for IB Seniors(exam session: May 2012)
Syllabus Outline (two year study)
Junior / Part 4: School’s Free Choice / Chopin, Kate. The Awakening.Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby.
Hawthorne, Nathaniel. Selected short stories.
O’Conner, Flannery. Selected short stories.
O. Henry. Selected short stories.
Poe, Edgar Allan. Selected short stories.
Sophocles. Antigone. (World Literature)
Part 1: World Literature / Tolstoy, Leo. Anna Karenina.
Yoshimoto, Banana.Kitchen.
Esquivel, Laura.Like Water for Chocolate.
Senior / Part 2: Detailed Study / Angelou, Maya. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
Hughes, Langston. Selected Poems.
“Mother to Son”
“Harlem”
“Theme for English B”
“I, Too, Sing America”
“As I Grew Older”
“Let America Be America Again”
“A Song to a Negro Wash-Woman”
“What I Think”
“Wait”
“How Thin a Blanket”
“Scottsboro”
Rushdie, Salman. Shame.
Shakespeare, William. Othello.
Whitman, Walt. Selected Poems.
“Oh Captain! My Captain”
“I Hear America Singing”
“Cavalry Crossing a Ford”
“When I Heard the Learned Astronomer”
“I Sing the Body Electric”
“Faces”
“To a Foil’d European Revolutionaire”
“France, the 18th year of These States”
Part 3: Group of Works / ben Jelloun, Jahar. The Sand Child. (World Literature)
Emecheta, Buchi. Kehinde.
Hurston, Zora Neale. Their Eyes Were Watching God.
Roy, Arundhati. The God of Small Things.
Assessment Outline (two year study)
Junior / World Literature Assignment 1 (externally assessed) / 10%1000-1500 words
Comparative study of at least two Part 1 works.
Individual Oral Presentation (10-15 minutes – internally assessed, externally moderated) / 15%
Presentation of a topic, chosen by the candidate, based on Part 4 work(s).
Senior / Paper 1 Commentary (2 hours – externally set and assessed) / 25%
Written commentary based on poetry or another text to which the techniques of literary criticism can be applied.
Two unseen texts for commentary; no guiding questions.
One commentary to be written on one of the texts.
Paper 2 Essay (2 hours – externally set and assessed) / 25%
Two essay questions on each genre available for study in Part 3, Groups of Works, and four essay questions of a general nature.
One question only to be answered, based on the Part 3 works studied and, if relevant, a Part 2 work of the same genre.
World Literature Assignment 2 (externally assessed) / 10%
1000-1500 words; Based on work(s) not used in WL Assignment 1
Options:
Assignment 2a: Comparative Study (1 WL work and 1 Language A1 work)
Assignment 2b: Imaginative or Creative Assignment (1 WL work, or 1 WL and 1 Language A1 work)
Assignment 2c: Detailed Study (1 WL work only)
Individual Oral Commentary (15 minutes – internally set and assessed, externally moderated) / 15%
Commentary on an extract, chosen by the teacher, from one of the Part 2 works studied.
Extract accompanied by one to two guiding questions.
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Understanding the IB Rubric Criterion
Language
very clear, effective, carefully chosen and precise
high degree of accuracy in grammar, vocabulary and sentence construction
effective and appropriate register and style
Organization
effectively organized and developed
reader is engaged and persuaded
requires the coherence of ideas within
should incorporate quotations into their writing in such a way that the development of their ideas is enhanced and not impeded,
should avoid using large blocks of quotations
consistent with required formatting
Presentation
reader is engaged and persuaded
require careful structuring
a clear, sustained focus and purposeful development of ideas (with links between elements)
Knowledge and understanding of literary works
is the expression of an author’s individual creativity and as representatives of their genre and period. Knowledge refers to familiarity with the work. Understanding is the ability to interpret the writer’s intention and to understand how context may affect that interpretation—both the context of the work and what the reader brings to the reading.
know the main features of the genre the text exemplifies
demonstrate the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of the various conventions.
discuss the links between works: differences and similarities in their context, style, structure, theme and so on
understand cultural values as expressed in literature, and the significance of context in literary works. The actions of the characters in a literary work should not be judged by the student’s own time and culture.
statements or assertions must be validated and have evidence to support them
carefully chosen, detailed references to the work(s), passage or extract
demonstrate their independent interpretation and depth of understanding
evidence provided in the form of quotations and line references
should set quotations in context, integrated into the text of the essay and accompanied by explanation or analysis
Analysis of literary techniques
demonstrate an ability to analyze language, structure, technique and style
know the difference between description and analysis
Evaluation
recognize how and why literature affects the reader
see how, in literary terms, one writer compares with another. Similar literary techniques will affect readers differently and students are expected to be able to analyse, discuss and justify their own response to the choices that writers make.
Independent literary criticism
acquire for themselves the skill of reading between the lines
see how writers have achieved their effects and how they may be trying to persuade the reader to accept their views of the subject of the prose passage or poem
build on what they have learned in class, but also show that they have thought for themselves about the topic
World Literature Assignment 2
The candidate:
chooses the type and title of the assignment, but may discuss the choice with the teacher.
may select any aspect of the WorldLiterature works studied. If the same aspect is chosen by more one student, the content must be different. You must write about a different aspect for each assignment.
