GlobalFields of Inquiry and Issues

Literature is about people and it is communicated through language. Through studying Literature it is hoped that the student gains a fuller understanding of themselves in relation to the world in which they live. As such the course has been designed with a view to how literary texts add to the student's understanding of specific global issues.

 Five global fields of inquiry have been designated and it is mandatory that the student address three of these over the two year course. Students will be expected to discuss how two texts [as a whole and as a part of a whole] explore a common global issue which they derive from the fields of inquiry. One of these texts must be a Works in Translation text and the other must be written in English. 

 The Global Issue Oral Task  is the only internal assessment for Standard students and it is one of two internal assessments for Higher students - the other being the Higher Essay.

Note well that in selecting a global issue for their oral, students must be careful not simply to select from the fields of inquiry above but to determine a specific issue for discussion that can be reasonably explored in 10 minutes. The global issue chosen for consideration should be significant on a wide scale, be transnational in nature, and be an issue that has an impact felt in everyday local contexts. The issue should be clearly evidenced in the extracts/works chosen.

The Five Global Fields of Inquiry and what the implications of these are for the study of your texts are as follows:

Culture, identity, community

Students might focus on the way in which works explore aspects of family, class, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender and sexuality, and the way these impact individuals and society. They might also focus on issues concerning migration, colonialism and nationalism. 

Beliefs, values, education

Students might focus on the way in which works explore the beliefs and values nurtured in particular societies and the way they shape individuals, communities and educational systems. They might also explore the tensions that arise when there are conflicts of beliefs and values and ethics.

Politics power and justice

Students might focus on the way in which texts explore aspects of rights  and responsibilities, the workings and structures of governments and institutions. They might also investigate hierarchies of power, the distribution of wealth and resources. , the limits of justice and the law, equality and inequality, human rights, and peace and conflict.

Art, creativity, Imagination 

Students might focus on the way in which works explore aspects of aesthetic inspiration, creation, craft, and beauty. They might also focus on the shaping and challenging of perceptions through art, and the function, values and effects of art in society.

Science, technology and the environment 

Students might focus on the ways in which works explore the relationship between humans and the environment and the implications of technology and media for society. They might also consider the idea of scientific development and progress.