IB - Group 1 - English Lit

Group 1

IB Language AI

IBEN30SL - IB English Literature I SL

IBEN30HL - IB English Literature I HL

The IB Diploma Programme language A: literature course develops understanding of the techniques involved in literary criticism and promotes the ability to form independent literary judgments. In language A: literature, the formal analysis of texts and wide coverage of a variety of literature—both in the language of the subject and in translated texts from other cultural domains—is combined with a study of the way literary conventions shape responses to texts. Students completing this course will have a thorough knowledge of a range of texts and an understanding of other cultural perspectives. They will also have developed skills of analysis and the ability to support an argument in clearly expressed writing, sometimes at significant length.

This course will enable them to succeed in a wide range of university courses, particularly in literature but also in subjects such as philosophy, law and language. Texts studied are chosen from the prescribed literature in translation (PLT) list and the prescribed list of authors (PLA) or elsewhere. The PLT list is a wide-ranging list of works in translation, from a variety of languages, allowing teachers to select works in a language different from the language of the examination. The PLA lists authors from the language of the examination. The authors on the list are appropriate for students aged 16 to 19. All group 1 courses are suitable for students experienced in using a language in an academic context. It is also recognized that students have language backgrounds that vary significantly. For one student the target language may be his or her only proficient language; another student may have a complex language profile and competence in more than one language. While students in the group 1 courses will undergo significant development in their ability to use language for a range of purposes, these are not language-acquisition courses. In group 1, it is assumed that students are highly competent in the target language, whether or not it is their mother tongue.

The aims of the language A: literature course at both higher and standard levels are to:

• encourage a personal appreciation of literature and develop an understanding of the techniques involved in literary criticism

• develop the students’ powers of expression, both in oral and written communication, and provide the opportunity of practicing and developing the skills involved in writing and speaking in a variety of styles and situations

• introduce students to a range of literary works of different periods, genres, styles and contexts

• broaden the students’ perspective through the study of works from other cultures and languages

• introduce students to ways of approaching and studying literature, leading to the development of an understanding and appreciation of the relationships between different works

• develop the ability to engage in close, detailed analysis of written text

• promote in students an enjoyment of, and lifelong interest in, literature.

(Source: IBO, Subject Brief Language A: Literature)