IB DP- Language A: Literature

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

The language A: literature course introduces students to the analysis of literary texts. It this course, the IB’s policy of mother-tongue entitlement is delivered. The course is automatically available in 55 languages and is also available by special request and may be studied in any language with a sufficiently developed written literature.

The course is organized into-

• three areas of exploration
• seven central concepts

The course focuses on the study of literary works. Together, the three areas of exploration of the course add up to make a comprehensive exploration of literature selected from a variety of cultures, literary forms and periods. Students are taught to appreciate the artistry of literature, and develop the skills to reflect critically on their reading, presenting literary analysis powerfully through both oral and written communication.

Aims of the Course

The aims of the language A: literature course at both higher and standard levels are to:
• encourage a personal appreciation of literature and develop an understanding of the techniques involved in literary criticism
• develop the students’ powers of expression, both in oral and written communication, and provide the opportunity of practising and developing the skills involved in writing and speaking in a variety of styles and situations
• introduce students to a range of literary works of different periods, genres, styles and contexts
• broaden the students’ perspective through the study of works from other cultures and languages
• introduce students to ways of approaching and studying literature, leading to the development of an understanding and appreciation of the relationships between different works
• develop the ability to engage in close, detailed analysis of written text
• promote in students an enjoyment of, and lifelong interest in, literature.

Key features of the curriculum

• Available at higher and standard levels
• Higher level study requires a minimum of 240 class hours, while standard level study requires a minimum of 150 class hours
• Students study 13 works at higher level and 9 works at standard level from a representative selection of literary forms, periods and places
• Students develop the ability to engage in close, detailed analysis of literary works, building understanding of the techniques involved in literary criticism
• The study of literary works in context is emphasised, and through the study of literature in translation the student is challenged to reflect on the role of cultural assumptions in interpretation

Part 1: Works in translation

• Study of two works/three
• All works are chosen from the titles in the prescribed literature in translation list
  Recomended hours of study- 40/SL, 65/HL

Part 2: Detailed study

• Study of two works/three
• All works are chosen from the prescribed list of authors for the language being studied, each from a different genre
  Recomended hours of study-40/SL, 65/HL

Part 3: Literary genres

• Study of three works/four
• All works are chosen from the prescribed list of authors forthe language being studied, chosen from the same genre.
  Recomended hours of study-40/SL, 65/HL

Part 4: Options

• Study of three works
• Works are freely chosen in any combination.
  Recomended hours of study- 30/SL, 45/HL

Assessment Models

• Students are assessed through a combination of formal examination and oral and written coursework.
• The formal examination comprises two essay papers, one requiring the analysis of a passage of unseen literary text, and the other comparative response to a question based on two works studied
• Students also perform an oral activity presenting their analysis of two works studied
• HL students comply with an additional written coursework requirement which consists of writing a 1200 - 1500 word essay on one of the works studied

The IB assesses student work as direct evidence of achievement against the stated goals of the Diploma

Programme courses, which are to provide students with:

• a broad and balanced, yet academically demanding, programme of study
• the development of critical-thinking and reflective skills
• the development of research skills
• the development of independent learning skills
• the development of intercultural understanding
• a globally recognized university entrance qualification.

Students’ success in the language A: literature standard level course is measured by combining their grades on external and internal assessment. Students must demonstrate their ability to provide literary commentary about prose and poetry, both in written form and orally.

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