Theory of Knowledge Course Syllabus

The structure of the TOK class begins at the center with you as the Knower, moves outward to the ring labeled Ways of Knowing, and then moves into the final ring, Areas of Knowledge. These rings are never separate. Instead, it is the back and forth between the rings that serves as the heart of TOK and your journey as a questioning human being. It is through the consideration of all of these interrelated systems that you will be able to do three things: unify what it is that you have learned in you previous coursework by comparing knowledge claims across disciplines; develop an awareness of bias and prejudice on knowledge processes; and critically analyze how it is that you came to acquire knowledge and what problems various forms of knowledge present. Central to the educational philosophy of the International Baccalaureate Program, the Theory of Knowledge course challenges you to reflect critically on diverse ways of knowing and areas of knowledge and to consider the role which knowledge plays in a global society. The class encourages you to become aware of yourself as a thinker, to become aware of the complexity of knowledge and to recognize the need to act responsibly in an increasingly interconnected world. TOK is designed to provide students with an opportunity for reflection. As such, the course is not designed to impart new information so much as it is intended to explore the origins and limitations of what the you have already learned in other courses. You will carefully consider and investigate epistemological, philosophical, and religious perspectives as they pertain to all of the I.B. curriculums subject categories. TOK is not a course in philosophy. However, you will be introduced to some philosophical ideas and terminology, though the main raw material will be your own experiences inside and outside the classroom.

Theory of Knowledge Course Syllabus

Aims The aims of the TOK course are to: develop a fascination with the richness of knowledge as a human endeavor and an understanding of the empowerment that follows from reflecting upon it develop an awareness of how knowledge is constructed, critically examined, evaluated and renewed by communities and individuals reflect on your experiences as learners, in everyday life and in the Diploma Programme, and to make connections between academic disciplines and between thoughts, feelings and actions encourage an interest in the diversity of ways of thinking and ways of living of individuals and communities and an awareness of personal and ideological assumptions, including your own encourage consideration of the responsibilities originating from the relationship between knowledge the community and the individual as citizen of the world. Objectives Having followed the TOK course, you should be able to: analyze critically knowledge claims, their underlying assumptions and their implications generate questions, explanations, conjectures, hypotheses, alternative ideas and possible solutions in response to knowledge issues concerning areas of knowledge, ways of knowing and your own experience as learners demonstrate an understanding of different perspectives on knowledge issues draw links and make effective comparisons between different approaches to knowledge issues that derive from areas of knowledge, ways of knowing, theoretical positions and cultural values demonstrate an ability to give a personal, self-aware response to a knowledge issue formulate and communicate ideas clearly with due regard for accuracy and academic honesty Assessment Minimum Requirements Year 1 1st Semester Journal Entries Participation 1 400-500 word Essay 2nd Semester Journal Entries (weekly) Participation (daily) 1 400-450 word Essay 1 700 750 word Essay Year 2 1st Semester Journal Entries Participation 1 700-750 word Essay 1 Oral Presentation (internal assessment) 2nd Semester Journal Entries Participation

Theory of Knowledge Course Syllabus 1 Mini-Oral Presentation 1 Essay (external assessment)

You will be assessed both externally and internally for the IBO. The external assessment is worth 40 points and will be an essay (1,200 1,600 words) written on a prescribed title. The internal assessment is worth 20 points and will be a presentation (approximately 10 minutes) on a topic of your choice addressing knowledge issues. Both of these are done during year 2 of your IB coursework. See attached for the assessment outline and scoring rubrics. For the ZIS report cards, there are no quarter grades. Semester grades are based on journal entries (25%), participation (25%), oral and written assignments (50%). Reflective Journal If a prompt is given, answer it. Please feel free to go beyond the prompts and write whatever seems important to you about your experiences during the course incorporating areas of knowledge, ways of knowing and yourself as the knower. Students are encouraged to use this journal as a tool for; recording individual responses and discussion notes honest, self-analysis, introspection and careful deliberation on TOK ideas expressing your voice and perspective as well as those of others applying class concepts to world issues/events whenever possible tangible evidence of progression and growth throughout the course Criteria Depth of Reflection & Content as related to the TOK diagram Organization Good Writing is focused on the prompt. Personal connection/reflection. Highly organized and logical. Clear start and finish to the entry. Obvious detailed effort. Vivid details capture the readers attention. Minimal errors in grammar and punctuation. Sophisticated language. Satisfactory Writing is somewhat related to the prompt. Little personal connection/reflection . Organized. Focus and sequence of events is mostly clear. Acceptable effort. Minimal use of descriptive language. Errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation do not hinder comprehension. No use of descriptive details to capture the readers attention. Lacks attention to grammar, spelling or punctuation which hinders comprehension. Unsatisfactory Writing lacks focus on the prompt. No personal connection/reflection. Lacks organization. No clear sequence of events. Little or no effort. Conventions

Theory of Knowledge Course Syllabus Illegible handwriting. Neat legible handwriting. Legible handwriting.

Participation TOK activities and discussions aim to help you discover and express your views on knowledge issues. Therefore, participation is a crucial element to success. You are encouraged to share ideas with others and to listen to and learn from what others think. Through this process, your understanding of knowledge as a human construction is shaped, enriched and deepened. Criteria Contribution Good Makes significant contributions to group work and/or discussions. Highly supportive of others. Volunteers Responds respectfully and sensitively Listening Always listens when others talk in group work and in class discussions. Incorporates or builds off of the ideas of others. Satisfactory Makes contributions to group work and/or discussions. Attempts to support others Occasionally volunteers Sometimes responds respectfully and sensitively Sometimes listens when others talk, in group work and in class discussions. Unsatisfactory Minimally involved in group work and/or discussions. Offers limited support to group members Doesnt volunteer Rarely responds respectfully and sensitively Rarely listens when others talk in group work and in class discussions. Often interrupts when others speak.

Bits n Pieces In the event of an absence (expected or unexpected) you are still responsible for deadlines being met and worked missed. In this electronic age, it is assumed that students will check moodle, email the teacher or ask a classmate in a timely manner. Make sure you turn in work that is your own, citing sources as needed. ZIS has a plagiarism policy. If you have a question about a grade, please arrange to meet the teacher to discuss it privately.