Theory of Knowledge 2
Aims, Objectives, and Policies

2006-2007

Instructors
Mrs. Kirk and Ms. Lambrakopoulos

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Aims

The aims of the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) program are to engage students in reflection on, and in the questioning of, the bases of knowledge, so that they:

• develop an understanding of why critically examining knowledge claims is important;
   
• develop a critical capacity to evaluate beliefs and knowledge claims;
   
• make interdisciplinary connections;
   
• become aware of the interpretative nature of knowledge including personal and ideological biases;
   
• consider that knowledge may place responsibilities on the knower;
   
• understand the strengths and limitations of individual and cultural perspectives; and
   
• develop a concern for rigor in formulating knowledge claims, and intellectual honesty.

 

Objectives

Through taking the Theory of Knowledge (TOK 1 and 2) courses, candidates should be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of the strengths and limitations of the various Ways of Knowing and of the methods used in the different Areas of Knowledge;
   
• demonstrate a capacity to reason critically;
   
• make connections between and across Ways of Knowing and Areas of Knowledge;
   
• make connections between personal experience and different Ways of Knowing and Areas of Knowledge;
   
• demonstrate an understanding of knowledge at work in the world;
   
• identify values underlying judgments and knowledge claims pertinent to local and global issues;
   
• demonstrate an understanding that personal views, judgments and beliefs may influence their own knowledge claims and those of others; and
   
• use oral and written language to formulate and communicate ideas clearly.
   

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Assessment Criteria:
Please see external and internal assessment criteria published by the IBO and distributed to students in rubrics that apply to written and oral work for the course, in addition to the grading policies noted below. Please see IBO Diploma Points Matrix for diploma points awarded for successful completion of the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge assessments. The external assessment for TOK is weighted at 40 points, applicable to the final IBO grade in TOK, while the internal assessment (the formal oral presentation and self-evaluation report) is weighted at 20 points. Students may continue to revise their prescribed title and Extended Essay until the deadlines set on our timeline.

Final marking period grades will be determined on a percentage basis:
A—90-100%
B—80-89%
C—70-79%
D—60-69%
E—50-59%

40%--Writing Assignments
40%--Presentations/Oral Activities
20%--Journal

Late work will be graded up to one grade down if handed in between the due date and the final deadline. Work handed in after the deadline will receive an E.

A student who does not complete the internal and/or external IB assessments may risk not receiving the IB diploma and not passing the course.

The following B–CC policies are consistent with the MCPS Grading and Reporting Policy as outlined in Learning, Grading and Reporting Guidelines (MCPS, 2004).

• Teachers will assign grades to reflect individual achievement on course objectives.
• Teachers will determine grades based on a variety of assessment methods.
• Teachers will issue progress reports at the 4½ week mark in each quarter.
• Teachers will establish clear due dates and deadlines. The maximum penalty for work submitted after the due date but before the deadline is one letter grade on an A-E scale or 10% on a 100% scale.

Reteaching/Reassessing Policy:
Students will be allowed to be reassessed on assignments as determined by the IB ToK 2 team. Students will be informed ahead of time when an assignment may be reassessed. Only students who meet the deadline may be reassessed on an assignment. They must show evidence as determined by the teacher and team that they have made an attempt to relearn the material before taking the reassessment. Examples of that evidence include, but are not limited to:
     • Coming to the teacher for extra help
     • Attending TAP
     • Completing practice assignments
     • Making corrections on the original assessment/assignment.
Reassessment must be done in a timely fashion according to a schedule determined by the teacher and team. The reassessed grade will replace the original grade.