Philosophy: Why should I study Language and Literature?

The study of language and literature is central to our understanding of the world in which we live. A key aim of the course is to encourage students to question the meaning of language and texts, which is rarely straightforward or unambiguous. Helping students to focus on the language of the texts and to become aware of how historical, cultural, artistic and other contexts shape meaning is central to the course.

The Language A: Language and Literature course aims to further analytical skills used in interpreting a wide range of texts, be they literary pieces, journalistic prose, commercials, advice columns, instruction manuals, political manifestos or film clips. The course is designed to be flexible—teachers have the opportunity to construct it in a way that suits the interests of their students. The course, through its design, explores texts from a diverse range of cultures, identities, time periods and geographical areas.

The study of ‘non-literary’ genres (such as advertising or film) also involves exploring external factors (for example ownership or readership) shaping those particular texts.

Course Content: What will I be studying?

In the Language and Literature course, students will engage with a range of texts, in a variety of media and forms, from different periods, styles and cultures. They will develop an understanding of relationships between texts and a variety of perspectives, cultural contexts, and local and global issues and an appreciation of how they contribute to diverse responses and open up multiple meanings. To achieve this, students will analyse literary and non-literary texts through areas of exploration:

• Readers, writers and text

• Time and space

• Intertextuality: connecting texts

Students will explore texts conceptually, using concepts that foreground significant aspects of linguistic and literary study: Identity, culture, creativity, communication, perspective, transformation and representation.

In terms of literary works, HL students have to read six works. Of these six works,

• a minimum of two should be written originally in the language studied by authors on the reading list;

• a minimum of two should be works in translation written by authors on the reading list;

• two can be chosen freely.

Works must be selected to cover three major literary genres, three periods and three places.

SL students have to read four works. Of these four works,

• a minimum of one should be written originally in the language studied by an author on the reading list;

• a minimum of one should be a work in translation written by an author on the reading list;

• two can be chosen freely. There should be a minimum of one literary work for each of the parts.

Works must be selected to cover two major literary genres, two periods and two places.

In English A, some literary texts which may be read include:

Per Petterson’s Out Stealing Horses, Manuel Puig’s Kiss of th Spider Woman, ‘Han Kang’s ‘Human Acts’, Margaret Atwood’s ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors, Othello and Twelfth Night and various poets (John Donne, Grace Nichols, Carol Ann Duffy, Seamus Heaney, Terrance Hayes, Warsun Shire Sylvia Plath, Wilfred Owen, Samuel Taylor Coleridge).

Assessment

During the course students will maintain a learner portfolio as evidence of their process of learning. Throughout the course, they will complete practice papers, and oral assignments in preparation for the final assessments. 

Prerequisites - What do I need to know before choosing Language and Literature? 

To study English Language and Literature at HL, students would normally have achieved a 5 or more in MYP in an English course, or an 8/9 in I/GCSE. To study English Language and Literature at SL, students would normally have achieved a 4 in MYP in an English course or a 6/7 in I/GCSE. 

What will allow me to be successful? 

• Read widely (fiction, non-fiction, media texts)

• Manage my time and organize my work 

• Write a lot - for pleasure as well as duty.

• Follow debates on contemporary issues (social, cultural, political etc.)

What can I do with Language and Literature in the future? 

We require almost all our students to take this subject because the study of Language and Literature helps to develop transferable skills that are highly sought by a wide range of employers. Writing essays allows you to develop skills such as carrying out research, developing persuasive arguments and writing in a coherent, articulate way, all of which are important to employers.

It is widely recognised by universities that the skills developed through the study of Language and Literature are among the most transferable, with graduates going on to develop the widest range of careers — among the most popular are publishing, broadcasting, marketing and PR, journalism, law, teaching and politics, international development, international relations, charities, tourism, the media, creative industries and heritage. Finally, Language and Literature, whilst not only unlocking your understanding of the world, teaches critical literacy skills, which in contemporary times are now more important than ever.