Theory Of Knowledge Schedule 2016-17
Mr. Ferlazzo’s Email Address: mrferlazzo@aol.com
Class blog: https://theoryofknowledge.edublogs.org/
Homework:
* The homework schedule can be found on the next page. You are expected to read each chapter and complete the same assignment for each one (see homework example sheet) by the due date. Homework is always due on a Monday.
This homework should be completed by the beginning of the second semester. At that time, we’ll focus on our two major projects – a group Oral Presentation and an Essay. Those two projects will make-up ninety-percent of your second semester grade.
* 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 primary components of your official grade from IB. You may 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 2017 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).
Class work:
* You will keep a well-organized folder in the class “box.”
* You will each have a green binder in the box in the back with your name.
* You’ll have a manila folder to go into the green binder
* You’ll be getting packets from each for each Way of Knowing and each Area of Knowledge we study. We’ll be using them in class, so you want to make sure you keep them here. If you want to keep them with you and are responsible, that’s fine. I will not be happy if you don’t have it or lose it.
* You can leave the older packets in the green binder once we have finished that unit and keep the packet we’re using in your manila folder. You’ll need the older ones for your major projects during second semester. You’ll get them when you come in, and you need to be seated before the bell rings. You put them back in when you leave – unless someone wants to volunteer to collect them at the end of each class. Don’t take the green folders, they’ll stay in the same place in alphabetical order.
* There will be some assignments each week related to the packet and, with few exceptions, there will be plenty of time in class to do them, including warm-ups. You’ll keep what you’ve written until each Friday, when I’ll collect them. If you are not here one day, check with a classmate to see what you missed so you can catch-up. You’ll staple them in chronological order – so, each day, when you start with your warm-up, you’ll write the day of the week and date. You don’t have to use separate sheets for each day – just start the next day where the last day left off.
* I’m trying to make things easier for you so you don’t have to bring in your textbooks all the time, don’t have much to carry, and it’s clear what assignments are due in case you miss a class. Also, by collecting everything just on Friday, it’s easier for me to handle the marking.
* We’ll try it out and if it doesn’t work well, we’ll change it
CALENDAR
This schedule is subject to change in consultation with the class. The order of the assignments will not change.
SEPTEMBER:
- Introduction to TOK
- The Problem and Nature Of Knowledge, p. 3-40 — two chapters (homework due 9/19)
- Allegory of the Cave
- Perception p. 88 -105 (homework due 9/26)
OCTOBER
- Language p. 47-79 (homework due October 3rd)
- Reason and Logic 111-141 (homework due Oct. 10th)
- Emotions p. 145-169 (homework due Oct. 17th)
- Imagination, Faith, Intuition & Memory (no homework)
- Knowledge Questions
NOVEMBER:
- Math p. 187-213 (homework due October 31st)
- The Arts p.328- 356 (homework due Nov. 7th)
- History p. 300-322 (homework due Nov. 28th)
DECEMBER:
- Ethics p. 363-396 (homework due Dec. 5th)
- Natural Sciences p. 220-250 (homework due December 12th)
- Human Sciences p. 256-288 (homework due December 19th)
JANUARY:
- Religious Knowledge Systems p. 403- 431 (homework due January 17th)
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems (no homework)
- TOK Presentation Planning – Decide on topic and group by February 1st. 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 draft plan will be due on February 17th.
.
FEBRUARY/MARCH
- Work Presentation in February
- You will make your presentation in early March. Presentations will be video-recorded
- 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 May 30th
- Final group project due on June 9th