Theory of Knowledge I Syllabus

Period 2 (Daily) Room 219

Period 3 ("B" Day) Room 211

Period 4 ("B" Day) Room 207

Welcome to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.

In this class, students will complete the first half of the IB Theory of Knowledge curriculum. The goal of this course is to enable students to synthesize and critically examine knowledge gained throughout the IB curriculum. We will closely examine a variety of philosophical and other texts in order to consider the nature of knowledge and the processes we use to create, acquire, and question what we know. We will begin by examining major methods of knowing, including perception, language, reason, and emotion. Then, we will take a careful look at several major disciplines of knowledge, including mathematics, science, history, ethics, and aesthetics, considering the unique insights and limitations each discipline offers the learner.

This class will provide numerous opportunities for students to consider what and how they know through individual writing assignments, interactive class discussions, group presentations, wiki construction, and large and small group activities.

• Analyze knowledge claims, their underlying assumptions, and their implications.
• Generate questions, explanations, hypotheses, and possible solutions in response to knowledge issues concerning areas of knowledge, ways of knowing, and students' own experience.
• Demonstrate an understanding of different perspectives on knowledge issues.
• 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.

• Theory of Knowledge for the IB Diploma by Richard van de Lagemaat
• Course Site with Readings (PDF Password Protected)

• Notebook paper
• Blue or black ink pens
• 3-Ring Binder w/ Tabbed Dividers
• Folder w/ Pockets

This course revolves around a series of core Units and respective Sections directly tied to the IBO Diploma Programme's mission to educate responsible, internationally-minded, critically aware global citizens.

Each unit and section will be complemented by exercises and projects aimed at enhancing your level of understanding and participation.

Each individual section will involve selective readings highlighting different knowledge issues and concerns.

A substantial amount of course work will take place in our shared online course space.

• Response papers: Students will complete a series of response papers in which they will reflect formally on the ideas and questions raised in class and according to past TOK IBO prescribed prompts. These papers are due at the start of the class period on the on dates they are due. Responses will also be submitted online via the student "drop box." Due dates can be found in the TOK Assessments document.

• Group presentations: Students will give formal group presentations on the ideas and questions raised in class and according to the standards outlined by the IBO guide. If a student is absent the day of his/her group presentations, s/he will be required to complete an individual response paper that will be due on the day of his/her return. Presentations will require a submission of formal documents in both hard copy form and online. Due dates can be found in the TOK Assessments document.

• Knowledge Journals: All students will maintain an online knowledge journal in which they keep notes from class readings, discussions, as well as short responses from provided prompts. Journal prompts will be provided online and during class lectures.

• Reading Exams: All students will complete a series of reading exams based on textbook / supplemental readings and lectures. These exams will be conducted online and take place during an open window of availability. The lowest two (2) exam scores will be dropped per quarter. Each exam's closing window is listed in the TOK Assessments document.

• Online Work: The course web space allows for a wide variety of collaboration among students. Students will create and maintain personal pages, take part in class blog entries, and submit most work through the online "drop box." Students are expected to take an active role in online discussions and collaboration. Class time will be occasionally available for some online work.
• Class Discussions / Participation: All students are expected to actively engage with course readings and exercises during class discussions. Prior to most discussions, students will have an opportunity to pose provocations in the online course blog.

Grades will be based on a point system. Final grades are determined by dividing total earned points by total possible points. Point breakdown:

• Response Papers/Group Presentations: 50 pts. each
• Reading Exams: 25 pts. each
• Knowledge Journal Entries: 10 pts. each
• Homework, Quizzes, and Smaller, In-Class Projects: 10 - 25 pts. each
• Participation: 50 pts. (determined via contribution history on course blog and website and in-class discussion)

Final grades will be assigned using the following scale:

Regular attendance during each grading period is necessary for a passing grade in each course. Any student who misses more than four days on a block schedule during one grading period must meet both criteria below to eligible for a passing grade (A through D):

• Pass the required comprehensive quarter exam (for this class, complete the TOK essay and the required in-class presentation).
• Have an overall passing grade for the grading period

For all absences (excused or unexcused): Students who are absent shall receive a grade of zero for class work missed for the days or class periods in which the absences occur but can do a written assignment in lieu of the oral exercise. 100% credit can be given if these are completed within the allotted time (i.e. a day of make-up work for each day of absence when appropriate or as determined by the principal)

Students receive a tentative schedule of assignments near the beginning of each nine weeks. School attendance and make-up policies will be strictly enforced. If work assigned before an absence is due the day a student is absent, the student must hand in the work the next scheduled class meeting.

Statement to the Student Body from the Honor Review Board

1. Cheating is not gamesmanship; it is unethical.
2. Cheating may affect not only the individual but others as well, and hence, is more than the concern of one person.
3. In addition to verbal or written instructions concerning cheating, a student should implement common sense and rational judgment so as not to bring about any question of his/her integrity and honesty.

Information that is found in more than three sources does not need footnoting; however, facts and ideas compiled by only one writer to prove a particular point must be given credit. Any ideas taken from another's work must also be footnoted even if the exact words are not used. More than three words in a row taken from a source must also be quoted and footnoted. When in doubt, provide the reference.

Papers and presentations are to include bibliographies citing sources from which the ideas have been taken. No two papers or presentations are to be the same. Any unauthorized use of an outside sources and any unauthorized work with a classmate or another person will be considered cheating. Even use of authorized sources may be considered cheating if the source is not properly credited. No TOK class work may be submitted to a different teacher or for a different class without substantial revision and prior approval of both the TOK teacher and the teacher to whom the work is being submitted. No work submitted in another class may be submitted for a TOK class grade or a TOK project without substantial revisions and prior approval of both the TOK teacher and the teacher to whom the work was initially submitted.

Plagiarism is a serious offense and can result in a zero on the assignment, an honor code referral at Stanton filed in the dean's office with a copy home to the parents. It may further result in dismissal from honor societies, refusal of college recommendations, and ultimately, in the denial of the IB Diploma.