1000-1500 words in length with word count at the end. Quotations are includedin the word count, but footnotes and bibliographies are not.
Each WL work may be used in oneassignment only.A minimum of three WL works must be covered in total.
Make it clear on the title page which assignment you are completing (2a, 2b, or 2c).
Topics may not be repeated.
The assignment may not be written in class.
Features of an appropriate written assignment topic:
a focus on the literary aspects
clear titles that about the topics chosen and the writer’s intentions
awareness of the assessment criteria
goes beyond only a description of the characters or events of the work
Planning – fill out the proposal form and conference with the teacher before you begin writing.
First Drafts – Teachers are allowed to make general comments about the first drafts either verbally or in writing on a SEPARATE sheet of paper. Teachers may assist further unless the topic is abandoned.
Guidance and Authenticity (Is it your own work?)
Students should be familiar with:
the requirements of the type of work to be assessed
the assessment criteria (the work submitted for assessment must address these criteria effectively)
the basic meaning and significance of concepts that relate to academic honesty, especially authenticity and intellectual property [which are included in the back of this packet].
The written assignment submitted for external assessment must be the student’s own work. Verification of this should be done via discussion and scrutiny of one or more of the following:
the student’s supervised writing from which the topic has been generated
the first draft of the written work
the references cited
the style of writing compared with work known to be that of the student
All work submitted to the IB for moderation or assessment must be authenticated by a teacher, and must not include any known instances of suspected or confirmed malpractice. Each student must sign the coversheet to confirm that the work is his or her authentic work and constitutes the final version of that work.
Once a student has officially submitted the final version of the work to a teacher (or the coordinator) for assessment, together with the signed coversheet, it cannot be retracted.
If the teacher and student sign a coversheet, but there is a comment to the effect that the work may not be authentic, the student will not be eligible for a mark in that component and no grade will be awarded.
WL Assignment 2a: Comparative Study(Works: 1 WL & 1 Language A1)
based on an aspect of one World Literature workand one workchosen from any part of the two-year syllabus
must focus on some pertinent link between the two works
may not be a generalization of culture, but may explore cultural similarities and differences
Approach
must be a cogent piece of writing – include some introductoryand concluding remarks (in MLA)
should constitute a reasoned argument
Structure
The introduction could be, for example, a brief statement of the aims of the assignment.
The main body should reveal the candidate’s insight into the works and the candidate’s appreciation of the chosen link between the works.
The conclusion could be, for example, a brief summary and personal evaluation of thediscussion.
Choice of an appropriate and focused aspect: What element of ______will you be discussing?
Topics / Better TopicsConflicts in God’s Bits of Wood and A Fine Balance / The nature and significance of social conflicts in God’s Bits of Wood and A Fine Balance
A comparative study of The Suffrage of Elvira and A Man of the People / A comparison of the sources and functions of humor in The Suffrage of Elvira and A Man of the People
Men in Kokoro and Fiela’s Child / A comparison of the presentation and significance of the father figure in Kokoro and Fiela’s Child
Politics and religion in The House of the Spirits and Petals of Blood / Attitudes to politics and religion in The House of the Spirits and Petals of Blood
Dramatic techniques in I Will Marry When I Want and The Trial of Mallam Ilya / The role of music and mime in I Will Marry When I Want and The Trial of Mallam Ilya
Death in the poetry of Symborska and Owen / A comparison of the images of death in the poetry of Symborska and Owen
WL Assignment 2b: Imaginative or Creative Assignment(Works: 1 WL or 1 WL & 1 Language A1)
based on one WL work or a combination of a WL work and work chosen from any part of the two-year syllabus
NOT aconventional critical essay or commentary
allows the candidate to apply theprinciples or techniques of literary criticism or appreciation in an informed, imaginativemanner
IBO indicates that the problem most candidates have with this assignment is related more to how to execute the tasks they set themselves than to the formulation of a viable assignment topic.
WL Assignment 2b: The Statement of Intent
must include:
- the work(s) on which the assignment will be basedthe nature of the task to be engaged in, including considerations such as audience,register, form
- the aspects or elements of the work(s) on which the candidate intends to focus
- how the candidate intends to explore these aspects or elements
must be included in the wordcount
should not normally exceed 500 words.If you are doing a creative piece such as a shortpoem, the statement may be longer than the body of the assignment and longer than 500words.
WL Assignment 2b: Suggestions
There are many possibilities for creative approaches. The following list of suggestions, while not exhaustive, provides some ideas forassignments.
The diary of a character accompanied by critical comment by the candidate.
A director’s letter to the actor playing a particular role or scene.
An exercise in which the candidate turns the ‘story’ or a portion of it into another formsuch as dramatic monologue, biblical parable, folk tale or myth.
A critic’s review of a dramatic interpretation/performance.
An editorial objecting to censorship or exclusion of a work from a school syllabus.
