Embedded Files
During the two-year course, you will investigate how a range of texts that connect clearly to a variety of global issues. You will then explore the ways in which these issues are present in your booklist and how different authors and texts represent, reflect and/or explore them through their choice of literary form, structure, language use and literary devices. The global issues you select will direct the focus for the individual oral.
Properties of a global issue
A global issue incorporates the following three properties:
• it has significance on a wide or large scale
• it is transnational
• its impact is felt in everyday, local contexts
Fields of Inquiry
Fields of Inquiry
Though a global issue has significance on a wide or large scale, it must not be formulated in terms that are too broad. The following five fields of inquiry are good starting points to determine a global issue but they are not global issues in themselves, and will not be suitable for exploration of two texts unless they are defined in a more specific way.
Culture, identity, and community
Students might focus on the way in which texts explore aspects of family, class, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender and sexuality, and the way these impact on individuals and societies. They might also focus on issues concerning migration, colonialism, and nationalism.
Politics, power, and justice
Students might focus on the ways in which texts explore aspects of rights and responsibilities, the workings and structures of governments and institutions. They might also investigate hierarchies of power, the distribution of wealth and resources, the limits of justice and the law, equality and inequality, human rights, and peace and conflict.
Science, technology, and the natural world
Students might focus on the ways in which texts explore the relationship between humans and the environment and the implications of technology and media for society. They might also consider the idea of scientific development and progress.
Beliefs, values, and education
Students might focus on the way in which texts explore the beliefs and values nurtured in particular societies and the ways they shape individuals, communities, and educational systems. They might also explore the tensions that arise when there are conflicts of beliefs and values, and ethics.
Art, creativity, and the imagination
Students might focus on the ways in which texts explore aspects of aesthetic inspiration, creation, craft, and beauty. They might also focus on the shaping and challenging of perceptions through art, and the function, value, and effects of art in society.
UN Sustainable development goals
UN Sustainable development goals
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals can also provide a good starting point from which to narrow down potential global issues.
Here are some sample global issues from past students to give you an idea of what a global issues statement looks like:
Refining your global issue and creating your global issue statement
Refining your global issue and creating your global issue statement
The "IB English Guys" have a lot of excellent resources for students as they work their way through the course.
Take a look at this video on how to create and narrow down your global issue statements.
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