Holly Rankin ZaherIB Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay 2014-2015Holly.Zaher@mnps.org615/298.8400 ext. 1206

How do you know what you know?

Theory of Knowledge “is a course about critical thinking and inquiring into the process of knowing, rather than about learning a specific body of knowledge” (ToK Guide 8).

Welcome to Theory of Knowledge!

When I think of Theory of Knowledge, a smile creeps across my face. A-ha moments and times when students’ brains worked overtime come to mind. I love teaching the course – and by the end, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

You can expect a lot of writing and a lot of discussion in class. We watch videos, create sketches, journal reflections, debate topics, analyze current events from Beyoncé’s Superbowl performance to the Ebola outbreak. Your voice matters in our class! We learn so much from each other and different perspectives. Be ready to offer yours!

Course Description

What exactly is Theory of Knowledge?

Simply, Theory of Knowledge, also referred to as ToK, provides space and time for you, as a learner, to reflect, refine, and explore the nature of both the concept of knowledge and specific knowledge. As part of the Core of the Diploma Programme, Theory of Knowledge seeks to encourage students to broaden their own perspectives as well develop deeper skills in argumentmentation.

From the IB Theory of Knowledge Guide:

“All Diploma Programme students participate in the three elements that make up the core of the programme model. Reflection on all these elements is a principle that lies at the heart of the thinking behind the Diploma Programme.

The theory of knowledge course encourages students to think about the nature of knowledge, to reflect on the process of learning in all the subjects they study as part of their Diploma Programme course, and to make connections across them. The extended essay, a substantial piece of writing of up to 4,000

words, enables students to investigate a topic of special interest that they have chosen themselves. It also encourages them to develop the skills of independent research that will be expected at university. Creativity, action, service(CAS) involves students in experiential learning through a range of artistic, sporting, physical and service activities” (3).

Hillsboro High School also utilizes the Theory of Knowledge class to facilitate the Extended Essay, a maximum of 4,000 words research paper of a topic of the student’s choosing.

Why study knowledge?

The IB Theory of Knowledge Guide offers these Aims for the Theory of Knowledge course:

“The overall aim of TOK is to encourage students to formulate answers to the question ‘how do you know?’ in a variety of contexts, and to see the value of that question. This allows students to develop an enduring fascination with the richness of knowledge.

Specifically, the aims of the TOK course are for students to:1. make connections between a critical approach to the construction of knowledge, the academic disciplines and the wider world2. develop an awareness of how individuals and communities construct knowledge and how this is critically examined3. develop an interest in the diversity and richness of cultural perspectives and an awareness of personal and ideological assumptions4. critically reflect on their own beliefs and assumptions, leading to more thoughtful, responsible and purposeful lives5. understand that knowledge brings responsibility which leads to commitment and action” (14).

Course Expectations

This course expects students’ presence. Most of what students will need to know in the class will come from class time through discussions, Socratic conversations, reflections, and video content in class.

Students need to come to class ready to work and think, with paper and a writing utensil and assigned work completed (when assigned). While we will have assignments that require work outside of class, a majority of our work happens in class.

Coming late to class disrupts the class momentum. The school’s tardy policy will be enforced.

1st Offense: Warning

2nd Offense:Teacher consequence

3rd Offense:Teacher consequence

4th Offense: Teacher consequence, call home

*Teacher consequences include (but are not limited to) written assignments, detention, etc. If a student refuses to perform a teacher consequence, an office referral should be written.

5th Offense: Discipline referral

A coffee/tea/hot cocoa station is provided for all who take Theory of Knowledge. Please consider donating supplies.

Assignments and Grading

Regular assignments (formative assessments) checking the progress toward our goals will be assigned throughout the year. Each unit will culminate with a summative assessment evaluating the skills necessary in ToK: Knowledge Claims, Knowledge Questions, Shared and Personal Knowledge and Knowledge Frameworks. Also tested as summative assessments will be practice Prescribed Titles and Presentations, the two ways IB assesses Theory of Knowledge. All assessments will be graded by a rubric given to students at the time of assignment and will be based on the Rubrics for the Prescribed Title and the Presentation. All marks will be awarded an IB mark of 1-10 on the Global Impression rubrics, attached at the end of this packet for reference.

IB Mark Hillsboro Grade9/10 A7/8 B5/6 C3/4 D1/2 F

As per Academy policy, all IB assessments (the Presentation and Prescribed Titles) are due by their due date done appropriately for recognition.

Documentation for coursework can be found on our Theory of Knowledge Blackboard site.

The Theory of Knowledge Guide course objectives are:

“It is expected that by the end of the TOK course, students will be able to:

1. identify and analyse the various kinds of justifications used to support knowledge claims2. formulate, evaluate and attempt to answer knowledge questions3. examine how academic disciplines/areas of knowledge generate and shape knowledge4. understand the roles played by ways of knowing in the construction of shared and personal knowledge5. explore links between knowledge claims, knowledge questions, ways of knowing and areas of knowledge6. demonstrate an awareness and understanding of different perspectives and be able to relate these to one’s own perspective7. explore a real-life/contemporary situation from a TOK perspective in the presentation” (15).

Grade Breakdown

JuniorsFirst SemesterSkill Assessment 40%Prescribed Titles 30%Presentations 30%

Second SemesterSkill Assessment 30%Prescribed Titles 20%Presentations 20%Research Paper 30%

Seniors

Skill Assessment 30%Prescribed Titles 20%Presentations 20%Extended Essay 30%

Skills to be assessed: Knowledge Claims, Knowledge Questions, Knowledge Framework, Real Life Situation, and Shared and Personal Knowledge.

Course Outline 2014-2015

Theory of Knowledge IJuniors

First Quarter How do we know what we know? (Knowledge)What’s important? (Indigenous Knowledge)How do you know when you know? (Intuition)

Second Quarter What does it mean to be human? (Human Sciences)What is love? (Emotion)

Third Quarter Do scientists always tell the truth? (Natural Sciences)Is this a bargain? (Reason)Mini Research Paper

Fourth Quarter Who decides what is right? (Ethics)Do you see what I see? (Sense Perception)Extended Essay Prep

Theory of Knowledge IISeniors

First Quarter What is beautiful? (The Arts)Are we limited by our dreams? (Imagination)

Second Quarter Why are stories important? (History)How real are our memories? (Memory)First PresentationFirst Prescribed Title

Third Quarter Was math created or invented? (Mathematics)What gets lost in translation? (Language)Second PresentationSecond Prescribed Title

Fourth Quarter Is anybody out there? (Religious Faith Systems and Faith)Cultivating Wisdom

Extended Essay Dates:October 21, 2014 at 11.59p: Comment Draft due to www.turnitin.com and your mentor*The Comment Draft is a paper. As such, to be accepted, it needs to be formatted appropriately; of a significant length; and with a completed Table of Contents, Abstract and Works Cited page.December 2, 2014 at 11.59: Final Draft due

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We have reviewed and discussed the expectations of Holly Zaher’s Theory of Knowledge course.

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