IB Language and Literature SL

IB Group 1

Description of Course

The language A: language and literature course aims at studying the complex and dynamic nature of language and exploring both its practical and aesthetic dimensions. The course will explore the crucial role language plays in communication, reflecting experience and shaping the world, and the roles of individuals themselves as producers of language. Throughout the course, students will explore the various ways in which language choices, text types, literary forms and contextual elements all affect meaning. Through close analysis of various text types and literary forms, students will consider their own interpretations, as well as the critical perspectives of others, to explore how such positions are shaped by cultural belief systems and to negotiate meanings for texts.

Selection of literary works

SL students must study at least four works of which:

• a minimum of one must be written originally in the language studied, by an author on the Prescribed reading list

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

• two can be chosen freely—from the Prescribed reading list or elsewhere—and may be in translation.

Selection of non-literary texts

The following list is a selection of possible non-literary text types that may be included in the course:

• Advertisement

• Appeal

• Biography*

• Blog

• brochure/leaflet

• Cartoon

• Diagram

• Diary*

• Electronic Text

• Essay*

• Encyclopedia entry

• Film/television

• Guide book

• Infographic

• Interview

• Letter (formal)*

• Letter (informal)*

• Magazine article

• Manifesto*

• Memoir*

• Parody*

• Pastiche*

• Photographs

• Radio Broadcasts

• Report

• Screenplay

• Set of instructions

• Speech*

• Textbook

• Travel Writing*

*In some of their manifestations, these text types could be considered literary forms, usually within the category of non-fiction. They will be regarded in this course as non-literary texts, unless a collection of texts by a single author is studied as a literary work. 

Aims

The aims of all subjects in studies in language and literature are to enable students to:

1. engage with a range of texts, in a variety of media and forms, from different periods, styles, and cultures

2. develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, presenting and performing

3. develop skills in interpretation, analysis and evaluation

4. develop sensitivity to the formal and aesthetic qualities of texts and an appreciation of how they contribute to diverse responses and open up multiple meanings

5. 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

6. develop an understanding of the relationships between studies in language and literature and other disciplines

7. communicate and collaborate in a confident and creative way

8. foster a lifelong interest in and enjoyment of language and literature.