risk, failure, feedback, competition, and changing market conditions.
12. Gain the confidence and skills needed to evaluate entrepreneurship as a possible career path.

What You’ll Need

• Chromebook (charged and ready every day)
• Notebook or binder with paper for handwritten notes
• Pencil or pen for note-taking and problem-solving
• Calculator (optional but recommended)
• Class textbook (will stay in the room unless checked out)

Grading

Your grade will be based on:

Life Happens Policy

• Lowest test score dropped at the end of the semester.
• Two missed assignments forgiven with no questions asked, as long as you tell me in advance. This will not be available for project completion as you will have ample time to complete them. 
• Late work is accepted for 50% credit up to one week after the due date.

Classroom Expectations

• Be on time, prepared, and ready to work when class starts.
• No cell phones during class. Place them in the assigned pocket.
• Use the bathroom before class. 
• Listen actively and participate in discussions and activities.
• Take care of classroom materials and leave your space clean at the end of class.
• Submit your work in the correct place, if it is not turned in properly, it cannot be graded.
• Be respectful to yourself, your classmates, and our learning space.

Testing Procedures

• For regular tests and quizzes, no talking or leaving the room during the assessment.
• Tests will be less common than projects, you are expected to participate in class with group or individual projects with the same integrity expected during a test. 
• Have something to work on when you are finished, such as reading or assignments for other classes. 
• Any cheating on any assignment/assessment will result in a zero.

AI and LLM Use Policy

• You are permitted to use LLM and AI resources aligned with school policy according to the following parameters: 

Assume a level 2 unless specified:

• Level 0/1: No AI / AI-Free: Students complete tasks entirely independently, with no AI allowed, or at most, editing grammar and spelling but not rewording/rewriting with full disclosure and citation.
• Level 2: AI-Assisted (Idea Generation/Planning): Students can use AI for initial research, brainstorming, structuring, or organizing ideas, and for editing grammar and spelling but not writing the core content; disclosure is mandatory.
• Level 3: AI-Supported (Drafting/Editing): AI assists in drafting, editing, or refining text, but students must apply critical thinking, provide feedback on AI output, and cite use.
• Level 4: AI-Collaborative (Task Completion): Students use AI more actively in creating content or solving problems, often with teacher guidance and specific prompts, requiring detailed reflection on the process.
• Level 5: AI as Co-Creator: The highest level, where AI becomes a true partner in complex creation, requiring deep understanding, ethical judgment, and metacognitive reflection on the AI's role in the final product.

Final Note

This class will give you a broad understanding of the business world and the skills to succeed in it. Whether you plan to run your own business, work for a company, or simply manage your personal finances better, the knowledge you gain here will help you in school, work, and life. I am here to help you succeed, so let’s work hard, stay engaged, and make this a great semester.