Spring 2008
Description
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is a requirement for the International Baccalaureate Programme in which the student engages in "thoughtful and purposeful enquiry," questioning and examining different ways of knowing and different kinds of knowledge.
Aims
According to the IB subject guide, the aims of the TOK class are to engage students in reflection on, and in the questioning of, the bases of knowledge, so that they
Assessment—IBO
External: Students will compose a 1200-1600 word essay on a title chosen from the list of ten titles prescribed by the IBO for each examination session (40 points). This is the culmination of your TOK class, and we will work towards these assessments throughout the next year and a half.
Internal: Students will make several individual and/or small group oral presentations to the class during the course and complete a self-evaluation. The best presentation will be chosen for assessment.
Assessment—Signature School
Your grade will be based on a point system. Since this course is discussion-based, much of your grade will be based on your participation in these dialogues. Your presentations and self-evaluations will also be given a letter grade, and there will be additional practice writings to prepare for the external assessment. Your final examination will be worth 20% of your total grade. You will also keep a journal, which will be explained below. Points vary depending on the assignment.
Dialogues, Socratic seminars 10-50 pts.
Homework, readings, classwork 5-50 pts.
presentations, essays 50-200 pts.
You will have frequent reading assignments for TOK, most of which will be shorter pieces designed to provoke thought and discussion. Thus, it is important that you not only read the pieces but also think about their implications. In addition, you are encouraged to bring in news items or articles that you encounter in your research that have a bearing on the topic under discussion.
You will be required to keep a journal for this class, and the content will be assigned and monitored by the teacher as the course progresses. You may be asked to evaluate your contribution to the discussion, respond to a quote, or give your thoughts and reactions to the topic of discussion. The journal can later aid you in formulating ideas for essays and presentations.
A reminder
While some flexibility is allowed, attendance is mandatory, and tardies will be counted. School rules regarding absences and tardies are followed for TOK.