This required course traces the history of the United States from the arrival of the first Americans through the end of the 19th Century. It introduces the themes of balance between unity and diversity, the shaping of democracy, the search for opportunity, and the influence of geographical factors. It also examines European, Native American, and African interaction in Colonial America, the Revolution, the New Nation, the Constitution, the War of 1812, the development of democracy, the West, slavery, the Civil War and Reconstruction.The course examines the assumptions, theories, and concepts that have shaped and continue to influence American policies domestically and in the international arena. Students approach their study of world affairs by the use of contemporary analytic methods and investigative techniques of the social sciences and the historical, cultural, and philosophical contexts in which events have occurred. This course also includes the component that satisfies the North Carolina American History state requirement. Skills development is enhanced with a concentration on critical thinking, writing, and developing the ability to reason and experiment with solutions to issues that challenge citizens in a democratic society. U.S. History is offered at three levels of difficulty with AP, Honors, and General curriculum.