Course Outline

The English Language and Literature course aims to develop in students skills of
textual analysis and the understanding that texts, both literary and non-literary, can
be seen as autonomous yet simultaneously related to cultural determined reading
practices. In view of the international nature of the IB and its commitment to
intercultural understanding the Language and Literature course does not limit the
study of texts to the products of one culture or of the cultures covered by any one
language. The study of literature in translation from other cultures is especially
important because it contributes to a global perspective, thereby promoting an
insight into and understanding of, the different ways in which cultures influence and
shape the experience of life common to all humanity.

Course Detail
Part 1: Language in a cultural context: Texts are chosen from a variety of sources,
genres and the media eg cartoons, advertising, blogs, political speeches,
obituaries.
Part 2: Language and mass communication: As above.
Part 3: Literature texts and contexts: Two texts, one of which is in studied
translation.
Part 4 Literature critical study: Two texts studied, one of which is in translation.

Assessment
Examination weighting of final grade
Paper 1 Textual analysis
Standard Level - 1 hour 30 minutes: analysis of one of two unseen texts.
Paper 2 Literary essay:
Standard Level -1 hour 30 minutes.

Written assignment
Coursework WT: Standard Level - One creative response, 8001,000 words.
IOC Oral commentary 15 minutes: literary commentary MLK
FOA Interactive oral Group or class oral; individually assessed.


Answer 1 of 6 essay questions. SL and HL students receive
exactly the same 6 questions.
Essay must answer one question in relation to both literary texts
that were studied for Part 3.
has 1.5 hours to answer this essay question.
25%

1. Explain how the authors of at least two literary works have
portrayed a social group in a particular way. How might the
contexts of the authors have influenced their portrayal of
these social groups?
2. It is often said that literature is a voice for social commentary.
How is this true of at least two works that you have read.
3. To what extent can the meaning of a literary work change
over time? How does this question apply to at least two
works that you have read?
4. To what degree are readers influenced by their culture and
context. Explain how at least two works could be read
differently depending on the culture of their audience.
5. 'Coming of age' is a common theme in literary works. With
regards to at least two literary works, explain how the
author's own youth influenced their portrayal of this theme.
6. With regards to at least two literary works, explain how the
setting both influences the characters and reflects the
author's own context.
7. How are the characters from at least two literary works
representational of people from the time and place in which
they were written?
8. Why might two of your Part 3 works be considered
'timeless'?
9. With regards to two literary texts, explain why authors may
have chosen to depict events in a particular sequence or
order.
10. How do two literary works both reflect and challenge the
spirit of the times in which they were written?