Language & Literature information video (2020)

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

Readers, writers and texts

Non-literary texts are chosen from a variety of sources and media to represent as wide a range of text types as possible, and works are chosen from a variety of literary forms. The study of the non-literary texts and works focuses on the nature of language and communication and the nature of literature and its study. This study includes the investigation of how texts themselves operate as well as the contexts and complexities of production and reception. Focus is on the development of personal and critical responses to the particulars of communication.

Time and space

Non-literary texts and literary works are chosen from a variety of sources, literary forms and media that reflect a range of historical and/or cultural perspectives. Their study focuses on the contexts of language use and the variety of ways literary and non-literary texts might both reflect and shape society at large. The focus is on the consideration of personal and cultural perspectives, the development of broader perspectives, and an awareness of the ways in which context is tied to meaning.

Intertextuality: connecting texts

Non-literary texts and literary works are chosen from a variety of sources, literary forms and media in a way that allows students an opportunity to extend their study and make fruitful comparisons. Their study focuses on intertextual relationships with possibilities to explore various topics, thematic concerns, generic conventions, modes or literary traditions that have been introduced throughout the course. The focus is on the development of critical response grounded in an understanding of the complex relationships among texts.

COURSES

Standard Level

ASSESSMENTS

• Individual Oral (Internal Assessment)

30%

A prepared response to a global issue of choice, based on a literary work AND a non-literary work studied in class.

 

• Examination (External Assessment)

70%

Paper 1 – Textual analysis (35%): The paper consists of two unseen texts. Students write a guided analysis of ONE text.

Paper 2 – Essay (35%): In response to one of four questions, students write an essay based on at least TWO of the literary texts studied. (Suspended for 2021/2022 by IB)

 

Higher Level

ASSESSMENTS

• Individual Oral (Internal Assessment)

20%

A prepared response to a global issue of choice, based on a literary work AND a non-literary work studied in class.

 

• HL Essay (External Assessment)

20%

Analysis of students’ choice of one or more non-literary texts (same author) or literary work(s) studied in class

 

• Examination (External Assessment)

60%

Paper 1 – Textual analysis (35%): The paper consists of two unseen texts. Students write a guided analysis of BOTH texts.

Paper 2 – Essay (25%): In response to one of four questions, students write an essay based on at least TWO of the literary texts studied. (Suspended for 2021/2022 by IB)

 

NB: STUDENTS AT BOTH SL AND HL ARE NOT ALLOWED TO USE THE SAME TEXT FOR MULTIPLE ASSESSMENTS