Language and Literature

James AnthonyNovember 27, 2017March 15, 2019

A key aim of the Language and Literature course is to encourage students to question the meaning generated by language and texts. Central to the course is helping students to focus closely on the language of the texts they study and to become aware of the role of each text’s wider context in shaping meaning.

Aims and Objectives

The aims of the Language and Literature course is to introduce students at Higher Level and Standard Level to a range of texts from different periods, styles and genres and develop their ability to engage in close, detailed analysis of individual texts and make relevant connections. It aims to develop students‘ powers of expression, both in oral and written communication and encourage, through the study of texts, an appreciation of the different perspectives of people from other cultures and how these perspectives construct meaning. The course works to educate students to think critically about the different interactions between text, audience and purpose and appreciate the formal, stylistic and aesthetic qualities of texts and promote in students an enjoyment of, and lifelong interest in, language and literature.

Programme

Part 1: Language in Cultural Context

Investigates the development of English as a global language and the factors that have contributed to language changes in society. Students will also explore how language impacts the world and shapes the identity of groups and individuals.

Part 2: Language and Mass Communication

Students will examine different forms of media and consider ways language is used to inform, persuade and entertain. They will also explore the powerful influence of the media in shaping cultural values and attitudes.

Standard Level

Assessments

Individual Oral Commentary
15%
Students comment on an extract from a literary text studied in Part 4 of the course (Critical Study).
Further Oral Activity
15%
Students complete at least two further oral activities, one based on Part 1 and one based on Part 2 of the course. The mark of one further oral activity (FOA) is submitted for final assessment.
External Assessment
20%
Students produce at least three written tasks based on material studied in the course. Students submit one written task for external assessment. This task must be 800 – 1000 words in length plus include a rationale of 200-300 words.
Examination
50%
Paper 1 – Textual analysis (25%): The paper consists of two unseen texts. Students write an analysis of ONE text.

Paper 2 – Essay (25%): In response to one of six questions, students write an essay based on both of the literary texts studied in Part 3 – Texts and Contexts.

Higher Level

Assessments

Individual Oral Commentary
15%
Students comment on an extract from a literary text studied in Part 4 of the course (Critical Study).
Further Oral Activity
15%
Students complete at least two further oral activities, one based on Part 1 and one based on Part 2 of the course. The mark of one further oral activity (FOA) is submitted for final assessment.
External Assessment
20%
Students produce at least four written tasks based on material studied in the course. They submit two of these tasks for external assessment (20 marks for each).
Examination
50%
Paper 1 – Textual analysis (25%): The paper consists of two pairs of unseen texts. Students write a comparative analysis of one pair of texts.

Paper 2 – Essay (25%): In response to one of six questions, students write an essay based on at least two of the literary texts studies in Part 3 – Texts and Contexts.

Courses