Grade 12
Full Year – 1 Unit
The IB Language A Literature II course involves one semester of a detailed study of works from three genres (non-fiction, drama, and poetry) and a second semester focusing, though not exclusively, on the genre of drama. The students engage in the formal analysis of texts and cover a wide variety of literature – both in the language of the subject and in translated texts from other cultures; this analysis includes a study of the way literary conventions shape responses to texts. Students completing this course have a thorough knowledge of a range of texts and an understanding of other cultural perspectives. They develop skills of literary analysis and the ability to support an argument in clearly expressed writing, sometimes at significant length. This course enables students to succeed in a wide range of university courses, particularly in literature but also in subjects such as philosophy, law and language. Texts are chosen from a comprehensive list of works in English and in translation from a variety of languages. The aims of the course are to encourage a personal appreciation of literature and an understanding of the techniques involved in literary criticism; to develop the students’ powers of expression, both in oral and written communication; to provide the opportunity to practice and develop writing and speaking skills, in student-led class discussions, oral commentaries and other situations; to expose students to a range of literary works of different periods, genres, styles and contexts and broaden the student’ perspective of other cultures and languages; to develop the ability to engage in close, detailed analysis of written texts, and to promote in students an enjoyment of, and lifelong interest in, literature. At the end of semester one, students will take an IB assessment in the form of a recorded oral commentary and at the end of semester two, they will take a second IB assessment in the form of two written papers – the first a close reading of a poem or prose passage, and the second, an in-depth discussion of drama. To receive International Baccalaureate credit on a Shaker Heights High School transcript, the student must complete the IB Internal and External Assessments.
Recommended: English A: Literature I HL