Language & Literature

Language is fundamental to learning, thinking and communicating. Mastery of one or more languages enables each student to achieve their full linguistic potential. The Language & Literature course encourages students to develop an appreciation of the nature of Language & Literature, of the many influences on Language & Literature, and of its power and beauty, recognizing that proficiency in language is a powerful tool for communication in all societies. FIS offers the Language & Literature course in English, and Japanese. Students are strongly encouraged to take the Language & Literature course in their mother tongue language if it is offered by the school. The Language & Literature course incorporates analytical and creative processes in the study of: prose fiction, prose non-fiction, poetry, drama and media. It encourages the development of imagination and creativity through self-expression, and promotes the importance of language in establishing links between subjects, cultures and other areas of experience. 

As students progress through their MYP Language & Literature studies, they are expected to engage with and explore an increasing range and sophistication of literary and informational texts and works of literature extending across genres, cultures and historical periods. Reading and responding to texts also gives students the opportunity to view the world through different cultures and different perspectives, and to develop critical thinking, which is essential for the cultivation of intercultural understanding, as well as for becoming internationally minded. In order to build and extend their language skills, students are given opportunities to communicate in a variety of styles and forms for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences. Oral skills are developed through presentations and interpretations and through formal/informal discussion such as literature circles, talks and speeches. Grammar, spelling and punctuation are taught in context and according to the individual needs of students. Across all grades the aim is to promote an enjoyment of literature and language. Students are encouraged and expected to develop their love of literature and language through their own independent reading across a range of literary genres. 

Aims 

The aims of MYP Language & Literature are to encourage and enable students to: 

• Use language as a vehicle for thought, creativity, reflection, learning, self-expression, analysis and social interaction.

• Develop the skills involved in listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing and presenting in a variety of contexts.

• Develop critical, creative and personal approaches to studying and analyzing literary and non-literary texts.

• Engage with text from different historical periods and a variety of cultures.

• Explore and analyze aspects of personal, host and other cultures through literary and non-literary texts.

• Explore language through a variety of media and modes.

• Develop a lifelong interest in reading.

• Apply linguistic and literary concepts and skills in a variety of authentic contexts. 

Assessment Criteria 

• Criterion A: Analyzing 

• Criterion B: Organizing 

• Criterion C: Producing 

• Criterion D: Text Using Language