Appendix 3 IB Diploma Programme Course Outlines

Transcription

1 Appendix 3 IB Diploma Programme Course Outlines The following points should be addressed when preparing course outlines for each IB Diploma Programme subject to be taught. Please be sure to use IBO nomenclature throughout. Name of the course: For example, English A1, HL. Theory of Knowledge Course description: In two to three paragraphs, describe the course in terms of focus, purpose, aims and objectives, the inclusion of internationalism, the proposed process, and expected assessment. This should be a summary. The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) class is an integral part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. It affords students the opportunity to explore knowledge and its acquisition as it relates to the four Ways of Knowing perception, emotion, reason and languages within the context of the Areas of Knowledge mathematics, natural sciences, human sciences, history, the arts, and ethics. TOK is central to students connecting what they know and how they know it to real situations, problems and content. We propose to follow the aims and objectives below which are taken from the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) Theory of Knowledge guidelines. The IB program at Kennebunk High School will foster the free movement of ideas across all boundaries. Our school will offer a variety of opportunities for all students to explore the perspectives of other societies within the global community. The IB learner in Theory of Knowledge will focus on global issues and themes with consideration of seeing these issues through the eyes of another culture. The teacher will demonstrate and model international mindedness through careful selection and presentation of materials and resources.

2 Topics: In narrative or outline form, list what you will cover in your course to meet the IB syllabus requirements. In addition, if IB courses are going to be combined with AP or other curriculums, outlines should address additional non-ib topics to be covered. In semester 2 of their junior year, students will begin their study of TOK. The course will follow the following the guidelines of IBO. Our initial discussions will revolve around Knowers & Knowing exploring the problems of knowing and the nature of knowing. When investigating the ways of knowing we will explore the effects of language, perception, reason and emotion on the way we aquire knowledge. We will spend 5 blocks on each area listed above leaving several blocks in the semester schedule for special projects related to the above areas. In the semester 1 of their senior year students will continue their study of TOK. In this portion of the course we will immerse ourselves in the Areas of Knowledge exploring the uniquesness and similarities between Mathematics, natural & human sciences, History, the Arts and Ethics. We will spend 6 blocks on each area listed above leaving several blocks in the semester schedule for special projects related to the above areas. As a class we will be developing essential questions in each of the areas that will enrich and guide classroom discussions and projects.

3 Assessment: Knowledge of IBO-required assessments and descriptors should be evident. All parts of IB assessment should be addressed, both internal and external. In addition, examples of non-ib monitoring should be given, if they are part of the course. School-Based Assessment: Course Grading Quarter grades will be determined as follows: Class participation: 30% Reflective journal: 30% Special projects due each semester*: 40% *1st semester: 2 TOK Prescribed Essays (part of the school based assessment as well as for IB Assessments); several topic related projects; periodic quizzes covering the content. 2nd Semester: 2 TOK Prescribed Essays on Prescribed Titles (part of the school based assessment as well as for IB Assessments); several topic related projects; periodic quizzes covering the content. IB Assessment: TOK External Assessment: Essay on a prescribed topic ( words) selected from the 4 done in class TOK Internal Assessment: Oral presentation (10 minutes) with accompanying selfevaluation as required by IBO

4 Resources: List the books and other resource materials and software that will be used in the course. Information should include what is currently available as well as what is being ordered. Resources we possess: Teacher Copy -Theory of Knowledge for the IB Diploma - Richard van de Lagemaat, Cambridge University Press -Sophie s World -Jostein Gaardner -What Does It All Mean? -Thomas Nagel Various texts, magazine and newspaper articles available through our library resources. Resources needed as reference materials: Student Copies -Theory of Knowledge for the IB Diploma - Richard van de Lagemaat, Cambridge University Press -Sophie s World -Jostein Gaardner (selections from this book will be used) -What Does It All Mean? -Thomas Nagel (selections from this book will be used)

5 Teaching time: List all classroom teaching hours for each HL and SL course. HL/SL course Teaching hours Theory of Knowledge 100 (add rows as necessary) Signature: Print Name: Title: Bruce Lewia Teacher of Music; Visual & Performing Arts Dept. Chair

6 For Theory of Knowledge: Is the TOK course designed to conform to IBO requirements in substance and classroom hours? Indicate the distribution of TOK topics over the two years of the IB Diploma Programme. Does the course provide adequate training in analytical and critical thought? The TOK course at Kennebunk High School meets and exceeds the IBO requirements in relation to classroom hours (140 hours). The substance of the course id directly linked with the IBO Theory of Knowledge guidelines, aims and objectives. In semester 2 of their junior year (the first semester of the TOK course), students will begin their study of TOK. The course will follow the following outline: Knowers & Knowing 1. The problem of knowing 2. The nature of knowledge Ways of Knowing 1. Language 2. Perception 3. Reason 4. Emotion We will spend 5 blocks on each area listed above leaving several blocks in the semester schedule for special projects related to the above areas. In the semester 1 of their senior year students will continue their study of TOK. The course will follow the following outline: Areas of Knowledge 1. Mathematics 2. The Natural Sciences 3. The Human Sciences 4. History 5. The Arts 6. Ethics We will spend 6 blocks on each area listed above leaving several blocks in the semester schedule for special projects related to the above areas. As a class we will be developing essential questions in each of the areas that will enrich and guide classroom discussions and projects.

7 For all subjects: Has a thorough review of the available resource materials and equipment (both within the department and in the library/media centre) been conducted? Are instructional materials available in sufficient quality, quantity and variety to give effective support to the aims and methods of the courses? Are community resources used both within the classroom and as part of regular field trips? Are the needs and projected costs of acquiring all necessary materials and equipment for each subject group clearly stated? Is an international perspective included? A thorough review of resources, materials and equipment has been conducted for TOK in conjunction with administration, library/media personnel and the course teacher. Needed materials have been identified and have been supported through the school budget process. Community resources have been sought in regards to needs for the IB program and community resources have bee identified that would support classroom activities (such as field trips and guest lecturers.