English 11 International Baccalaureate (IB)
Language A1: World Literature Course Syllabus
Patricia Bradford, Teacher (email: )
Jay Friedenberg, IB Diploma Program Coordinator
Central High School 200 Cabin Branch Road Capitol Heights, MD 20743
(301) 499-7080, ext. 357
Overview of the course:
The Language A1: World Literature Course begins in grade 11 and continues to the senior year to prepare students with experiences that will benefit them throughout their lives, but especially as they continue their post-secondary education. The program is a course of study designed “for motivated, college bound students who seek and academically challenging curriculum.” Therefore, emphasis is placed on reading, writing, researching and discussing a wide range of topics and materials.
Specifically, students will complete the readings and related writings outlined on the 1/A1AP: Advance notice of works studied; Language A1: World Literature.
Part 1: Works in Translation
The Metamorphosis and Other Stories by Franz Kafka
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Alexander Solzhenitsyn
Part 4: Options
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Othello by William Shakespeare
The Stranger by Albert Camus
*IB Assessments
Written assignment (Part 1 work); reflective statement (300-400 words and literary essay (1200-1500 words)
Oral Presentation (Part 4 work studied, internally scored) 10-15 mins.
Assignments
Students will read selections and discuss the works to focus the study of the work and increase comprehension.
Students will write essays to discuss literary devices (for example figurative language, tone, diction, point of view, conflict, organization, literal interpretation) specific to the genre studied (prose, poetry, drama).
Students will study specific elements of writing (essay—expository and persuasive/argumentative, poetry, literary analysis, and narrative).
Students will complete grammar and usage lessons as outlined in the Grammar, Usage and Mechanics workbooks and supplemented with examples in the texts they read.
Students will complete other writing assignments (for example, poetry, essay and oratorical contests) to enhance their writing and speaking skills. They will participate in field trip experiences (plays, museums, art galleries) to broaden their perspectives as they study world cultures and write about their impressions.
Students will make reports, presentations, and share orally in class to prepare for the oral commentary and interview.
Each student must maintain a three-ring binder notebook, specifically for this course, to store and record the activities and lessons. The notebook must be subdivided with sections for genres (prose, poetry), figurative language, writing strategies, analysis of selected works read, and other handouts discussed in class. Students will keep journals (composition books) as well.
Assessments
Students are expected to complete all of the assigned work and to maintain their materials so that they can refer to them while in class. Many of the handouts include information that students need to refer to during class and when completing assignments. It is important that students are prepared to work each day with their materials; otherwise they will be hindered as we move though the readings. Therefore, completion of homework assignments and maintaining the notebook are vital to the student’s success.
Written assignments should be typed (doubled spaced in 12-point, sans serif font) or neatly written in dark blue or black ink on one side of the notebook paper. Work must be neat, easy to read and clearly labeled and organized. All assignments should include a cover page that identifies the assignment and the student.