Principles of Banking and Finance

Principles of Banking and Finance explores key economic topics within a broader real-world context. Students examine the choices they face as producers, consumers, investors, and taxpayers, and apply what they learn through real-world simulation activities.

Topics include markets from both historical and contemporary perspectives, supply and demand, early economic philosophies, theories of value, and the role of money (how it developed and how institutions such as banks, investment firms, and the Federal Reserve function). Students also study Keynesian economics, the structure of capitalism, productivity, wages, investment, economic growth, challenges such as unemployment, inflation, and national debt, and an overview of global markets. Financial literacy skills are emphasized throughout, with a focus on investments, markets, and taxation.

Building on the broader economic foundation of the first semester, the second semester narrows its focus to explore specific concepts and structures within banking and finance. Students learn about different types of banks, their roles, and the responsibilities of employees within these institutions.

Lessons address how businesses interact with banks, basic accounting methods used in financial transactions, risks faced by financial institutions and how they are managed, regulatory requirements and compliance, and the importance of leadership in business and banking.

Students also explore ways to finance a business, including the role of bank loans, and learn how financial ratios are used to evaluate a company’s performance. A series of in-depth projects provides opportunities to apply learned concepts. The course concludes with an overview of career pathways and the responsibilities of employers and employees in the financial sector.