Ib English Language and Literature: Course Outline

IB ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE:
COURSE OUTLINE
Overview
The IB Language and Literature course provides students with a wide range of opportunities,
not only to develop their own skills in communication and analysis, but to appreciate the
influence of contexts and audiences on language use in a variety of texts. The broad scope
of the course means that by engaging with literary texts, exploring the significance of English
as a global language, understanding the processes which cause language change, and
analysing the role played by mass communication and the media, students develop an
awareness of their personal language choices, and the ability to reflect on assumptions and
conventions within texts.
During the course, students will focus on the improvement of their own powers of
expression, in both speech and writing. They will study literary texts from different genres, as
well as a wide range of non-fiction and media forms, including images. They will be
encouraged to read widely beyond the set texts of the course, using their independent
learning to help them make choices about the coursework tasks which they wish to produce.
Course Structure and Content
The course is divided into four parts, which will be covered over the two years of the course.
These are:
 Language in a Cultural Context
Students will examine the influence of a variety of contexts on language usage and
change, examining the relationship between language and a range of identities.
Topics will include the history of the English language, including a focus on language
death, the links between language use, power and status, language and taboo, and
contemporary debates over language use. Current students have explored the
representation of Modern London English in the context of the 2011 riots, the language of
SMS messages and issues to do with Essex English and stereotyping, for example.
 Language and Mass Communication
During this unit, students will consider a range of issues to do with the ways mass media,
such as newspapers, magazines and television, influence consumers’ responses to
events and attitudes to topics.
They will examine political speeches and propaganda, and explore the gate keeping roles
played by the media, as well as producing their own media texts which utilise appropriate
conventions.
 Literature: Texts and Contexts
Standard level students will study two texts, one of which will be a text in translation.
Higher level students will study a further text.
Some examples of possible texts include ‘A Doll’s House’ by Henrik Ibsen, ‘The
Handmaid’s Tale’ by Margaret Atwood, and ‘The Reader’ by Bernard Schlink.
In their approach to these texts, students will be invited to reflect on how different readers
at different times, or from different cultures and backgrounds, might respond to the texts.
They will examine the texts from different perspectives, such as gender or power.
 Literature: Critical Study
Standard level students will study two literary texts, and Higher level will study an
additional text. They will undertake close study and detailed analysis of the writer’s craft,
and explore themes, values and moral stances within the texts. Some examples of
possible texts include ‘Men and Women’ by Robert Browning, ‘Jane Eyre’ by Charlotte
Brontë, and ‘Never Let Me Go’ by Kazuo Ishiguro.
Assessment
There are four ways in which students will be assessed during the course.
 Examination
Students will sit two examinations at the end of the course.
The first examination, Paper 1, will ask students to analyse an unseen text or texts. The
second, Paper 2, will ask students to write about their Part 3 Literature texts in relation to
a set question.
 Written Tasks
During the course, students will produce several written tasks, which are drafted
coursework pieces. Examples of written tasks might include an additional chapter for a
novel studied in Part 4, or a speech from a young person defending the language of SMS
messages for Part 1. These are assessed internally, with marks moderated externally.
 Individual Oral Commentary
During the second year of the course, students will complete an assessment where they
will be asked to give a commentary on a section from one of their Part 4 Literature texts.
 Further Oral Activities
Throughout the course, students will engage in spoken activities in the classroom, such
as discussion or individual presentations. These will be assessed by the teacher, with
marks moderated externally.
What is the difference between HL & SL?

Students studying both Standard and Higher Level and demonstrate similar levels of
sophistication in their analysis and in the quality of their written communication. Higher
Level students cover the course in more depth by studying additional texts, and consider
Part 1 and Part 2 topics more extensively.
Assessment Objectives
Having followed the English Language & Literature course students should be able to
demonstrate:
 An ability to analyse how audience and purpose affect the structure and content of
texts
 An ability to analyse the impact of language changes
 An awareness of how language and meaning are shaped by culture and context
 Understanding of the potential for educational, political or ideological influence of the
media
 How mass media uses language to inform, persuade or entertain
 An awareness of historical, cultural and social contexts for written works
 An understanding of form, structure and style of texts
 An ability to write and speak coherently, structuring ideas and arguments
appropriately, in a sustained and logical way.
Entry Qualifications
A grade B or above in English / English Literature at GCSE is normally required. If GCSEs

have not been taken evidence may be requested in an alternative form.
Career Prospects
Students who complete the courses will be well prepared for further study on linguistic or
literature based courses at university, or diverse courses or careers in many fields, for
example, journalism, media, business, education and law.

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IB ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE:

Course Structure and Content

 Language in a Cultural Context

 Language and Mass Communication

 Literature: Texts and Contexts

 Literature: Critical Study

Students will sit two examinations at the end of the course.

 Individual Oral Commentary

 Further Oral Activities

What is the difference between HL & SL?

A grade B or above in English / English Literature at GCSE is normally required. If GCSEs

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