- Red Bank Regional High School District
- IB Course Descriptions
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International BaccalaureateDiploma Programme
Group 1-Language
IB English Literature HL 1 (1121) - The first year of the two-year curriculum focuses on close reading of three works, examining how authors create meaning through literary techniques. Students begin the year analyzing summer texts and additional 20th and 21st century readings; study culminates in an Individual Oral Presentation of 10-15 minutes based on one of these works. Students then explore four works in translation, exploring the global context of each work through research, discussion and writing. By the end of the year, students will have created a four-stage written analysis of one of the translated works. PRE: English 2; CR 5, YO 11
IB English Literature HL 2 (1122) - The second year of the IB English curriculum involves two parts. First, the class conducts detailed study of several works of various genres. Students are assessed through an extensive oral evaluation which includes a formal oral commentary of poetry and a student teacher discussion of a work of another genre. The second half of the year is spent reading and analyzing texts of a specific literary genre; students complete two year-end external written exams based on at least two works studied. PRE: IB English HL1; CR 5, YO 12Group 2- Second LanguageIB French SL (5599) - This is a 1-year course designed for seniors after completion of French 3 or Honors French 3. The main focus of the course is on language acquisition and the development of language skills. Mastery of language skills is developed through the study and use of a range of written and spoken material and literary texts, all of which relate to the culture of France and the Francophone countries. IB French is discussion-based, relies heavily on student interaction, and promotes intercultural awareness and understanding. The areas of study include communication and media, global issues, social relationships, cultural diversity, customs and traditions, health, leisure, and science and technology. In addition to taking the IB examinations in May, the students complete the IB written assignment and individual and interactive oral activities throughout the year. PRE French 3 or Honors French 3. CR 5, YO 12
IB French HL 1 and HL 2 (5601/5602) - This is a 2-year course designed for juniors and seniors after completion of French 3, Honors French 3, or Accelerated French. The main focus of the course is on language acquisition and the development of language skills. Mastery of language skills is developed through the study and use of a range of written and spoken material and literary texts, all of which relate to the culture of France and the Francophone countries. IB French is discussion-based, relies heavily on student interaction, and promotes intercultural awareness and understanding. The areas of study include communication and media, global issues, social relationships, cultural diversity, customs and traditions, health, leisure, and science and technology. The students also read and study two works of literature. In addition to taking the IB examinations in May of senior year, the students complete the IB written assignment and individual and interactive oral activities throughout the course. PRE: Accelerated French, French 3, or Honors French 3. CR 5 YO 11, 12IB Italian SL (5598) - This is a 1-year course designed for seniors after completion of Italian 3 or Honors Italian 3. The main focus of the course is on language acquisition and the development of language skills. Mastery of language skills is developed through the study and use of a range of written and spoken material and literary texts, all of which relate to Italian culture. IB Italian is discussion-based, relies heavily on student interaction, and promotes intercultural awareness and understanding. The areas of study include communication and media, global issues, social relationships, cultural diversity, customs and traditions, health, leisure, and science and technology. In addition to taking the IB examinations in May, the students complete the IB written assignment and individual and interactive oral activities throughout the year. PRE: Italian 3 or Honors Italian 3. CR 5, YO 12IB Italian HL1 (5603) and HL2 (5604) - This is a 2-year course designed for juniors and seniors after completion of Italian 3, Honors Italian 3, or Accelerated Italian. The main focus of the course is on language acquisition and the development of language skills. Mastery of language skills is developed through the study and use of a range of written and spoken material and literary texts, all of which relate to Italian culture. IB Italian is discussion-based, relies heavily on student interaction, and promotes intercultural awareness and understanding. The areas of study include communication and media, global issues, social relationships, cultural diversity, customs and traditions, health, leisure, and science and technology. The students also read and study two works of literature. In addition to taking the IB examinations in May of senior year, the students complete the IB written assignment and individual and interactive oral activities throughout the course. PRE: Accelerated Italian, Italian 3, or Honors Italian 3. CR 5, YO 11, 12
