Theory Of Knowledge Schedule 2013-14
Mr. Ferlazzo’s Email Address: mrferlazzo@aol.com
Homework:
You must have a binder that is kept up to date and divided into the different Ways of Knowing and Areas of Knowledge. You should keep separate “Warm-Up” sheets for each of them, too. I will periodically check binders.
Read assigned chapters. For each one, write what you think are the three most important points and why you think they are important (two sentences for each one is sufficient), two short key quotes and at least a sentence explaining why you chose each one, and two questions you have. In addition, you must choose one “linking question” at the end of each chapter and write an “ABC” paragraph responding to it. “A” means answer the question; “B” means back it up with at least one piece of evidence from the chapter; “C” means make a comment/connection — share an informed opinion based on what you learned from the chapter and connect it to something else you know from something you read or experienced. Homework will be shared in class. Most of this will be done in January, and then the focus during the second semester will be the group presentation and essay.
Occasional assignments on TOK Class Blog (https://theoryofknowledge.edublogs.org/)
Group TOK Presentation – It will be videotaped. Substantial time in class will be provided to prepare, but outside time will also be needed. Your grade on this group presentation will be one of the two components of your official grade from IB. You will make two group presentations on two different topics . The one with the higher grade will count.
TOK Essay – At least one essay where substantial time in class will be provided (assuming we can get access to computer lab), but outside time will also be needed.
If you are an IB Diploma candidate or are seeking an IB TOK Certificate, you will also have to write a TOK essay in the fall of 2014 during your senior year that will be submitted to IB and will comprise the second component of your official IB grade (the Group Presentation will be the other portion).
This schedule is subject to change in consultation with the class.
SEPTEMBER:
- Introduction to TOK
- The Problem and Nature Of Knowledge, p. 3-40 — two chapters (homework due 9/16)
- CAS Plan developed
- Knowledge Issues
- Allegory of the Cave
- Perception p. 88 -105 (homework due 9/23) – also, do the assignment on the blog titled “Why Do People Believe What They See?” by the same date.
OCTOBER
- Language p. 47-79 (homework due October 7th)
- Reason and Logic p. 111-141 (homework due Oct. 14th)
- Emotions p. 145-169 (homework due Oct. 21th)
- Imagination, Faith, Intuition & Memory (no homework)
NOVEMBER:
- Math p. 187-213 (homework due November 4th)
- The Arts p.328- 356 (homework due Nov. 11th)
- CAS Review
- History p. 300-322 (homework due Nov. 18th)
DECEMBER:
- Ethics p. 363-396 (homework due Dec. 9th)
- Natural Sciences p. 220-250 (homework due December 16th)
JANUARY:
- Human Sciences p. 256-288 (homework due January 6th)
- Religious Knowledge Systems p. 403- 431 (homework due January 13th)
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems (no homework)
- TOK Presentation Planning – Decide on topic and group by January 24th. Assuming we can get access to the computer lab or laptops, you will have four class periods each week to work on it for four weeks. Your written plan will be due on February 10th.
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FEBRUARY
- You will make your presentation in late-February. Presentations will be video-recorded
- CAS Review
- The class will decide if it wants to move immediately into preparation for the second Presentation or if it wants to spend the first two weeks of March “teaching lessons.”
For teaching lessons, small groups will pick from a wide choice of materials for each Way of Knowing and Area of Knowledge. Each week, groups will prepare short lessons on the material they chose to present to a small group. You will be provided a guideline, and creativity will be encouraged. You will have one class period to chose and prepare; there will be one-to-two class periods to present.
MARCH/APRIL:
- First two weeks of student-created lessons or immediately begin preparing second presentations.
- Begin work on TOK Essay in late April
MAY:
- Work on Essay
- Essay due on June 9th