IB DP- Language A: Literature and Performance

by Nandana Surendran

As part of the Diploma Programme (DP), students have to take at least one subject from the studies of language and literature. Taking two studies in language and literature subjects in different languages gives the student a bilingual diploma.

The subject consists of three courses:
Language A: literature- which is automatically available in 55 languages and, by special request, for any other that has sufficient written literature
Language A: language and literature- which is available in 17 languages.
Literature and performance- which is automatically available in English, and by special request in Spanish and French.

According to the official International Baccalaureat Website, each course aims to allow the students to develop-

  • A personal appreciation of language and literature
  • Critical-thinking skills in their interaction with a range of texts from different periods, styles, text-types and literacy forms
  • An understanding of the formal, stylistic and aesthetic qualities of texts
  • Strong powers of expression, both written and oral
  • An appreciation of cultural differences in perspective
  • An understanding of how language challenges and sustains ways of thinking.

Through studies in language and literature, the DP's goal is to develop a student's interest in language and literature which will be carried with them throughout their life, and a love for the richness of human expression.

In this article, we will look at Language A: Literature and Performance

According to the official IB website, the course aims to explore the relationship between literature and theatre. The main focus of the course being the interaction between the literary skills of close reading, critical writing and discussion and the practical, aesthetic and symbolic elements of performance.

The course is organized into three parts, each focussed on a different aspect of literature and performance. Together, the three parts of the course cover the critical study of literary texts, the exploration of chosen approaches to a text, and the realization of texts in performance. Students engage with a wide variety of textual genres to explore the concept of transformation, examining the ways in which the contexts of production and reception shape meaning.

Aims

The aims of the literature and performance course according to the official IB DP subject brief are to-
• Equip students with the skills to explore critically and imaginatively
a range of literary texts and performance possibilities
• Develop in students the ability to articulate their responses to literature and performance in a variety of styles and contexts
• Introduce students to a range of performance skills
• Broaden the perspectives of students through the exploration of
texts from differing cultures, periods and genres
• Foster a personal and passionate engagement with literature and
performance, and by so doing guide students towards a better
understanding of themselves and the world.

Key features of the curriculum

  • Available at standard level only
  • Standard level study requires a minimum of 150 class hours
  • A minimum of five literary works must be studied, covering all the main literary genres
  • An understanding of how language, culture and context determine the construction of meaning is developed through the exploration of texts from a variety of cultures, periods, genres and in translation
  • Students develop strong oral and written powers of expression, and a range of performance skills

Part 1: Critical study of texts
• Studying a range of literary texts identifying meaning and making viable interpretations.
• Analysing the effect of literary features.
• Writing and speaking appropriately about literature.
Recommended teaching hours- 50

Part 2: Exploration of the chosen approach to the text
• Exploring performance potential of texts.
• Generating ideas for transforming prose and poetry texts into dramatic form.
• Speaking and writing appropriately about ideas.
Recommended teaching hours- 40

Part 3: Realization of texts in performance
• Preparing pieces for performance and performing scripted drama.
• Performing to an audience.
• Analysing and evaluating performance through appropriate speech and writing.
Recommended teaching hours- 60

Assessment Models

  • Students are assessed through a combination of formal examinations, written coursework, performance and oral activities
  • The formal examination comprises two essay papers, one requiring the exploration of issues involved in dramatizing a novel, and the other a comparative response to poetry studied
  • Students also produce written coursework based on a critical analysis of a play they have studied and performed, a performance based on their transformation of literature studied, and an oral presentation.

Having followed the literature and performance standard level course, students will be expected to have learned the following.

  1. Knowledge and understanding of texts from different genres and
    cultures
    • Knowledge and understanding of a range of texts and performances
    • Understanding of structure, technique and style
    • Ability to substantiate points made through appropriate reference to texts

  2. Awareness and understanding of literary techniques and performance potential
    • Ability to identify and evaluate the use and effect of literary techniques and performance potential in texts
    • Ability to use the relevant terminology in the analysis and appreciation of the texts studied
    • Ability to realize the performance potential in a text

  3. Commitment and ability as performers
    • Understanding of performance skills
    • Necessary commitment in developing and presenting performance
    • Ability to express ideas, emotion, character and atmosphere through performance

  4. Ability to speak and write effectively about texts and performances
    • Ability to express ideas clearly and in an appropriate register
    • Ability to use the oral and written forms of the language in a range of styles, registers and situations
    • Ability to discuss and analyse texts and their performance potential in a focused and logical manner

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