IB DP- Language A: Language & Literature

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: Language and Literature

This course introduces students' to the critical study and interpretation of written and spoken texts from a variety of literary forms and non-literary text. The formal analysis of texts is increased by the knowledge that the meaning is not fixed but can change with the change to contexts of production and consumption. This course is available for study in 17 languages.

The course is organized into-

  • three areas of exploration
  • seven central concepts

ThesE focus on the study of both literary or non-literary texts. Together, the three areas of exploration of the course give the students the opportunity to explore the given language via its cultural development and usage, its media forms and functions, and its literature. Students are taught to develop skills of literary and textual analysis, and also the skill to present their ideas effectively. A key aim of the course is developing critical literacy in students.

Key features of the curriculum

The key features of the curriculum according to the official website are as given below-

  • Available at higher and standard levels.
  • The higher level study requires a minimum of 240 class hours, while standard level study requires a minimum of 150 class hours.
  • Students study 6 works at a higher level and 4 works at a standard level from a representative selection of literary forms, periods and places.
  • Students study a range of non-literary texts and bodies of work that include a wide variety of text-types.
  • Students develop the techniques needed for the critical analysis of communication, becoming alert to interactions between text, audience and purpose.
  • An understanding of how language, culture and context determine the construction of meaning is developed through the exploration of texts, some of which are studied in translation, from a variety of cultures, periods, text-types and literary forms.

The curriculum model overview is given below-

Part 1: Language in cultural context
• effect of audience and purpose on the structure and content of texts
• impact of language changes
• effect of culture and context on language and meaning
Recommended teaching hours- 40/SL and 60/HL

Part 2: Language and mass communication
• forms of communication within the media
• educational, political or ideological influence of the media
• ways in which mass media use language and image to inform, persuade or entertain
Recommended teaching hours- 40/SL and 60/HL

Part 3: Literature—texts and contexts
• historical, cultural and social contexts in which texts are written and received
• relationship between context and formal elements of the text, genre and structure
• attitudes and values expressed by literary texts and their impact on readers
Recommended teaching hours- 40/SL and 70/HL

Part 4: Literature—critical study
• detailed exploration of literary works
• elements such as theme and the ethical stance or moral values of literary texts
• appropriate use of literary terms
Recommended teaching hours- 30/SL and 50/HL

Assessment Models

  • The formal assessment as instructed by the official website is as given below-
  • Students are assessed through a combination of formal examinations and oral and written coursework and oral activities.
  • The formal examination comprises two essay papers, one requiring the analysis of an unseen literary and non-literary text, and the other a comparative response to a question based on two literary works studied.
  • Students also perform an oral activity presenting their analysis of a literary work and a non-literary body of work studied.
  • HL students comply with an additional written coursework requirement which consists of writing a 1200 - 1500 word essay on one of the works or bodies of work studied.

After the completion of the course, the students are expected to demonstrate the following-

  1. Knowledge and understanding
    • knowledge and understanding of a range of texts
    • understanding of the use of language, structure, technique and style
    • critical understanding of the ways in which readers construct meaning and the influence of context
    • understanding of how different perspectives influence the reading of a text.

  2. Application and analysis
    • ability to choose an appropriate text type
    • ability to use terminology relevant to the various text types studied
    • ability to analyse the effects of language, structure, technique and style on the reader
    • awareness of the ways in which the production and reception of texts contribute to their meanings
    • ability to substantiate and justify ideas with relevant examples

  3. Synthesis and evaluation
    • ability to compare and contrast the formal elements, content and context of texts
    • Discuss the ways in which language and image may be used in a range of texts
    • ability to evaluate conflicting viewpoints within and about a text
    Selection and use of appropriate presentation and language skills
    • ability to express ideas clearly and with fluency, both written and orally
    • 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 in a focused and logical manner

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