Offered at both the higher and standard levels in more than sixty languages, the Language A1 course promotes an appreciation of literature and knowledge of a student’s own culture and those of other societies.  The course is designed to develop the student’s powers of  expression, both in oral and written communication, by emphasizing the skills involved in writing and speaking one’s native language in a variety of styles and situations.  Students read several works (fifteen at HL and eleven at SL) grouped by themes or genres.  The works are chosen from a broad list of prescribed authors representing different literary genres and styles in the target language.   As well, literature from other languages and cultures is read in translation.  Oral and written examinations are used to assess the student’s individual language skills, his or her ability to critically analyze and comment upon familiar and unfamiliar texts, and his or her ability to express a personal and independent response to literature.

 

At the higher level, the course is assessed through two written examination papers and two papers on world literature of 1000-1500 words each.  The examination papers constitute 50% of the final grade, and the world literature papers make up 20%.  In addition, the student must complete two compulsory oral analyses of works studied.  These activities constitute the remaining 30% of the final grade and are internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by IBO.  At the standard level, the course is assessed in the same manner, with the exception that only one world literature paper is required.