A letter to a publisher outlining the merits of a work to be published and reasons forpublication.
The creation of dramatic monologues that play the self-perception of the charactersagainst the view of other characters or the author.
A transcription either of an imaginary interview with the author about the work inquestion or of a conversation between two authors about their respective works.
A postscript to a novel, or an extra chapter.
An additional scene for a play.
A pastiche (an imitation or re-creation of an already published work). In this assignment,candidates are encouraged to demonstrate their sensitivity to, and understanding of, awork by providing an original composition after the manner of that work.
Appropriate assignment topics / Inappropriate assignment topics- an editorial published by the People’s Herald on the meeting convened by Dr. Thomas Stockmann (based on An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen)
- Aissatou’s response: a reply from Aissatou explaining and justifying her reaction to her husband’s betrayal (based on So Long a Letter by Mariama Ba)
- an interview with Ibsen, in which the interviewer only asks questions about Ibsen’s personal life, for example, “Did you have an unhappy marriage, Mr. Ibsen?”
- a dramatic monologue by Vladimir, in which the candidate only repeats statements made in Waiting for Godot
- “Hamida’s Diary,” in which the candidate only paraphrases parts of Naguib Mahfouz’s Midaq Alley
- an alternative ending to The Outsider in which Meursault escapes to find true happiness on a desert island with Marie
Guidance for candidates:
make sure that the assignment meets the requirements of the rubric
the tasks undertaken must reveal knowledge of and insight into the literary features of the works on which they are based
avoid: (1) following the original work so closely that they do no more than replace portions of it with arbitrary alternatives, (2)departing so far from the original that the piece they create reveals little evidence of knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the original, (3) trying to “improve” the original, examples include:exacting revenge on the villains, allowing the escape of the protagonist, explaining the inexplainable
WL Assignment 2c: Detailed Study (1 WL work)
based on an aspect of one World Literature work from any portion of the two-year syllabus
extracts should not be included in the wordcount, but copies must be attached when submitted for assessment
Approaches
A formal essay, such as:
- Symbols of hope and despair in the poetry Pablo Neruda
- Attitudes to oppression in The House of the Spirits
Analysis of a key passage(a paragraph, a page, a chapter, or an extract from a poem) explores, for example, prose or poetic style, character study, plot development or theme. The passage should have majorsignificance for any of a variety of explorations: Why is this passage central to our understanding of the work? Why is it a “key”?
- should briefly explain the reason the passage was chosen, why it is central to our understanding
- should explain the significance of the passage to the larger workfrom which it has been taken
- show relationship to development of plot
- examine what it shows about elements such as theme, style, and characters
Analysis of two key passagesexplores, for example, contrasting prose styles, descriptive method,character presentation and a range of other aspects.
- justify brieflythe pivotal nature of the passages chosen
- demonstrate their particular similaritiesand differences which the candidate considers interesting
Commentary on an extractanalyzes in-depth an extract of approximately 30 lines of prose or the equivalent in drama or verse. Choosing an extract should by guided by: Why can this passage be seen as characteristic of the writer’s central concerns and/or techniques?
- justify briefly their selection of the particular extract
- explore how language, imagery, organization of ideas, and stylistic and thematic aspects work together within the passage to create or enhance meaning
General requirements for final submission (specifics to come later):
MLA format (include title page for WL2 – and specify which assignment type you chose: 2a, 2b, or 2c)
WL form completed and signed
Frequently Asked Questions – Written Assignment
The topic and its selection
Who selects the topic on which the candidates write their assignment?
Candidates are expected to:
select a viable aspect of the world literature works they have studied
ensure that the aspect selected lends itself to a literary discussion
create an appropriate topic for the assignment
select a topic and/or treatment distinct from those of other candidates at their school.
Are translation exercises acceptable?
No.
Can topics be presented in the form of questions?
Yes, although it would be unusual (and perhaps indicative of undue teacher intervention) for all candidates from one school to present their topics as questions.
The assignment – use of works
Can the world literature work studied in Part 4 be used for assignment 2 even if the candidate has already used it for the IOP?
Yes.
Can the analysis of two key passages (assignment 2c) be based on two world literature works?
No.
The assignment – writing and format
Is it necessary for candidates to refer to secondary sources when completing their written assignment?
No.
Is it compulsory to have a bibliography?
Yes.
Must quotations, footnotes, and bibliographies all be included in the word count for the assignment?
Quotations are included; footnotes and bibliographies are not.
Where footnotes are used, they must not contain arguments or ideas that should be included in the main body of the assignment, but have been included as footnotes to decrease the word count.
Must a statement of intent be provided for all world literature assignments?
No, the statement of intent is required only for assignment 2b. However, an introduction is required for assignments 2a and 2c.
Is it acceptable for candidates to edit each other’s assignment(s)?
No; however, it is acceptable for candidates to make class presentations of their assignment (or excerpts of their assignment), answer questions and consider suggestions arising from the discussion that follows.
Is it acceptable to return final versions of the assignment to candidates for further checks and amendments if internal school deadlines permit?
Yes, but candidates can not change their topics or start a new assignment at this stage.