IB Theory of Knowledge

Year 1

The Theory of Knowledge course is an exploration of How we know what we know. The class focuses on the students’ reflections on themselves as knowers and thinkers, asking them to examine and defend why and how they have come to their knowledge. The course places an emphasis on critical thinking and student inquiry. The course asks the students to think of themselves as ‘knowers’ in a complex dialogue with the rest of the world. The students are asked to find rich connections between all courses in the school day with the student as the linchpin. We will examine 5 Areas of Knowledge (Art, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Human Sciences, and History) through a set of Knowledge Frameworks (Scope, Perspective, Methods, and Ethics) in each subject. We will focus our assessments on daily student interaction, presentations (exhibitions) and a final paper. This course is required for the Diploma Candidate but is also open for all curious students. It is recommended that you take the second semester of Junior year and first semester of Senior year as an elective.

Year 2

The Theory of Knowledge course is an exploration of How we know what we know. As a class, we will examine the 8 Ways of Knowing (emotion, perception, reason/logic, language, memory, imagination, faith, and intuition) and the 8 Areas of Knowledge (Arts, History, Natural and Human Sciences, Mathematics, Ethics, Religious Knowledge Systems, and Indigenous Knowledge Systems). The course asks the students to think of themselves as ‘knowers’ in a complex dialogue with the rest of the world. Students gain a greater awareness of their personal ideological assumptions as well as develop an appreciation of the richness of cultural perspectives. The course places an emphasis on critical thinking and student inquiry. Students are assessed through daily classroom discussion, presentation, and writing. This course is required for Diploma candidates but open for all students. It is recommended that you take it second semester Junior year and first semester Senior year.