DP German A: Language and Literature at GESS (HL or SL)
At GESS, German A: Language and Literature is an intellectually stimulating course that develops students’ analytical, interpretative, and communicative skills in German. Through the study of a diverse range of literary and non-literary texts, students gain insight into how language constructs meaning, how literary works engage with cultural and societal issues, and how global issues are represented in texts.
Prerequisites:
Standard Level: Minimum MYP Language and Literature level 4 (or a recognised equivalent).
Higher Level: Minimum MYP Language and Literature level 5 (or a recognised equivalent).
Why Study German A: Language and Literature at GESS?
✅ Preserving Cultural Identity – Studying German at a high academic level enables students to stay connected to their linguistic and cultural roots while living abroad. It also eases the transition back into German-speaking educational systems, whether in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland.
✅ Language Proficiency at a Native Level – The course challenges students to engage deeply with complex literary texts, participate in advanced discussions, and write analytically and fluently in German. This ensures the continuous development of their native-language skills.
✅ International Perspective Through a German Lens – Students examine how German-language literature and media respond to local and global issues. They explore how authors use language to construct meaning, question norms, and express cultural and personal identity.
✅ Strong Preparation for University – The course equips students with essential academic skills such as critical reading, literary analysis, structured essay writing, and oral presentation. These skills provide a solid foundation for further studies in Germany or at international universities.
Course Structure: Areas of Exploration
1️⃣ Readers, Writers and Texts – Focuses on the relationship between texts, authors, and readers. Students explore how texts are constructed and interpreted, analyzing authorial choices, audience engagement, and textual purpose.
2️⃣ Time and Space – Examines how historical, cultural, and social contexts influence the production and reception of texts. Students consider how texts reflect or challenge societal values and how meaning changes over time based on different perspectives.
3️⃣ Intertextuality: Connecting Texts – Investigates how texts relate to one another by exploring shared themes, styles, and influences. This area encourages students to analyse texts in relation to literary traditions, cultural movements, and contemporary issues.
Assessment Components
✨ Internal Assessment (IA) – Individual Oral (IO): A spoken analysis that explores a global issue through the lens of one literary work and one non-literary text studied in the course.
✨ External Assessments:
Paper 1 (SL & HL) – Unseen textual analysis: SL students analyse one text, while HL students analyse two texts.
Paper 2 (SL & HL) – Comparative essay on two studied literary works, evaluating how authorial choices convey meaning in response to an unseen prompt.
HL Essay (HL Only) – A 1,200–1,500-word critical essay on a studied work, demonstrating independent literary analysis.
Choosing Between HL and SL in IB German A: Language and Literature
✨ Higher Level (HL): HL students study six literary works, engage with more complex theoretical perspectives, and complete the additional HL Essay. For Paper 1, they must analyse both unseen texts.
✨ Standard Level (SL): SL students study four literary works, focusing on essential analytical skills. For Paper 1, they have a choice between two unseen texts.
🌟 Considerations for Choosing HL or SL
Interest in literary and non-literary analysis across various contexts
Willingness to engage deeply with texts and explore critical theories
Capacity for sustained analytical writing and argumentation
Our experienced teachers provide guidance to help students make an informed decision that aligns with their academic strengths and future aspirations.