Descriptions of IB Courses. At Bahrain School

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1 Descriptions of IB Courses At Bahrain School Group One: Language A1 IB English Literature- Higher Level and Standard Level IB English Literature (HL and SL) is designed to provide students with extensive experience and training in the study, interpretation, and analysis of literary works. Students at both levels will read a variety of translated world literature texts as well texts written in English. Students will gain an appreciation of the similarities and differences among literary works from different ages and cultures. Skills in the areas of oral presentation, formal academic writing, and critical analysis will be developed as students read and study literary texts. As students gain an appreciation of structure, technique and style, they will: become effective communicators in both speaking and writing, learn to see relationships across and between texts and other media, think critically, and understand, appreciate, and construct their own meaning from a diverse selection of texts. At the higher level, a greater number of texts are studied with more emphasis on literary features and their effects. Group Two: Foreign Language IB Foreign Language: Arabic, French, German, Spanish (offered at HL, SL, and Ab Initio) IB Arabic, IB French, IB German and IB Spanish at the Higher Level and Standard Levels are designed for students with some previous learning of the language. The main focus of the course is on language acquisition and development of language skills. These skills will be developed through the study and use of a range of written and spoken material such as everyday oral exchanges and literary texts, in order to develop mastery of language skills and intercultural understanding. All foreign languages taught at the higher level are appropriate for students who have a command of both the spoken and written language. Higher level courses place an increased emphasis on literature. IB Arabic, IB French, IB German and IB Spanish at the Ab Initio Level (from the beginning) are courses designed for students with little or no prior experience with the language. Students will learn to understand and communicate, both orally and in writing, simple and complex structures related to three themes studied: the individual and society, leisure and work, and urban and rural environment. They will study authentic texts, learn relevant vocabulary and grammar, and investigate similarities and differences between the target culture and their own. During the course, the student will become familiar with the everyday life and culture of countries in which the language is spoken. The student thus becomes aware of the similarities and differences between societies and develops an appreciation for the complex web of relationships that define us all. 1

2 Group Three: Individuals and Society IB Economics- HL and SL The IB Economics course emphasizes the economics theories of microeconomics, which deal with economic variables affecting individuals, firms and markets, and the economic theories of macroeconomics, which deal with economic variables affecting countries, governments and societies. These economic theories will be applied to real-world issues such as fluctuations in economic activity, international trade, economic development and environmental sustainability. The IB Economics course encourages students to develop international perspectives, fosters a concern for global issues, and raises students awareness of their own responsibilities at a local, national, and international level. The course also seeks to develop values that will enable students to achieve a degree of personal commitment in trying to resolve these issues while appreciating our shared responsibility as citizens of an increasingly interdependent world. All students will complete a portfolio of formal economic commentaries written about current news events. During the first year of this course, all students will take the Advanced Placement Microeconomics examination. IB European History- HL and SL Students will hone the analytical tools needed to synthesize the basic facts of history with one another and draw inferences about the causes and effects of events. The ability to examine and comment on a variety of primary source documents is also a major focus of the class. First year IB History covers the critical development of Europe in the Victorian age through World War I, Industrialization, New Imperialism, the nineteenth century revolution and counter-revolution, and the social and political changes that accompanied these developments. The course also deals with the birth of the Soviet Union and the roots of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Second year IB History covers the critical developments in Europe from World War I through the end of the Cold War. Focus points include World War I, the economics of the inter-war period, the rise of dictators, World War II, and the bi-polar US-Soviet struggle for global hegemony. Special attention will be devoted to an analysis of the rise and fall of the USSR and the Arab-Israeli conflict prior to September 11, IB Psychology- HL and SL IB Psychology is a course that familiarizes the students with methodology and critical review of biological, cognitive and socio-cultural theories of human psychology. Students become familiar with the history and the development of psychological theory over the past 100 years and how this has shaped diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental disorders as well as the social and political ramifications a better understanding of the human mind entails. Integral to the course is a working knowledge of ground-breaking case studies and experiments in which students develop the analytical tools a collegelevel student of psychology would need to possess to proceed in the study. 2

