This course has been legislated by N.C. Session Law 2019-82, House Bill 924, in order to provide students with a deeper study of the governmental and political systems of the N.C. and the U.S. and will build upon the application of the Founding Principles.  This course will allow students to examine the ways in which power and responsibility are both shared and limited by the U.S. Constitution and how the judicial, legal, and political systems of North Carolina and the United States embody the founding principles of government. Students in this course will analyze and evaluate the extent to which the American system of government guarantees, protects, and upholds the rights of citizens. Through the integration of inquiry-based learning, students will also investigate how the American system of government has evolved over time while learning how to analyze topics, issues, and claims in order to communicate ideas and take action to effect change and inform others. When opportunities can be provided, this course can be augmented by related learning experiences, both in and out of school, that enable students to apply their knowledge and understanding of how to participate in their own community and governance. Mastery of the standards and objectives of this course will inform and nurture responsible, participatory citizens who are competent and committed to the core values and founding principles of American democracy and the United States Constitution.

This course will explore the overarching themes, trends, and concepts of our nation’s history, including the development and evolution of the American system of government, the patterns and impact of migration and immigration, cultural development through

the arts and technological innovations, relationships with foreign nations, and the role of both the individual and diverse groups inbuilding the American story. Students in this course will be asked to investigate major turning points in American History to develop an understanding of multiple causation, to determine patterns of change and continuity, and to be able to compare multiple perspectives of the past. Rooted in Inquiry-based skills, students will trace American development while learning to craft compelling

questions, synthesize and evaluate evidence, develop claims, communicate ideas, and take informed action. Students will continue to build upon previous studies of American History, the fundamental concepts in civics and government, economics, behavioral science (culture), and geography taught in grades kindergarten through eight as they examine American history. As well-rounded, productive citizens, students will leave the American History course with both the knowledge and the skills to engage with the modern world by recognizing contemporary patterns and connections.

The Economics and Personal Finance (EPF) course is a required high school class in North Carolina designed to give students the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their future. In this course, students explore how economies work and the role of government, while also learning practical financial skills such as budgeting, saving, investing, using credit wisely, and understanding taxes. They will examine how education and career choices impact income and financial goals, as well as how to plan for major life decisions like housing, insurance, and retirement. Students will also develop critical consumer skills, learning how to evaluate information, avoid fraud, and understand their rights under consumer protection laws. By the end of the course, students will be better prepared to manage their money, achieve personal goals, and contribute responsibly to their communities.