Diploma Program
What is the Diploma Program?
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a collection of rigorous, college-level courses that help students prepare for college and also carry to the potential to earn college credit. Diploma Program courses have the same International Baccalaureate philosophy as our 9th and 10th grade Middle Years Program and Careers-related Program. The International Baccalaureate website provides more information if you're interested.
3 ways to be a Diploma Program Student @ RHS
Take 1+ Diploma Program classes. Classes are open to all who are willing to take on the challenge. We encourage all RHS students to choose at least one!
Medallion Candidate. Show yourself and universities that you're a motivated student, able to excel in college-level classes and active in the community.
IB Diploma Candidate. Ready to push yourself? The Diploma is the "decathalon" of high school academics. Like earning the Medallion, the IB Diploma demonstrates that you are motivated and able to excel in college-level classes, active in the community, and able to balance it all. It is recognized internationally and many colleges provide special awards to those who earn it.
IB Diploma Program Courses @ Roosevelt
Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE
SPANISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE
Prerequisite: English 10 for IB English Language and Literature, Spanish Immersion 10 for IB Spanish Language and Literature
Description
Language & Literature comprises the study of a range of texts and text-types, literary and otherwise, in various media. It involves the close study of language itself as well as the ways whereby it defines culture and identity, and is defined by them. Diverse approaches will be taken: literary theory, sociolinguistics, media studies and the analysis of critical discourse, to name a few.
-2-year course fulfills 2 Language Arts graduation credits
-2-year course offered at both Standard and Higher Level (SL and HL)
Assessments
Internal Assessment
Individual oral SL and HL : Referring to extracts from one literary and one non-literary work, explore the global issue of your choice.
External assessments
Paper 1 Guided analysis. SL writes about one non-literary text; HL writes about 2 texts.
Paper 2 Comparative essay SL & HL Respond to one question chosen from 4 topics, based on two of the works studied in class.
Higher Level Essay (HL only) 1200-1500 words based on a collection of texts, or one literary work. This is completed outside exam time and submitted to the IB for scoring.
Differences Between Taking the Course at Standard or Higher Level
HL is required to read more texts in the various parts of the course
SL writes Paper 1 on one text; HL must write on two texts
HL has an additional required essay based on a collection of texts/literary works read in class
The exams are weighted differently for HL and SL for an overall IB course score
Group 2: Language Acquisition
ARABIC, FRENCH, or SPANISH
Prerequisite: Level 2 of target language and/or teacher placement
Description:
Language B courses are an opportunity to learn and develop an additional language and an understanding of other cultures through the study of the target language.
fulfills 2 years of elective credits
2-year courses; can be taken at Standard or Higher Level
Texts/Course parts
Themes: Identities, Experiences, Human Ingenuity, Social Organization, Sharing the Planet
Texts: Personal, professional and mass media
Study: Audience, context, purpose, meaning/intent & variation
Assessments
Internal
Individual Oral Assessment is a recorded conversation about a print or visual text
External
Paper 1 is a 250-400 word written response
Paper 2 focuses on reading & listening comprehension
Differences Between Taking the Course at Standard or Higher Level
HL students study 2 literary works originally written in the target language studied.
HL students need to develop a higher level of skill competency with their reception, production and interactive target language skills.
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
HISTORY OF THE AMERICAS
Prerequisite: Completion of 9th and 10th grade Social Studies classes
Description:
History of the Americas is grounded in inquiry-based learning. Students will be asked to engage with many perspectives and opinions. While studying the past, students will develop a deeper understanding of the nature of humans and the world today, specifically in North and South America.
2-year Higher Level course (not offered at Standard Level)
Year 1 fulfills the world history graduation credit requirement
Year 2 fulfills government and economics graduation credit requirements
Assessments
Internally graded:
Historical investigation (essay - student topic choice 2,200 words)
Externally graded:
Paper 1 (written response to prompt), Paper 2 (essay exam), Paper 3 (essay exam)
Group 4: Experimental Sciences
BIOLOGY
Prerequisite: Open to all, strong math skills recommended. Course is offered in Spanish or English.
Description:
This course focuses on constructing and understanding of the living world -- from cell molecular structure though ecosystems -- using many different approaches and techniques. Students will use multiple approaches in their study, including experimentation. Students interested should note that they also must take either Chemistry or Physics before graduating to meet MN science graduation credit requirements. Because IB Biology is a two year course, students will therefore be taking 4 years of science credits. Chemistry or physics can be taken junior year along with Y2 of IB Biology, or senior year.
2-year Standard Level course taken sophomore AND junior years (not offered at Higher Level)
Year 1 fulfills a biology graduation credit
Year 2 can serve as a graduation elective credit
Topics
Cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution and biodiversity, human physiology. Optional required topics will be chosen based on student/teacher needs.
