Semester
1st Sem.
Junior Yr
(Fall)
Literature
Part IV: Options
Taming of the Shrew by
William Shakespeare
Poetry of Rita Dove
IB Assessments
IOP: Independent Oral Presentation
Presentation on a topic chosen by the student, based on a Part IV
work
10-15 minutes
15%
Internally Assessed
Siddhartha by Hermann
Hesse
2nd Sem.
Junior Yr
(Spring)
Part I: Works in Translation
The Hour of the Star by
Clarice Lispector
Chronicle of a Death Foretold
by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Written Assignment
Literary essay based on one Part I work
1200-1500 words
25%
Externally Assessed
No Exit by Jean Paul Sartre
(Possible supplementary text.)
3rd Sem.
Senior Yr
(Fall)
Part II: Detailed Study
Hamlet by William
Shakespeare
Works of a Single Poet
IOC: Individual Oral Commentary
10 minute commentary on a poem from Part II chosen by the
teacher; 10 minute interview based on one other Part II work
20 minutes
15%
Internally Assessed
Short Stories by Margaret
Atwood
4th Sem.
Senior Yr
(Spring)
Part III: Group of Works –
Novel
*Heart of Darkness by Joseph
Conrad
*Their Eyes Were Watching
God by Zora Neale Hurston
*The God of Small Things by
Arundhati Roy
Written Exams
Paper 1 – Written Commentary
2 hours
20%
Externally Assessed
Paper 2 – Comparative Essay
2 hours
25%
Externally Assessed
* The Adventures of
Huckleberry Finn by Mark
Twain
IB Language A1 Program Overview 2014-15
•
•
Titles with an asterisk contain more explicit sexual or prejudicial language. Students may opt from one title over
the two-year program.
Percentages reflect external weighing by IBO for the final IB grade, not a student’s internal grade here at
Southridge.
Student Name:
please check one: __ Class of ’16 __ Class of ‘17
Dear IB English Students and Parents:
Congratulations on joining students from over 1,000 schools around the world in a rigorous study of
literature! We welcome you to this two-year program as an incoming junior or a returning senior. This letter,
with your signature and prompt return, serves as a record that you have received information about the program,
titles, IB assessments, the relationship between IB studies and weighted grades, and summer reading plans.
Program Overview
IB English students read works of literature from two IB lists: the Prescribed Literature in Translation (PLT) and
the Prescribed List of Authors (PLA). IB directors and planners from the IB Organization identify approved
works and authors for our IB trained staff to reference when constructing a reading list that meet the aims and
objectives of the IB program (see reverse for titles). Inherent to IB’s broader global understanding, we read from
other cultures’ perspectives. At times, readers feel an inclination to make moral judgments about the fictional
societies and characters we encounter. We acknowledge these feelings and then assist students in moving past
emotional responses to assessing the literature through a critical lens. We also heavily emphasize deconstruction
of a text in order to best understand how writers create their art. IB expects that students reflect on the art in a
culture as a means to understand a common human bond explored through a variety of perspectives.
Students use IB titles on internal and external assessments (see reverse for details), graded and/or moderated by
trained readers from around the globe. As a prescribed program, we must notify IB a year in advance what titles
we will read. Because of this, IB allows only one title substitution for the two-year program. Please look over the
titles on the reverse of this sheet and review them over the summer; should you or your student wish to request a
substitution we ask that you present your request to the IB coordinator, Celeste Colasurdo, before the school year
begins.
IB English is a detailed study of literature, not a basic writing course. As such IB expects that students have
controlled command over college prep writing and usage skills when they enter the program. Instructors respond
to writing instruction needs as the literature creates opportunities to address stylistic and technical options or
standards. Our emphasis is on enjoyment and analysis of the literature. Students must appreciate reading and
discussing ideas, as these are the very heart of the program.
Weighted Grades
Although BSD Seniors who take IB classes will graduate with “weighted grades” this does not affect classroom
practice. BSD weighted grades only affect transcripts and GPA. A student who earns a “B” on a paper or test does
not then get an “A” in the class. Students with a desire to earn an “A” need to meet “A” standards based upon
both IB and teacher criteria.
Summer Preparation
We expect students to read each of the grade level novels at least once over the summer and highly recommend
that students preview plays, short stories, and poets; escape into the rich worlds of the stories, get to know the
characters, delight in the variety of styles. Students on their second or third reading when we study titles as a
class are better prepared to delve deeply into the text. Strong readers have purposeful encounters with the entire
text a total of three times.
Again, we welcome you to the wonderful world of IB Higher Level English. If you have questions, do not hesitate
to email us.
Sincerely,
The Southridge English Language Arts Department
Please sign and return this letter to the main office by Thursday, June 11th.
We have read and understand the expectations of Southridge High School’s IB Language A1 Program.
Parent Name – Printed
Student Name – Printed
Parent Signature / Date
__________________________
Student Signature / Date