The Michael Berry Career Center (MBCC), part of Dearborn Public Schools, offers a diverse range of academic programs designed to meet the Michigan Merit Curriculum graduation requirements and prepare students for future success. MBCC provides a unique learning environment with experienced instructors dedicated to helping students achieve their academic and career goals.
Students working in a classroom setting, highlighting academic activities at Michael Berry Career Center
MBCC’s curriculum includes core academic subjects and specialized Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, providing a well-rounded educational experience. Below is an overview of the academic courses available at the Michael Berry Career Center, detailing how they fulfill Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements and offer valuable learning opportunities.
Social Studies Programs
MBCC offers a comprehensive social studies curriculum covering US history, economics, and government, alongside advanced placement options.
U.S. History (10th Grade)
This year-long course, fulfilling the 10th-grade social studies requirement, is divided into two semesters:
- U.S. History and Geography 1: Spanning from the Reconstruction era (1865) to 1920, this semester explores key periods like westward expansion, industrialization, the Progressive Era, immigration impacts, and World War I. It emphasizes political, economic, social, and cultural developments and the influence of geography on historical events, enhancing students’ understanding of American heritage.
- U.S. History and Geography 2: Covering 1920 to the present day, this semester delves into the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, the Vietnam War, and contemporary challenges. It continues the topical approach, analyzing political, economic, social, and cultural shifts and geographical influences, helping students connect past events to current issues and future perspectives.
U.S. Economics / U.S. Government (11th Grade)
These semester-long courses meet the 11th-grade social studies requirement:
- U.S. Economics: This fall semester course introduces students to the structure, function, principles, and challenges of the American economy. It covers macro and microeconomic fundamentals, supply and demand, factors of production, economic instability, business organizations, labor relations, and government regulation. Special focus is given to the government’s role in the economy and fiscal/monetary policies for stability, encouraging critical examination of current economic issues.
- U.S. Government: This spring semester course explores the forms and functions of government at national, state, and local levels in the U.S. Students learn about American government structure, principles, and ideals, including comparative political systems and the Constitution. It analyzes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, emphasizing civil liberties and Bill of Rights. The course promotes understanding of civic participation in a democratic society and critical analysis of public policy.
AP Microeconomics / AP Macroeconomics (Social Studies Elective)
These Advanced Placement courses offer college-level studies in economics:
- AP Microeconomics: This introductory course focuses on individual economic decision-makers and the principles governing their functions. It explores product and factor markets, income distribution, market failure, and government roles in promoting efficiency and equity. Students develop skills in using graphs, charts, and data to analyze economic concepts.
- AP Macroeconomics: This introductory course examines the principles applicable to the economic system as a whole, emphasizing national income and price-level determination. It builds familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics. Students learn to utilize graphs, charts, and data for economic analysis and explanation.
Language Arts Program
Language Arts 7/8 (12th Grade Language Arts)
This comprehensive 12th-grade course fulfills the Language Arts requirement through a study of English and World literature. It spans from ancient periods to the eighteenth century, encompassing genres like drama, epic poetry, and essays. Students explore the historical, social, and cultural significance of literature, relating it to the philosophy and rhetoric of each era. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, logical reasoning, and textual analysis through personal, persuasive, and research-based writing assignments, highlighting the universal themes in literature and their relevance to the modern world.
Science Programs
MBCC, in partnership with DCMST (Dearborn Center for Math, Science, and Technology), offers advanced science electives.
Anatomy & Physiology (Science Elective offered through DCMST)
This laboratory-based, full-year course investigates the structure and function of the human body. It covers the basic organization and major body systems, including integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. The course also studies the impact of aging and diseases on these systems, culminating in a fetal pig dissection.
Forensic Science (Science Elective offered through DCMST)
This one-semester integrated science course blends Biology, Chemistry, and Physics to explore forensic techniques used in crime investigation. Topics include fingerprints, DNA, and blood analysis. Students engage in mock crime scene analysis, evidence collection, and critical evaluation of forensic methods depicted in media, learning the practical applications and limitations of forensic science.
Math Program
AP Statistics (Math Elective offered through DCMST)
AP Statistics, offered through DCMST, is a college-level math elective focusing on statistical principles and methods. Further details would be available through DCMST program descriptions.
Accounting Courses (Senior Math Electives)
MBCC offers a sequence of accounting courses that can count as senior year math credits, providing a pathway for students interested in business and finance:
- ACCOUNTING 1: This one-semester introductory course uses manual and computerized systems to analyze, classify, and record service business transactions using double-entry accounting. It emphasizes general accounting procedures, the accounting equation, bank and petty cash reconciliation, journalizing, and the accounting cycle. Students can participate in BPA and DECA competitions.
- ACCOUNTING 2: Building on Accounting 1, this one-semester course focuses on merchandising businesses, utilizing special journals in manual and computerized settings. It covers payroll records, payroll taxes, uncollectible accounts, adjusting and closing entries, and financial statements for merchandising businesses. BPA and DECA participation is also encouraged. Prerequisite: Accounting 1.
- ACCOUNTING 3: This one-semester course reviews basic financial accounting principles, covering the accounting cycle, cash, investments, receivables, inventory valuation, fixed and intangible assets, liabilities, and owner’s equity. It emphasizes corporate ownership, internal control, and financial statement analysis, incorporating an accounting simulation. Prerequisites: Accounting 1 & 2.
- ACCOUNTING 4: This advanced one-semester course emphasizes financial statement preparation, analysis, and interpretation, along with tangible and intangible assets, accruals, deferrals, and financing options. It includes spreadsheet-based accounting projects and opportunities to participate in BPA and DECA. Prerequisites: Accounting 1, 2, & 3.
Additional Programs
CoOp and Dual Enrollment
MBCC also provides opportunities for Cooperative Education (CoOp) and Dual Enrollment, allowing students to gain practical work experience and earn college credit while in high school. Details on these programs are available through MBCC counselors and program advisors.
MBCC’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and relevant education is evident through its diverse academic programs. By offering courses that meet Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements and providing pathways to advanced learning and career preparation, the Michael Berry Career Center empowers students to achieve academic excellence and career success.