IB Spanish SL (5590) - This is a 1-year course designed for seniors after completion of Spanish 3 or Honors Spanish 3. The main focus of the course is on language acquisition and the development of language skills. Mastery of language skills is developed through the study and use of a range of written and spoken material and literary texts, all of which relate to Hispanic culture. IB Spanish is discussion-based, relies heavily on student interaction, and promotes intercultural awareness and understanding. The areas of study include communication and media, global issues, social relationships, cultural diversity, customs and traditions, health, leisure, and science and technology. In addition to taking the IB examinations in May, the students complete the IB written assignment and individual and interactive oral activities throughout the year. PRE: Spanish 3 or Honors Spanish 3; CR 5, YO 12
IB Spanish HL 1 (5592) and 2 (5593) - This is a 2-year course designed for juniors and seniors after completion of Spanish 3, Honors Spanish 3, or Accelerated Spanish. The main focus of the course is on language acquisition and the development of language skills. Mastery of language skills is developed through the study and use of a range of written and spoken material and literary texts, all of which relate to Hispanic culture. IB Spanish is discussion-based, relies heavily on student interaction, and promotes intercultural awareness and understanding. The areas of study include communication and media, global issues, social relationships, cultural diversity, customs and traditions, health, leisure, and science and technology. The students also read and study two works of literature. In addition to taking the IB examinations in May of senior year, the students complete the IB written assignment and individual and interactive oral activities throughout the course. PRE: Accelerated Spanish, Spanish 3, or Honors Spanish 3; CR 5, YO 11, 12
Group 3- Individuals and SocietiesIB Business Management SL (6629) - This business management course is designed to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of business management theories, as well as their ability to apply a range of tools and techniques. Students learn to analyze, discuss, and evaluate business activities at local, national, and international levels. The course covers a range of organizations from all sectors, as well as the sociocultural and economic contexts in which those organizations operate. Covers curriculum previously taught in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Required grade 12 for AOF students. CR 5, YO 11, 12IB History of the Americas HL 1 (2220) - This course is open to any student intending to go to college and specifically meets the IB full diploma requirement for individuals and society (social studies). History of the Americas is a comparative course, which will integrate the histories of Canada, Latin America, and the United States from the 19th Century to the present, as well as World History Topics like The Cold War and 20th Century Wars. This course is designed to promote awareness and understanding of the countries in the Western Hemisphere along with a global perspective. An emphasis is placed on critical thinking, analysis of primary sources, and historical research. Students in this class should have average to above average writing skills and above average or college-capable reading skills. In addition to serving as the first year of the IB curriculum for higher-level Social Studies, this course counts for graduation purposes as one year of United States history. The international perspective in Diploma Programme history provides a sound platform for the promotion of international understanding and, inherently, the intercultural awareness necessary to prepare students for global citizenship. Above all, it helps to foster respect and understanding of people and events in a variety of cultures throughout the world. PRE: US 1; CR 5, YO 11
IB History of the Americas HL 2 (2221) - History of the Americas is a comparative course, which will integrate the histories of Canada, Latin America, and the United States from the 19th Century to the present, as well as World History Topics like The Cold War and 20th Century Wars. This course is designed to promote awareness and understanding of the countries in the Western Hemisphere along with a global perspective. An emphasis is placed on critical thinking, analysis of primary sources and historical research. Students in this class should have average to above average writing skills and above average or college-capable reading skills. The international perspective in Diploma Programme history provides a sound platform for the promotion of international understanding and, inherently, the intercultural awareness necessary to prepare students for global citizenship. Above all, it helps to foster respect and understanding of people and events in a variety of cultures throughout the world. Students will be expected to complete the IB Internal Assessment and the IB exams in May. PRE: IB History of the Americas HL 1. CR 5, YO 12IB Psychology SL (2224) & IB Psychology HL (2226) - IB Psychology examines the interaction of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences on human behavior. This integrative approach helps students understand how psychological knowledge is generated, developed, and applied. Through this course of study, students learn to appreciate the diversity of human behavior and explore ethical considerations when conducting psychological research. There is a focus on one or two options (key areas, such as Human Relationships or Abnormal Psychology) and the replication of a simple experiment, the Internal Assessment, is required. CR 5, YO 11,12
*The main distinction between IB Psychology SL and HL is that SL students take part in a one-year course, use descriptive statistics on the Internal Assessment and study one option. Students in HL Psychology, a 2-year course, study all topics much more in-depth, carry out a more complicated Internal Assessment by calculating Inferential Statistics, must study two options plus investigate qualitative research methods.
