Languages Overview and Language A Literature
IB
Languages can be studied at one of three levels:
1. Language A is normally the pupil’s native language. There are various options: in German and Italian, Language A is a Literature course; in English, Language A is a Language and Literature course. There is also Language A Self-Study, for pupils whose native language is not one which Felsted teaches. Self-study may only be taken at Standard Level.
2. Language B is designed to be the study of a foreign language. In consequence, much of the course consists in developing language skills, and learning about the culture of the country whose language is being studied. It should not normally be taken by a native speaker of that language.
3. Ab Initio courses are designed for those who wish to start a new language. It is designed specifically for pupils with little or no experience of the language in question.
Language Options | |
---|---|
Language A | German (Literature) English (Language and Literature) Italian (Literature) Self-study: Any other language, subject to IB approval. Pupils taking a self-study language option are supported by a member of staff as they follow what is effectively a literature course in their own native language. It is only available at Standard Level. |
Language B* | English (HL only), German, French, Spanish, Latin (all at HL and SL) |
Ab Initio (SL) | Spanish, Italian* |
*minimum numbers required.
More information on the Language A Literature is below and more information on the other courses studied for languages can be found under English A Language and Literature and Modern Foreign Languages.
Language A Literature
Language A Literature courses all follow the same basic pattern, with the set texts varying according to the language being studied. The course outline below applies to German and Italian A Literature courses.
Through the study of a wide range of literature, this course encourages pupils to appreciate the artistry of literature and to develop an ability to reflect critically on their reading. Works are studied in their literary and cultural contexts, through close study of individual texts and passages, and by considering a range of critical approaches.
Why study Literature?
Literature affords a unique insight into the culture and traditions of a nation. Studying the great writers of the past and more recent authors goes a long way to explaining a nation’s history and heritage in an imaginative and enjoyable manner; while engaging in literary analysis enables pupils to understand better the mechanics of the language and to develop their own oral and written communication skills.
Most languages courses at universities contain a strong element of literature, so this provides an excellent introduction to tertiary education. Furthermore, the study of world literature texts means that pupils begin to see their own native literature in a global context, and to appreciate diverse cultural values.
How good must I be?
Pupils who take this course will often have varied language profiles, depending on their country of origin, and may be multilingual. As such there is no specific qualification, although the majority of pupils will follow the course in their mother tongue.
The Language A Literature course explores elements of language, literature and performance and focuses on:
the relationships between readers, writers and texts
the range and functions of texts across geographical space and historical time
aspects of intertextuality.
Students will focus exclusively on literary texts, adopting a variety of approaches to textual criticism. Students explore the nature of literature, the aesthetic function of literary language and textuality, and the relationship between literature and the world.
Assessment:
Higher Level
External Assessment 80%
Paper 1: Guided Literary Analysis (35%)
Paper 2:Comparative Essay (25%)
Higher Level Essay (20%)
Internal Assessment 20%
Individual Oral Exam. This component is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB at the end of the course.
Standard Level
External Assessment 70%
Paper 1: Guided Literary Analysis (35%)
Paper 2: Comparative Essay (35%)
Internal Assessment 30%
Individual Oral Exam. This component is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB at the end of the course.
Self Study Language (Standard Level Only)
Pupils may study a language which we do not teach at Felsted. They will follow a programme essentially similar to the Standard Level course outlined here. For 50% of the lesson time they are supported by a member of staff, who will help them develop the requisite analytical skills by guiding them through the works in translation part of the course. However, pupils also undertake a good deal of study on their own.
There are specific arrangements for assessment of their oral capabilities, while their written work is assessed in exactly the same way as in a taught course. The three internal assessment components are submitted to the IB for marking.
Assessment:
Standard Level
External Assessment 70%
Paper 1: Guided Literary Analysis (35%)
Paper 2:Comparative Essay (35%)
Internal Assessment 30%
Individual Oral Exam. This component is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB at the end of the course.