Curriculum Handbook 2012-2013 Grades 11-12 - International ...

JAPANESE
IB DP Japanese language A: Literature SL / HL
This two-year course is designed for native speakers who have a profound
knowledge of Japanese and have experience of using the language in an academic
context.
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. Works are studied in their literary and cultural
contexts, through close study of individual texts and passages, and by considering a
range of critical approaches. In view of the international nature of the IB and its
commitment to intercultural understanding, the language A: literature course does
not limit the study of works to the products of one culture or the cultures covered by
any one language. The study of works in translation is especially important in
introducing students, through literature, to other cultural perspectives. The response
to the study of literature is through oral and written communication, thus enabling
students to develop and refine their command of language.
The aims of language A: literature are to:
1. introduce students to a range of texts from different periods, styles and genres
2. develop in students the ability to engage in close, detailed analysis of individual
texts and make relevant connections
3. develop the students’ powers of expression, both in oral and written
communication
4. encourage students to recognize the importance of the contexts in which texts
are written and received
5. encourage, through the study of texts, an appreciation of the different
perspectives of people from other cultures, and how these perspectives
construct meaning
6. encourage students to appreciate the formal, stylistic and aesthetic qualities of
texts
7. promote in students enjoyment of, and lifelong interest in, language and
literature
8. develop in students an understanding of the techniques involved in literary
criticism
9. develop the students’ ability to form independent literary judgments and to
support those ideas.
Evaluation
In all courses, assessment is both formative and summative. Grades reflect
students’ performance on a variety of the following: individual and group
participation, oral presentations, written work such as essays, commentaries,
responses to literature and/or non-fiction, creative projects, etc. Specific criteria will
accompany all formally assessed tasks to indicate expectations.
A subject field trip to Berlin for 12 th graders provides a unique opportunity of
studying Japanese and German literature in original settings and backgrounds and
gives the students a chance to compare cultural differences.
IB DP Japanese B Ab Initio (SL only)
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The purpose of this course is:
• To provide students with a wide range of vocabulary and a linguistic foundation,
this will enable them to express themselves meaningfully in practical, everyday
situations in speaking as well as in writing.
• To enable students to read, listen to, comprehend and discuss German texts
and conversations.
• To encourage students to draw comparisons and contrasts between their native
language and culture and the German language and culture.
• To broaden the students’ perspectives on the history, culture, society and
geography of Germany and other countries where German is spoken.
The development of the four major language-learning skills is continued with
emphasis on interaction and oral communication.
German Advanced (only offered on demand)
This course is designed for students
⇒ who have successfully completed German Intermediate level
⇒ who have acquired an equivalent command of the language elsewhere.
With this level, the students fulfil their German language requirement for the ISD HS
diploma.
In order to prepare the students for the latter, the course progresses in two stages.
First, the students finish the fundamental grammar and sentence structures. The
second semester of the course is concerned with the study of longer narrative texts
of different genres: fairy tales, short stories, and a novel about youth resistance in
the Third Reich.
The readings are constantly accompanied by reviews of grammar and written
assignments. Class discussions, partner work, individual projects (e.g. own
production of a fairy tale) and group assignments are introduced throughout the year
as appropriate.
The selection of topics will vary in different years, taking into consideration the
students´ interests.
The emphasis on special goals within the syllabus will also vary according to the
needs of the students.
IB German
IB DP German Ab Initio (SL only)
This 2 year course at the standard level is designed for students who have had very
little or no previous experience of learning German. It meets the needs of IB
diploma students who have had little or no opportunity for foreign language study
previously, and are therefore unable to fulfil the IB diploma requirements for group 2;
it is also open to students who are interested in learning a new foreign language as
part of their IB diploma, possibly in addition to language A or B.
The aims of the Language Ab Initio course reflect those of group 2 but are defined
within the parameters of the language Ab Initio syllabus:
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