The Literature programme, offered at the Higher Level and the Standard Level, is designed to meet the needs of students for whom the A1 language is normally their Mother Tongue. The close study of literature, including literature in translation, is the main focus of the course.

Aims and Objectives

The Literature course is intended to encourage students to appreciate the artistry of literature and to develop an ability to reflect critically on their reading. It fosters the critical skills necessary to analyse literature in a variety of ways and to respond to the ideas and imaginative thinking behind works. The course entails a range of opportunities for independent, original, critical and imaginative thinking, and promotes an awareness and respect for the place of literature in relation to culture and the arts. Students will be exposed to literature across a range of contexts, styles, periods and genres.

The course is directed towards developing an understanding of the techniques involved in literary criticism and promoting the ability to form independent literary judgments. In doing so, students will be involved in improving their own oral and written communication skills, their knowledge of language and their capacity to draw on their own imaginations. It is hoped that they will also develop a lifelong interest in, and enjoyment of, literature.

Works are studied in their literary and cultural contexts, through close study of individual texts and passages, and by considering a range of critical approaches. In view of the international nature of the IB and its commitment to intercultural understanding, the Literature course does not limit the study of works to the products of one culture or the cultures covered by any one language. The study of works in translation is especially important in introducing students, through literature, to other cultural perspectives.