Assessments:
Internally scored: Group 4 Project and Individual Investigation
Externally scored: Paper 1 (multiple-choice); Paper 2 (data analysis, short answer and extended response exam); Paper 3 (short answer and extended response exam)
CHEMISTRY
Prerequisite: Open to all, strong math skills recommended.
Description:
This course includes a study and application of the essential principles of chemistry theory and experimentation. Students will develop traditional practical skills and techniques and increase their mathematics skills. Interpersonal skills and digital technology skills will be used in conducting and communicating chemistry learning and information.
2-year Standard Level course (not offered at Higher Level)
Year 1 fulfills a chemistry graduation credit
Year 2 can serve as a graduation elective credit
Topics
Stoichiometric relationships, atomic structure, periodicity, chemical bonding and structure, energetics/thermochemistry, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acids & bases, redox processes, organic chemistry, measurement & data processing. Optional required topics will be chosen based on student/teacher needs.
Assessments
Internally scored: Group 4 Project and Individual Investigation
Externally scored: Paper 1 (multiple-choice); Paper 2 (short-answer and extended-response questions); Paper 3 (data-based short-answer & extended response questions)
PHYSICS
Prerequisite: Open to all, strong math skills recommended.
Description:
Physics seeks to explain the universe. Students who grow their understanding of the natural world can better understand their ability to change the world. This course aims to build understanding of how physicists work, and use an understanding of the historical development and processes of physics to gain insight to the human side of physics.
2-year Standard Level course
Year 1 fulfills a physics graduation credit
Year 2 can serve as a graduation elective credit
Topics
Core topics: measurement & uncertainties; mechanics; thermal physics; waves; electricity & magnetism; circular motion & gravitation; atomic, nuclear & particle physics; energy production. Optional required topics will be chosen based on student/teacher needs.
Assessments
Internally scored: Group 4 Project and Individual Investigation
Externally scored: Paper 1 (multiple choice exam); Paper 2 (short-answer & extended response exam); Paper 3 (one data-based question & several short-answer question exam)
Group 5: Mathematics
MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS & APPROACHES
Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra
Description:
This course caters for students who wish to develop mathematical concepts. The material covered is more geared to those who enjoy Mathematics and wish to pursue the subject in more theoretical context. The majority of these students will expect to need a sound mathematical background as they prepare for future studies in subjects which might have a more mathematical nature. The course will include the following required topics over two years: Numbers & algebra, functions, geometry & trigonometry, statistics & probability, calculus.
2-year course offered at Standard Level
Year 1 fulfills a math graduation credit
Year 2 can serve as a math or elective credit
Assessments
External Assessments
Paper 1 Short & extended-response questions w/o calculator
Paper 2: Short and extended-response questions w/calculator.
Internal Assessment:
Mathematical Investigation: Written work investigating an area of mathematics.
MATHEMATICAL APPLICATION & INTERPRETATION
Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra
Description:
The emphasis in this course is on applying math to the real world. It is designed for students with varied math backgrounds & abilities. This course would be appropriate for students interested in careers in the social sciences, humanities, languages or arts. Required topics: number and algebra; descriptive statistics; logic, sets and probability; statistical applications; geometry and trigonometry; mathematical models; introduction to differential calculus.
1 year Standard Level course
Fulfills a math or elective graduation credit
Assessments
External Assessments:
Paper 1: Short-response questions w/calculator.
Paper 2: Extended-response questions w/calculator.
Internal Assessment:
Mathematical Investigation: Written work investigating an area of mathematics. Written in school and sent to the IB to be scored.
Group 6: Arts
VISUAL ARTS
Prerequisite: Previous visual arts experience
Description
This class is intended to challenge creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. Analytic skill, problem-solving and divergent thinking will be used while working toward artistic technical proficiency and overall confidence as an art-maker. Visual arts will be explored and compared through a variety of contexts (art & art history). This course is recommended for students who wish to study arts in higher education as well as for those who wish to enrich their lives with art. Topics: Theoretical Art-making & Curatorial Practice through: context, techniques & communication.
Fulfills elective credits for graduation
2-year Standard or Higher Level course
Assessments
Internal
Exhibition (submission of original resolved artwork displayed publicly) & photos
External
Comparative Study (Visual and written examination/comparison of artworks by different artists from contrasting contexts + works cited); Process Portfolio (9-18 images of student’s sustained experimentation, exploration, manipulation and refinement of art-making activities)
Differences Between Taking the Course at Standard or Higher Level
SL Comparative Study: 10-15 screens
SL Process Portfolio: 9-18 screens in at least two art making forms
SL Exhibition: Curatorial Rationale of not more than 400 words, 4-7 artworks, exhibition text
HL Comparative Study: 3-5 additional screens which analyze the extent that their work and practices have been influenced by the art/artists examined
HL Process Portfolio: 13-25 screens in at least 3 art making forms
HL Exhibition: Curatorial Rationale of not more than 700 words, 8-11 artworks, exhibition text