What will I learn?
Through studying this course, you will develop the following:
- A personal appreciation of literature and a love for the richness of human expression;
- An understanding of the formal, stylistic and aesthetic qualities of texts;
- Strong powers of expression, both written and oral;
- An appreciation of cultural differences in perspective;
- An understanding of how language challenges and sustains ways of thinking;
- Critical-thinking skills through interaction with a range of texts from different periods, styles and literary forms.
What is the structure of the course?
Higher Level (13 literary works)
Standard Level (10 literary works)
Part 1: Works in Translation
A literary study of 3 works in translation
A literary study of 2 works in translation
Part 2: Detailed Study
Close study of work from 3 different genres (one of which is poetry)
Close study of work from 2 different genres (one of which is poetry)
Part 3: Literary Genres
A literary study of 4 works from the same genre
A literary study of 4 works from the same genre
Part 4: Options
4 works are chosen by the school; the approach to the study of works is chosen from 4 options
3 works are chosen by the school; the approach to the study of works is chosen from 4 options
How will I be assessed?
Assessment
Higher Level (13 literary works)
Standard Level (10 literary works)
Oral Assessment
Internal (20%)
1500 word coursework (20%)
Coursework
Close study of work from 3 different genres (one of which is poetry)
N/A
Final Examination
Paper 1: Unseen Guided Literary Analysis – 1 hour 15 minutes (35%)
Paper 2: Comparative Essay – 1 hour 45 minutes (25%)
Paper 1: Unseen Guided Literary Analysis – 1 hour 15 minutes (35%)
Paper 2: Comparative Essay – 1 hour 45 minutes (35%)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which CAS opportunities are available?
Literature Club; Journalism Club; Creative Writing Club; Debating Club.
Which opportunities for further study are available?
The Literature IB prepares you for any university course that requires you to be articulate both verbally and on paper. You will be very well prepared for an undergraduate degree in English Literature, and it is appropriate to a range of careers, including journalism, education, publishing and law.
Is there anything else I need to know?
Literature is not just about reading. It is also about history, culture, morality and the human experience. However, if you are considering studying the Literature IB, be prepared to read widely in your free time, and also to think deeply and write often, in order to form your own opinions and practise expressing them.