What is Language and Literature in the IB Diploma Programme?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in BINUS SCHOOL Simprug offers students the chance to study Language and Literature in depth. But what exactly does it mean to study Language and Literature in the IB Diploma Programme?
The course allows students to explore how language shapes our world, how texts are interpreted, and how literature reflects different cultures and times. These skills are essential for careers in media, law, education, and communication, as well as for academic success in university-level humanities programmes. Students can take this course in their mother tongue or a language they’re comfortable with.
The course deals with literature or non-literary texts, helping develop students’ critical thinking skills, a deep appreciation of language, and the ability to present ideas.
So, let’s break down what each involves, how they help develop critical skills, and their essential role in the IB Diploma Programme.
Language A: Language and Literature
What is literature and language? Language A: Language and Literature studies how language works in different forms, such as books, ads, social media, or speeches.
As a student, you’ll read a mix of literary and non-literary texts. You’ll not only read novels or poems but also examine everyday texts like news articles, advertisements, speeches, or TV shows.
The whole point is to understand how language influences people, shapes opinions, and communicates meaning depending on the context.
This course is suitable for those who love analysing the hidden meaning in things. You’ll be asked to consider why a writer chose certain words or how context can change a text’s message.
You’ll also learn to present your thoughts clearly through writing or speaking. By the end of the course, you’ll be skilled at breaking down language to see how it works, from its cultural meaning to its literal message.
Language A: Literature
Now that you have an overview of what Language and Literature means, Language A: Literature is the ideal course for students who have a deep interest in literary works.
Students will study various literary works, such as novels, poems, and plays, and learn how to think about what they read.
Though this course involves reading for fun, it also teaches students how to break down texts and understand how writers use language to create meaning.
You’ll read works from around the world, showing how different cultures and periods of history influence literature.
Some texts might be translated, so consider how language changes meaning when misinterpreted across cultures. This exploration of translation also builds global mindedness one of the IB’s core values by encouraging students to reflect on linguistic nuance and intercultural communication.
The course will help you develop strong analytical skills, teaching you to look beyond the surface of a text and think critically about its themes, structure, and language.
1. Close Reading of Texts
Close reading means digging deep into a text to understand how every little detail contributes to its overall meaning, asking the question: what is literature and language?
You’ll focus on word choice, tone, and structure to understand why the writer made certain decisions.
2. Cultural Context
Every text comes from a specific time, place, and culture, which can affect its meaning. Cultural context helps you understand why a writer chose particular themes or ideas, and what is literature and language?
For example, a novel written during a war might reflect very different attitudes than one written during peacetime. Knowing the cultural background helps you see the bigger picture of the text.
3. Comparative Analysis
Comparative analysis involves examining two or more texts side by side. Students will compare themes, techniques, and the ways authors approach similar ideas.
It also helps answer the broader question of how literature and language interact across different genres and perspectives. The aim of this analysis is to see what both texts have in common and how they differ.
The Role of Literature and Language in IB
So, what is literature and language if we’re talking about their roles? It obviously doesn’t talk about just reading stories or analysing words.
However, in this course, students will explore how language is used to inform, persuade, or entertain. It teaches you to think critically, look beyond the surface, and understand how messages are constructed.
The course also opens your mind to different cultures and perspectives by studying works from various countries and times. As you’re working on this, you can see how language reflects the beliefs and values of different societies.
This global view is one of the IB’s key strengths, as it prepares you to think beyond your own experiences and understand the world in a broader sense. These skills are useful for your career, whether you go into business, law, or the arts. Graduates of the IB Language and Literature course often pursue studies in journalism, international relations, linguistics, and cultural studies.
In a nutshell, what is Language and Literature in the IB Diploma Programme? The main points are understanding how language works, how it shapes the world, and how literature reflects the human experience.
Whether you choose Language A: Language and Literature or Language A: Literature, you’ll dive into a rich study of texts from different times, places, and cultures. You’ll also be honing critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills that will serve you well in the future.
For more insights on the IB English Language and Literature Course, check out this helpful article: IB English Language and Literature Course and Guidance.
Sources
https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/language-and-literature/