3 Group Three: Individuals and Societies Informational Technology in a Global Society (ITGS) The IB Informational Technology in a Global Society (ITGS) is a course that studies and evaluates the impacts of information technology on individuals and society. Students learn to do the following: 1. evaluate social and ethical considerations arising from widespread use of IT by individuals, families, communities, organizations and societies at the local and global level 2. develop understanding of the capabilities of current emerging IT systems to evaluate their impact on a range of stakeholders 3. apply their knowledge of existing IT systems to various scenarios and make informed judgments about the effects of IT developments on them 4. use their knowledge of IT systems and practical IT skills to create and justify IT solutions for a specified client or end user and 5. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the technical concepts within the IT systems strand Social and ethical issues of IT include reliability and integrity, security, privacy and anonymity, intellectual property, authenticity, the digital divide and equality of access, surveillance, globalization and cultural diversity, policies, standards and protocols, people and machines, and digital citizenship. IT topics covered include the following: hardware, software, networks, Internet, personal and public communication, multimedia/digital media, databases, spreadsheets, modeling and simulation, and introduction to project management. 3

4 Group Four: Experimental Sciences IB Physics HL/SL course. The course is college level and includes the following topics: mechanics, fluids, thermal, waves, electricity, and magnetism. Students should know algebra and basic trigonometry. AP Physics uses homework, labs, projects and tests for assessment. The AP exam is taken in May and consists of 70 multiple choice questions in 90 minutes and 6 or 7 free response questions in 90 minutes. This course is also listed as AP Physics B for Year One of IB Physics. IB Physics HL/SL 2 nd year- The second year of IB Physics begins where AP Physics finished. HL students complete at least 180 hours of instruction and SL students complete at least 110 hours of instruction. Additional topics to be covered include Climate Change and Energy, Digital Technology, and 2 Options (generally Astrophysics and Communications). The Internal Assessment (IA), which is student designed laboratory work, is the focus at the beginning of the course which allows students to focus on the exams as the year progresses. IB Biology- SL 1 st and 2nd Year- IB Biology at the standard level consists of 110 hours of Theory (knowledge/instruction) covering a range of topics: statistical analysis, cells, the chemistry of life, genetics, ecology and evolution, and human health and physiology. In addition, at least two option topics will be covered. IB Biology students should acquire a limited body of facts and, at the same time, develop a broad, general understanding of the principles of the subject (IB Biology Course Description). Students are required to complete 40 hours of Practical Work (laboratory investigations), some of which will contribute to the internal assessment (IA). The IA counts as 24% of the grade awarded by IB. IB Biology- HL 1 st and 2 nd Year- IB Biology at the higher level consists of 180 hours of Theory (knowledge/instruction) covering a range of topics: statistical analysis, cells, the chemistry of life, genetics, ecology and evolution, human health and physiology, nucleic acids and proteins, cell respiration and photosynthesis, plant science, genetics and human health and physiology. In addition, at least two option topics will be covered. IB Biology students should acquire a limited body of facts and, at the same time, develop a broad, general understanding of the principles of the subject; as well students become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other (IB Biology Course Description). Thus, students are required to complete 60 hours of Practical Work [laboratory investigations (scientific inquiry)], some of which will make up the internal assessment (IA). The IA counts as 24% of the grade awarded by IB. IB Chemistry- IB Chemistry is an experimental science that combines academic study with the acquisition of practical and investigational skills. It is called the central science as chemical principles underpin both the physical environment in which we live and all biological systems. 4

