Group 1A English
Questions?
| Ember Arteaga | (626) 934-4584 | English |
| Josipa Casey | (626) 934-4551 | English/IB |
| Christina Rouw | (626) 934-4507 | English/IB Coordinator |
Released Exams
2014 English papers#1-2.pdf 9/10/14 10:26 AM
What is Group 1?
It is a requirement of the programme that students study at least one subject from group 1.
In group 1, students will study literature, including selections of literature in translation, and may choose to combine this with language or performance studies, depending on their choice of course. Students will choose to study their group 1 subject(s) in a language in which they are academically competent.
In studying the group 1 courses, students are able to develop:
- a personal appreciation of language and literature
- skills in literary criticism
- 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
The range of texts studied in language A courses is broad, and students grow to appreciate a language’s complexity, wealth and subtleties in a variety of contexts. A specific aim is to engender a lifelong interest in literature and a love for the elegance and richness of human expression.
Group 1 Courses Offered:
- Language A: literature - literature course introduces students to the analysis of literary texts. It is the course through which the IB’s policy of mother-tongue entitlement is delivered.
Language A: Literature
The language A: literature course introduces students to the analysis of literary texts. It is the course through which the IB’s policy of mother-tongue entitlement is delivered, and may be studied in any language with a sufficiently developed written literature.
The course is organized into three areas of exploration and seven central concepts, and focuses on the study of literary works. Together, the three areas of exploration of the course add up to a comprehensive exploration of literature from a variety of cultures, literary forms and periods. Students learn to appreciate the artistry of literature, and develop the ability to reflect critically on their reading, presenting literary analysis powerfully through both oral and written communication.
Key features of the curriculum and assessment models
- Available at higher and standard levels (Wilson offers higher level)
- Higher level study requires a minimum of 240 class hours, while standard level study requires a minimum of 150 class hours
- Students study 13 works at higher level and 10 works at standard level from a representative selection of genres, periods and places
- Students develop the ability to engage in close, detailed analysis of literary works, building understanding of the techniques involved in literary criticism
- The study of literary works in context is emphasised, and through the study of literature in translation the student is challenged to reflect on the role of cultural assumptions in interpretation
- Students are assessed through a combination of formal examinations, written coursework and oral activities
- The formal examination comprises two essay papers, one requiring the analysis of a passage of unseen literary text, and the other a response to a question based on the works studied
- Students also produce a written assignment based on the works studied in translation, and perform two oral activities presenting their analysis of works read