English A: Literature HL

All studies in language and literature courses will provide the opportunity to engage with a broad range of texts, approaches, ideas, stimuli and interpretations that address topics of personal, local and global significance.  These works may challenge learners intellectually, personally and culturally, and involve sensitive and mature topics.  The courses studied may explicitly address sensitive topics through texts and issues discussed while inviting students to critically reflect on various perspectives offered.

Engaging with sensitive topics in these courses—whether receptively or productively—must be done with every reasonable effort to encourage students to respond with respect for their peers and larger learning communities.  Providing a safe environment in which discussion may be facilitated is an important role of the teacher.  In general, approaching sensitive topics in studies in language and literature courses must be done through an intellectually critical lens avoiding gratuitous excess and/or glib treatment and bearing in mind the IB’s commitment to international-mindedness and intercultural respect.

updated: 9/19/2023