Group 4- Experimental SciencesIB Environmental Systems and Societies SL (4494) - The prime intent of this rigorous course is to provide students with a coherent perspective of the interrelationships between environmental systems and societies; one that enables them to adopt an informed personal response to the wide range of pressing environmental issues that they will inevitably come to face. Students’ attention can be constantly drawn to their own relationship with their environment and the significance of choices and decisions that they make in their own lives. It is intended that students develop a sound understanding of the interrelationships between environmental systems and societies, rather than a purely journalistic appreciation of environmental issues. The approach therefore is conducive to students evaluating the scientific, ethical and socio-political aspects of issues. Students meet for mandatory sessions over the summer. The purpose of these meetings is to complete the topic 1 material as well as take the topic 1 assessment. An independent research paper is due to complete the IB Internal Assessment, an integral component to the diploma process. PRE: Chemistry with a suggested average of 75 or higher. CR 6, YO 11,12
IB Biology SL (4490) - The intent of this rigorous course is to provide students with a holistic approach to the study of living things. The specific emphasis is on a practical approach through experimental work where students should become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other. Topics of study include cellular biology, molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution and biodiversity, human physiology, along with an additional option. Students will have opportunities to design investigations, collect data, develop manipulative skills, analyze results, collaborate with peers, and evaluate and communicate their findings. All students enrolled in the course are required to complete a 10-hour investigation resulting in a research paper (internal assessment) as well as the IB exam (external assessment), integral parts of the certificate and diploma processes. PRE: Biology (4403,4405) and Chemistry (4430, 4440) with suggested averages of 85 or higher and teacher recommendation. CR: 6, YO 11, 12Group 5- MathematicsIB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL (3374) - The IB DP Mathematics: analysis and approaches course recognize the need for analytical expertise in a world where innovation is increasingly dependent on a deep understanding of mathematics. The focus is on developing important mathematical concepts in a comprehensible, coherent and rigorous way, achieved by a carefully balanced approach. Students are encouraged to apply their mathematical knowledge to solve abstract problems as well as those set in a variety of meaningful contexts PRE: Honors Pre-Calculus or Pre-Calculus with a suggested average of 85 or higher. CR 5, YO 11,12IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation SL (3370) - The IB DP Mathematics: applications and interpretation course recognize the increasing role that mathematics and technology play in a diverse range of fields in a data-rich world. As such, it emphasizes the meaning of mathematics in context by focusing on topics that are often used as applications or in mathematical modeling. Students are encouraged to solve real-world problems, construct and communicate this mathematically and interpret the conclusions or generalizations. Students should expect to develop strong technical skills and will be intellectually equipped to appreciate the links between the theoretical and practical concepts in mathematics. PRE: Algebra 2 & Geometry with suggested averages of 85 or higher or Algebra 2 & Geometry Concepts with suggested averages of 90 or higher. CR 5, YO 12
Group 6- The ArtsIB Theatre HL (7769) - Theatre is a practical subject that encourages discovery through experimentation, the taking of risks, and the presentation of ideas to others. It results in the development of both theatre and life skills; the building of confidence, creativity, and working collaboratively. The IB Diploma Programme theatre course is a multifaceted theatre-making course of study. It gives students the opportunity to make theatre as creators, designers, directors, and performers. It emphasizes the importance of working both individually and collaboratively as part of an ensemble. It offers the opportunity to engage actively in the creative process, transforming ideas into action as inquisitive and productive artists. Students experience the course from contrasting artistic perspectives. They learn to apply research and theory to inform and to contextualize their work. The theatre course encourages students to appreciate that through the processes of researching, creating, preparing, presenting and critically reflecting on theatre— as participants and audience members—they gain a richer understanding of themselves, their community, and the world. Through the study of theatre, students become aware of their own personal and cultural perspectives, developing an appreciation of the diversity of theatre practices, their processes, and their modes of presentation. It enables students to discover and engage with different forms of theatre across time, place, and culture and promotes international mindedness. CR 5, YO 11,12IB Visual Arts HL 1 (7800) - This higher-level Visual Arts course is for a student who has a serious interest in art and is willing to approach art with an open mind. The purpose of this course is to allow students to explore and experiment with different visual art forms emphasizing not only a personal approach but that of other cultures. Art is a universal form of communication that is not reserved for just a few people or limited to just a few art forms. For the same reason, the focus of this class will be to encourage students to investigate, inquire and experiment with artistic approaches used by different cultures, not only in terms of media but also in concept. PRE: Studio Art 1, Studio Art 2; CR 5, YO 11
IB Visual Arts HL 2 (7801) - In the second year of IB Visual Arts HL students will continue their art exploration from a global and personal perspective but concentrating on the creation of art based on their own artistic calling and the influences they have taken from the research done the previous year. Students are expected to create pieces to be shown in an exhibit taking place in mid-March, as well as photographing work done in the Research Workbook (RWB). All these will be reviewed and sent to IB International for scoring. PRE: IB Visual Arts; 1 CR 5, YO 12
Core IB Course for IB Diploma StudentsIB Theory of Knowledge 1 (9010) & 2 (9011) - The main goal of this interdisciplinary course is designed to encourage students to think critically about knowledge itself and develop an appreciation of other cultural perspectives. Instead of only being focused on what we know, the primary purpose of TOK is to examine how we know, rather than what we know. What counts as knowledge? How does it grow? What are its limits? Who owns knowledge? What is the value of knowledge? What are the implications of having, or not having, knowledge? TOK activities and discussions aim to help students discover and express their views on knowledge issues, as well as explore international perspectives of knowledge. Ultimately, students will also acquire an understanding of what it means to know something as an artist, a scientist, a psychologist, an economist, a historian, a mathematician, a philosopher, etc., no matter where on the planet they are from and how the forms of knowledge acquired are interconnected. CR 5, YO 11, 12