What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?
In order to be accepted onto this language, it is important to have good qualifications in GCSE English Literature and GCSE English, or an equivalent course. The IB will build upon work undertaken at GCSE but the 4 modules demand a growing sophistication both in the skills it examines and a developing knowledge base. It will be important to place literary works into their social, historical and cultural contexts. You should, therefore, possess the motivation to read widely and independently. You will also need to hone your ability to read texts closely and to explore and express your opinions and insights in discussions, formal oral presentations and essays.
What kind of student is this course suitable for?
Students who embark upon this course should:
- enjoy reading a wide range of works of Literature in their own language and translation;
- be keen to express their opinions and justify their comments on texts both in written work and discussions;
- enjoy studying a subject that will prompt them to reflect upon their own lives and experience;
- be open-minded and ready to gain a better understanding of their own culture and an appreciation of the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and cultures.
What will I learn on this course?
The English A1 programme encourages the development of an appreciation of literature and knowledge of the student’s own culture and that of other societies.
Through the study of World Literature, the student gains a broadened and international perspective of literature. Having followed the Language A1 programme candidates will be expected to demonstrate:
- an ability to engage in independent literary criticism in a manner which reveals
- a personal response to literature;
- an ability to express ideas with clarity, coherence, conciseness, precision and fluency
- in both written and oral communication;
- a thorough knowledge both of the individual works studied and of the relationships between groups of works studied;
- an appreciation of the similarities and differences between literary works from different ages and/or cultures;
- a wide-ranging appreciation of structure, technique and style as employed by authors, and of their effects on the reader;
- an ability to structure ideas and arguments, both orally and in writing, in a logical, sustained and persuasive way, and to support them with precise and relevant examples.
| |
Higher Level |
Standard level |
Typical Texts Studied |
| Part 1: World Literature |
3 works in English translation |
3 works in English translation |
The House of the Spirits Isabel Allene A Doll’s House Henrik Ibsen Cherry Orchard Anton Chekhov |
| Part 2: Detailed Study |
1 Shakespeare play and 3 other texts |
1 Shakespeare play and 1 other text |
The Taming of the Shrew Shakespeare The Handmaid’s Tale Margaret Atwood Poetry by William Blake / John Keats I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Maya Angelou |
| Part 3: Groups of Works |
4 works from one genre (drama is most likely); 1 text in translation |
3 works from one genre (drama is most likely); 1 text in translation |
Translations Brian Friel A Streetcar Named Desire Tennessee Williams The Crucible or A View from the Bridge Arthur Miller Oedipus Rex Sophocles or Medea Euripides |
| Part 4: School’s Free Choice |
4 works by different authors; 1 text in translation |
3 works by different authors; 1 text in translation |
The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald The Metamorphosis Franz Kafka Poetry such as Sassoon/Owen Brave New World Aldous Huxley |
| |
Total number of works studied: 15 |
Total Number of works studied: 11 |
|
Note: a work is a novel, drama, non-fiction, or collection of short stories, poetry, speeches or essays.
How will my work be assessed?
| |
Higher Level |
Standard Level |
| Part 1: World Literature |
2 externally assessed essays (20%) |
1 externally assessed essay (20%) |
| Part 2: Detailed Study |
1 individual formal oral commentary (15%) |
1 individual formal oral commentary (15%) |
| Part 3: Groups of Works |
Examination: Written commentary on an unseen passage (25%) Essay on works studied in Part 3 (25%) |
Examination: Written commentary on an unseen passage (25%) Essay on works studied in Part 3 (25%) |
| Part 4: School’s Free Choice |
1 prepared individual oral commentary (15%) |
1 prepared individual oral commentary (15%) |
What skills can I develop by taking this course?
English A1 encourages students to develop all the skills included in the IB Learner Profile:
Communication Skills and Critical Thinking
- Discussions, debates and group work are an essential part of the course. You will express ideas and information confidently and creatively in a variety of modes of communication;
- You will have to present your opinions and respond to the views and judgements of others;
- Forming coherent arguments orally and in written assignments will be a core component;
- You will explore concepts, ideas and issues which have global relevance and importance, and acquire a body of knowledge which is relevant across a range of disciplines.
Become a Reflective Learner, Inquirer and Risk-Taker
- Through planning assignments, presentations and reading schedules you will give thoughtful consideration to your own learning and personal development;
- Your natural curiosity is nurtured. You will acquire the skills necessary to conduct constructive inquiry and research, and become independent active learners;
- You will be encouraged to have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies.
Information Communication Technology
- You will regularly use ICT to carry out research, formulate audience-friendly presentations and word process essays.
Theory of Knowledge
- English A1 provides numerous opportunities for critical reflection, philosophical debate, and critical thinking. Literature related topics are a popular choice for the Extended Essay; nevertheless, the writing skills developed in English will be invaluable for this project, whatever your special interest is.
What could I go on to do at the end of this course?
Students with English A1 have a wide range of possible career and higher education opportunities. You will develop a variety of transferable skills during the course. These will include the ability to read closely, to infer, to deduce; you will also hone existing language skills in order to write coherently and cogently and to express in discussion a range of opinions and judgments. These skills will often underpin success in other subject areas but will also prove valuable in their own right.
English Literature can also be studied in its own right at higher education, but also combines well with a range of other subjects in, especially, arts/humanities-based subjects.