HS Program of Studies

IB LANGUAGE A: LITERATURE - HL I

Course Description:

Should I take IB HL or SL Literature?  

Those wishing to take IB English Literature A at the Higher Level course must have a strong grade of at least 90% at the end of grade 10 and are confident, independent readers and writers. The HL course is very demanding and as such, students are strongly advised to abide by the recommendation of their current 10th grade English teacher who will determine potential candidates’ suitability for the course based on current class performance. 

Both the SL and HL IB courses in English Literature focus on three broad components:

• the relationships between readers, writers and texts

•  the range and functions of texts across geographical space and historical time

•  aspects of intertextuality. 

Students will focus exclusively on literary texts, adopting a variety of approaches to textual criticism. Students explore the nature of literature, the aesthetic function of literary language and textuality, and the relationship between literature and the world.

SL students are required to study 9 works, while HL students are required to study 13.  The texts constitute a mixture of forms, coming from various cultures, differing time periods with some in translation.

Apart from the end of second-year exams for Paper 1 and 2, both SL and HL students prepare a taped internal oral assessment in which they present how two different extracts from different works treat a similar area of concern; the IB labels this similar area of concern, a shared ‘Global Issue’. This assessment is internally graded and then externally moderated by the IB.

Additionally, HL students will have a fourth assessment component, the higher level (HL) essay, a written coursework task that requires students to explore a line of inquiry in relation to a studied literary text or work. The outcome is an essay of 1,200–1,500 words in which HL students are expected to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the nature of literary study. 

In the paper 1 exam, taken at the end of the second year, both SL and HL students are presented with two previously unseen literary extracts or texts from different literary forms, each accompanied by a guiding question. SL students are required to write a guided analysis of one of these, while HL students must write guided analyses of both literary extracts or texts. Also, students will take paper 2 at the end of the second year, which is a comparative essay exam based on texts that students have already studied in class.

During the two year course, SL and HL students are required to record their learning in a portfolio, whether in paper or electronic form. This portfolio is not assessed by the IB, but can be requested as a proof of work covered during the course. The portfolio provides many useful functions: it can be used as a tool to record an individual’s growth in learning, a place from which decisions can be made about the selection of texts for the internal oral assessment, and also a bank from which intertextual links can be established in preparation for Paper 2. 

This grade 11 course is the first year of an advanced two-year course, culminating in the IB Higher Level English exam at the end of the second year. HL I students should be highly independent and proficient readers, writers, and speakers who have a passion for the study of literature.  

Through the study of a wide range of literature, the Language A: Literature course encourages students to appreciate the artistry of literature and to develop an ability to reflect critically on their reading, writing and oral contributions.  Works are studied in their literary and cultural contexts.  In view of the international nature of the IB and its commitment to intercultural understanding, the Language A: Literature course includes several texts studied in translation as a way of introducing students, through literature, to other cultural perspectives. The response to the study of literature is done through oral and written communication, thus enabling students to develop and refine their command of language.

Students should expect reading assignments over holidays and breaks (including summer and winter breaks).

Prerequisites:

English 10 with a grade of “B+” or higher, and teacher recommendation.

Credit:

1.0 credit

Length of Course:

1 year

Texts:

Final selection of individual texts is at the discretion of the teacher of each section within the parameters of the IB guidelines for text selection.