5 Chemistry HL - Year One Chemistry HL is taught in conjunction with AP Chemistry and prepares students to take the AP Chemistry examination. Year Two is a continuation and expansion on the information covered in the first year. Throughout the two years the following topics will be covered: quantitative chemistry, atomic structure, periodicity, bonding, energetic (thermochemistry), kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction (electrochemistry), organic chemistry, and measurement and data processing, plus two additional topics. The students will complete 180 hours of theory (knowledge and instruction) and 60 hours of practical (laboratory investigation). Chemistry SL- Chemistry at the standard level covers the following topics: quantitative chemistry, atomic structure, periodicity, bonding, energetic, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction, organic chemistry, and measurement and data processing plus two additional topics. Students will complete 110 hours of theory and 40 hours of laboratory work. 5

6 Group Six: Arts IB Visual Arts- HL and SL Students in year one and year two IB Visual Arts develop their aesthetic, imaginative, and expressive abilities through practical studio work as well as in-depth investigation and critical analysis in the form of an Investigative Workbook (WB). Within a thematic structure, students will have the opportunity to develop their sensitivity and appreciation of the visual world by investigating social, cultural, and contextual references and differences. They will explore a variety of materials and processes, investigate past, present and emerging forms of visual arts, and develop their own ideas into a series of solutions stemming from personal and creative visual inquiry. The primary difference between higher and standard level is the number of artistic works the student must produce over the two year course. IB Theatre Arts- SL The IB Theatre Arts Standard Level course offers students individual experiences and collaborative participation in a variety of theatre activities, practices and traditions. The course guides in the development of personal, academic, aesthetic and practical theatre skills. Throughout the course students will gain knowledge of theatrical traditions from other cultures, engage in analytical and imaginative interpretation of performance, apply research, reflect on personal growth and demonstrate initiative and perseverance in both individual and group projects. The course is designed for students who have prior experience in a drama course or drama activities. THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE This course is required for all IB Diploma students and may be taken as an elective for American Diploma students. The course is designed to examine the origins and validity of various forms of knowledge. At the center of this examination are you, the individual knower around whom swirls a complex combination of emotion, reason, language, and sense perception, all of which affect what it is and how it is you know. Equally instrumental in guiding what it is and how it is you know are the various areas of knowledge that students have been subjected to, including: Natural Sciences, Human Sciences, History, The Arts, Mathematics, and Ethics. 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 your previous course work by comparing knowledge claims across disciplines; develop an awareness of bias and prejudice in the knowledge processes; and critically analyze how it is you came to acquire knowledge and what problems various forms of knowledge present. You will share your understandings with a formal presentation and TOK essay. 6

7 IB Math Course Descriptions Mathematical Studies SL This course is equivalent in status to Mathematics SL, but addresses different needs. It has an emphasis on applications of mathematics, and the largest section is on statistical techniques. It is designed for students with varied mathematical backgrounds and abilities. It prepares students to be able to solve problems in a variety of settings, to develop more sophisticated mathematical reasoning and to enhance their critical thinking. Students will complete an individual project based on personal research involving the collection, analysis and evaluation of data; this major project is 20% of the IB grade. Students taking this course will be well-prepared for a career in social sciences, humanities, languages or arts. Mathematics SL/Math Analysis This course caters to students who already possess knowledge of basic mathematical concepts, and who are equipped with the skills needed to apply simple mathematical techniques correctly. All topics covered in this course require an understanding both with and without the use of a graphing calculator. Students will complete a research project in some area of mathematics during their senior year; this major project is 20% of the IB grade. Students taking this course expect to need a sound mathematical background as they prepare for future studies in subjects such as chemistry, economics, psychology and business administration. Mathematics HL/AP Calculus This course caters to students with a good background in mathematics who are competent in a range of analytical and technical skills. All topics covered in this course require an understanding both with and without the use of a graphing calculator. The first year students will take AP Calculus and sit the exam in May. This is a college level course and requires a minimum of one hour of study per day. Students will complete a research project in some area of mathematics during their senior year; this major project is 20% of the IB grade. Students taking this course expect to include mathematics as a major component of their university studies, either as a subject in its own right or within courses such as physics, engineering and technology. Others may take this subject because they have a strong interest in mathematics and enjoy meeting its challenges and engaging with its problems. 7