What is the nature and purpose of creative expression?

Students will explore the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic. 

• Social constructions of reality; philosophies and ways of life; belief systems; ritual and play

• Critical literacy, languages and linguistic systems; histories of ideas, fields and disciplines; analysis and argument

• Metacognition and abstract thinking

“Perspective is the position from which we observe situations, objects, facts, ideas and opinions. Perspective may be associated with individuals, groups, cultures or disciplines. Different perspectives often lead to multiple representations and interpretations. ” (MYP: From principles into practice)

Perspective influences text, and text influences perspective. Through students’ language and literature studies, multiple perspectives and their effects are identified, analysed, deconstructed and reconstructed. An understanding of this concept is essential in order to develop in students the ability to recognize and respond to over-simplistic and biased interpretations. Seeking and considering diverse opinions and points of view is an important part of developing complex and defensible interpretations.

Point of view - PERSPECTIVES WITHIN THE TEXT OR OF THE TEXT 

positioning, voice, tone, narrator, omniscient, limited, un/reliable, first/second/third person, objective, subjective 

Purpose - CREATOR'S INTENTIONS IN PRODUCING THE TEXT 

meaning, thesis, argument, gender, persuasive techniques, function, critical stance, message, culture, agenda 

Self-expression - EXPRESSION OF OWN FEELINGS, THOUGHTS OR IDEAS 

identity, personal voice, inspiration, imagination, sensitivity, muse, process, opinion, belief 

Factual -  

• What is a personal narrative and what are the linguistic features of narratives and stories? • What are the components of a poem?  

• How is speech different from other genres?  

• What techniques do advertisers employ to influence our behavior and decisions? 

Conceptual- 

• Why do we write poems? What can we express through a poem?  

• What is truth? Where/Why/ How do people search for the meaning of truth?  

• How are audiences influenced by techniques, contexts, culture and conventions?  

• How can we avoid being manipulated by what we see, hear and read? 

Debatable – 

• Why do we create?  

• How is truth corroborated? Is the truth out there?  

• Is every decision made in creating a poem a conscious choice, or do we read too much into our analysis?  

• When does propaganda become unethical?