Prerequisites Course Requirements Expectations Theory of Knowledge Prerequisites Course Requirements Expectations

Theory of Knowledge The TOK course is central to the educational philosophy of the International Baccalaureate Program It challenges students to reflect critically on diverse ways of knowing and areas of knowledge and to consider the role knowledge plays in a global society.

Theory of Knowledge As a thoughtful and purposeful inquiry into different ways of knowing, and into different kinds of knowledge, the TOK program is composed almost entirely of questions. The most central of these questions is: How do I, or how do we, know that a given assertion is true, or a given judgment is well grounded?

The TOK Diagram

Characteristics of students who would do well in this course. Students should be willing to engage in a thoughtful and a purposeful inquiry into different ways of knowing and kinds of knowledge. Students should be willing to become aware of themselves as thinkers, to become aware of the complexity of knowledge, and recognize the need to act responsibly in an increasingly interconnected world. Students should be willing to question their own perceptions and opinions as well as remain open to the opinion of others.

Prerequisites For full Diploma students only Junior and Senior year

Internal Assessment A class presentation selected by the student on a knowledge issue of personal relevance 33% of their final IB score

External Assessment An essay on a Prescribed Title 1200-1600 words Chosen from a list of 10 Titles Provided by the IBO for each examination session

Course Requirements Critical analysis of knowledge claims, underlying assumptions & implications A variety of questions, explanations, conjectures, alternative ideas, and possible solutions in response to knowledge issues Making effective comparisons and links between different approaches to knowledge issues that derive from areas of knowledge, ways of knowing, theoretical positions, and cultural values Exploring the ability to give a personal, self-aware response to a knowledge issue Formulation and communication of ideas with due regard for accuracy and academic honesty

Samples of Exemplary Work

Career Pathway Correlations TOK expands student thinking into a global awareness that is integral to a modern day society