IB THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE 

MR. GOODWIN  ROOM 111 

Course Description


  Theory of Knowledge is the core basis of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.  It concerns itself with the nature of knowledge, how it is gained, and what areas it can be gained in.  This is not a stand-alone class, but is designed to support and be supported by the other IB subjects the student takes.  An IB presentation is required before the end of the course, and the student will also prepare for both a TOK essay and the IB extended essay, both due senior year.  These are required for an IB diploma.


Rigor

Because this class emulates a college level course, higher expectations of students will be required.  Large amounts of reading and writing will be needed, as well as dedication to both the subject matter and to the class participation and discussions.  Work that gave you an A in another class might earn you a C in this one.  If you want an A you will have to earn it.


Grading Policy

The grade for each marking period will be calculated as follows:

50%--class work and homework

50%--tests and quizzes


The final course grade will be calculated as follows:

1st quarter-40%

2nd quarter-40%

Final Exam-20%


All work turned in late will result in a loss of 20% credit for each day it is late.  Failure to make up the work within a reasonable period of time will result in a 0.

Assessments

IB Theory of Knowledge has three official assessments, in addition to the teacher-made tests and projects.  First a TOK group presentation, which will be judged as a final project at the end of the year.  It will then be submitted to the IB facilitators during your senior year.  Second, a TOK essay on a prescribed title prompt.  Your topic selection, development, and rough draft will be completed during this year, with rewrites allowed with me through your senior year until it too is sent to IB assessors in March.

Finally, although it is technically not part of the TOK class, the IB extended essay will also be developed during this year, also to be completed your senior year.  This essay is a requirement for an IB diploma.


Units/Subjects

Note:  order of Subjects is not set other than general categories:  Knowledge (1,2), Ways (3-6), and then Areas (7-12), followed by the conclusion unit.  Because TOK is a support class for the rest of the IB program, subject order will be best adapted to the teachable moments and other classes of the students.  In addition, practice TOK presentations, and TOK and Extended Essay work will be required throughout the course.  Essay, short answer, and product-based assessment will be given after the first two subjects, and each of the following subjects.  These will be created based of the type of learning/knowledge studied.


  1. Knowledge Issues/Problems
    1. Certainty
    2. Relativism
  2. Nature of Knowledge
    1. justified true belief
    2. levels of knowledge
    3. second-hand knowledge
  3. Language as a Way of Knowing
    1. translation
    2. meaning
    3. labeling
  4. Perception as a Way of Knowing
    1. illusions
    2. selectivity and preference
    3. appearance vs. reality
  5. Reason as a Way of Knowing
    1. Deductive reasoning
    2. Inductive reasoning
    3. Informal reasoning
    4. Certainty
  6. Emotion as a Way of Knowing
    1. obstacle to knowledge
    2. way to knowledge
    3. intuition
  7. Area of Knowledge:  Mathematics
    1. proofs
    2. certainty
    3. consistency
    4. applied mathematics
  8. Area of Knowledge:  Natural Sciences
    1. scientific method
    2. observation issues
    3. testing hypotheses
    4. truth
  9. Area of Knowledge:  Human Sciences
    1. Observation and Measurement
    2. Experiments
    3. Laws
  10. Area of Knowledge:  History
    1. theories
    2. bias
    3. writing and studying history
  11. Area of Knowledge:  the arts
    1. judging art
    2. art as emotional knowledge
  12. Area of Knowledge:  Ethics
    1. Moral reasoning and relativism
    2. Ethical Theories
    3. Utilitarianism
  13. Conclusion/Cross-Connections
    1. truth and wisdom
    2. correspondence theory
    3. coherence theory pragmatic theory

Absences and Make-Up Work

Students are required to make up all assignments following absences.  If you are going to be absent for more than one day, I can send assignments home so as to minimize the workload when he or she returns to school.


Students have three days to make up work after an absence.  If a student is absent on the day an assignment is due, then it is due the day they return.  Unexcused absences result in a failing grade for assignments missed. 


Students who are assigned to either in school or out of school suspension must complete all assignments that have been provided for them.


Guilford County Schools' attendance policy states that students who have more than three absences in a marking period must make up time for that course.  Failure to do so will result in a grade no higher than 69% for that marking period.  This counts for excused or unexcused absences.


Parent-Teacher Contact

Student progress reports will be sent home every three weeks.  I am available to speak with parents and students at any time.  My phone number is 294-7300, and my e-mail is goodwid@gcsnc.com.  Conferences may be arranged through the Guidance Councilors' offices.

IB THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE

BELLRINGERS (BRs):  This assignment begins the minute class starts.  Spend 10 to 15 minutes writing a response to the open ended question on the board.  You must write out the question and the date.  These will be used to preview or review knowledge from the class.  All BRs are kept on a separate sheet of paper until Friday when the set for the week is turned in.  They should be between ½-1page in length at minimum.  Be sure to address every part of the question.  Some Bellringers consist of a written response/reaction to a quote being presented. (see below)

REACTION PAPERS:  Requires the student to summarize information covered and give their opinion on it.  Essays will be graded on being factually correct as well as showing that the student understands the information and has processed it.  These do not involve parroting the text.

NOTEBOOKS:  All notes, handouts, assignment, essays, etc. will be organized and clearly labeled in a notebook specifically for this class.  Due to the amount of information, I require a 3-ring binder with a width of at least 3”.  You will rely on this notebook for your study throughout this course. 

RESEARCH:  Both group and individual research is required of students.  Details will vary with the assignment, but all will require professional accounting of sources used through a works cited sheet, a group visual that is informative, legible, and integral to the presentation given, and a thorough understanding of the material presented.  Groups are responsible for the material regardless of absences, so students will have to work together and communicate in order to avoid problems.