Katie's Korner
Year-Long Course Outline: IB Language A - Literature
Instructor: Katie Watson School: TBD Academic Year: 2025-26
Course Overview
This course explores a diverse selection of literary texts, aiming to develop students' analytical, writing, and communication skills. Through close reading and inquiry-based learning, students will analyze the relationships between readers, writers, and texts while considering cultural and historical contexts. Students will engage in written and oral responses, fostering critical thinking and intercultural understanding. The curriculum aligns with the BC English Language Arts 11 Literary Studies framework, encouraging students to explore specific themes, periods, authors, or areas of the world through various literary works.
Big Ideas
Literature reflects and shapes human experiences across cultures and historical periods.
Language is a powerful tool for communication and personal expression.
Readers interact with texts based on their own perspectives and contexts.
Understanding intertextual connections enhances literary interpretation.
Critical and creative thinking skills enable deeper engagement with literature.
Curricular Competencies
Comprehend and Connect:
Read and analyze a variety of literary texts to understand and appreciate diverse perspectives.
Recognize and explain the role of personal, social, and cultural contexts, values, and perspectives in texts.
Analyze how literary elements, techniques, and devices enhance and shape meaning and impact.
Create and Communicate:
Respectfully exchange ideas and viewpoints from diverse perspectives to build shared understanding and extend thinking.
Express and support an opinion with evidence to achieve purpose and extend thinking.
Use the conventions of Canadian spelling, grammar, and punctuation proficiently and as appropriate to the context.
First Peoples Principles of Learning
This course incorporates First Peoples Principles of Learning, emphasizing:
Learning is holistic, reflexive, reflective, experiential, and relational.
Learning is embedded in memory, history, and story.
Learning requires exploration of identity and cultural understanding.
Learning is connected to the land, nature, and community.
Course Evaluation
Students will be assessed using IB rubrics and BC Ministry of Education standards, focusing on the following components:
Paper 1 - Guided Literary Analysis (External)
Paper 2 - Comparative Essay (External)
Higher Level Essay (HL only) (External)
Individual Oral Commentary (Internal)
Formative Assessments: Class discussions, presentations, reading journals, and creative responses
Grading Scale: 0-7 IB Criterion-Based Assessment
Course Expectations
Students are expected to complete all readings and assignments on time.
Active participation in discussions and group activities is required.
Academic integrity must be maintained; plagiarism will not be tolerated.
Respect for diverse perspectives and classroom collaboration is essential.
Course Materials
IB Prescribed Reading List
Short story and poetry anthologies
Films, documentaries, and multimedia texts
Teacher handouts and literary criticism articles
Final Note to Parents and Guardians
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Your support is crucial in ensuring your child’s success in this course. Please review the syllabus and encourage your child to stay engaged with the reading and writing activities. Should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at [TBD]. I am looking forward to a productive and enriching academic year!
Signature: ________________________ Date: ________________________
