Ridgeway High School Theory of Knowledge
Class Syllabus
Teacher: Mrs. Ashford Email:
Website:ridgewayhighibtok.yolasite.com Contact: 901-416-8820
Tutoring Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:15pm – 3:15pm
AIMS
The aims of the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) programme are to engage students in reflection on, and in the questioning of, the bases of knowledge, so that they:
1 develop an understanding of why critically examining knowledge claims is important
2 develop a critical capacity to evaluate beliefs and knowledge claims
3 make interdisciplinary connections
4 become aware of the interpretative nature of knowledge including personal and ideological biases
5 consider that knowledge may place responsibilities on the knower
6 understand the strengths and limitations of individual and cultural perspectives
7 develop a concern for rigor in formulating knowledge claims, and intellectual honesty.
OBJECTIVES
Having followed the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, candidates should be able to:
1 demonstrate an understanding of the strengths and limitations of the various Ways of Knowing and of the methods used in the different Areas of Knowledge
2 demonstrate a capacity to reason critically
3 make connections between and across Ways of Knowing and Areas of Knowledge
4 make connections between personal experience and different Ways of Knowing and Areas of Knowledge
5 demonstrate an understanding of knowledge at work in the world
6identify values underlying judgements and knowledge claims pertinent to local and global issues
7 demonstrate an understanding that personal views, judgements and beliefs may influence their own knowledge claims
8 and those of others
9 use oral and written language to formulate and communicate ideas clearly.
Classroom Etiquette:
- Be on time and prepared
- Maintain a clean and safe environment
- Place all cellphones away during classtime
- Be respectful of Teacher, classmates and any guests
- Always complete outside reading and activities
- Be mindful of integrity in all work [plagiarism is not tolerated]
- Be respectful of all communication in the classroom
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT:
In this course, we will deal with challenging concepts that can really only be assessed through discussion, essays, and projects. The
students will also have reading assignments for which they will take regular reading quizzes.
GRADING:
I will use a total points scale, but it will break down into the following estimated percentages:
Participation/Homework/Classwork/Journals 10-15%
Reading Tests and other Objective Tests 30-35%
Essay Tests/Projects/Papers (in and out of class) 50-60%
Areas of Knowledge
How do we know things? We know things because we use a range of methods of inquiry that incorporate ways of knowing to help construct knowledge in different areas of knowledge (AOKs).
The theory of knowledge course distinguishes between eight AOKs:
- mathematics
- natural sciences
- human sciences
- history
- the arts
- ethics
- religious knowledge systems
- indigenous knowledge systems.
Students must explore a range of AOKs. It is suggested that
Sixof these eight would be appropriate. While this guide identifies eight
broad AOKs, students should be encouraged to think about
individual academic disciplines, that is, to think about the nature of knowledge in their own specific IB subjects, such as chemistry, geography and dance.
Ways of Knowing
The TOK course identifies eight specific ways of knowing (WOKs). They are:
- language
- sense perception
- emotion
- reason
- imagination
- faith
- intuition
- memory
Students must explore a range of WOKs. It is suggested that studying
Fourof these eight in depth would be appropriate. The WOKs selected for detailed study should be carefully selected to ensure a coherent and balanced approach. Students must explore a range of WOKs. It is suggested that studying fourof these eight in depth would be appropriate. The WOKs selected for detailed study should be carefully selected
to ensure a coherent and balanced approach.
There are two central purposes to the WOKs in TOK. On the one hand they are the tools that answer the question “how do we know?” and on the other hand they help us answer the question “how do I know?” For example, we can analyze the role of imagination in the construction of
shared knowledge in terms of scientific discovery, but we can also discuss imagination in the context of personal knowledge and understanding.
While there may be aplace in a TOK course to analyz
e WOKs and their impact on how individuals construct their own personal knowledge, TOK teachers are encouraged to explore WOKs, not in isolation, but from the perspective of their contribution to understanding different areas of knowledge.
"Theory of Knowledge Teacher Support Material." Ibo.org. Ibpublishing.ibo.org, n.d. Web. 15 Aug. 2013.
***Please note that this syllabus is prospective and may change based on the natural progression of the course