IB Language & Culture (SL)

This interdisciplinary course is open to all 11th and 12th grade students interested in language and linguistics, whether they are IB Diploma students or not. This course is rooted in both linguistics and cultural anthropology, and explores how language and culture interact. Students will investigate the complex ways in which language functions as both a reflection of and a tool for shaping cultural norms, social power dynamics, and communication across diverse contexts. Students will critically examine topics such as multilingualism, language ideologies, symbolic power, and agency.

This IB course, currently in its pilot phase, will only be offered at the “Standard Level” (SL) for 2025-26. For IB students, this course fulfills the requirements for either Group I (Studies in Language and Literature) or Group III (Individuals and Societies).

The course is organized into three areas of exploration: Meaning-Making, Time and Space, and Connections. Students will study key theoretical terms and engage with a variety of texts. They will reflect on their own linguistic experiences and create an autobiographical project that demonstrates an understanding of their cultural identity. Discussions will highlight global and multicultural perspectives, fostering international-mindedness and encouraging deep reflection. This course is designed for students who are curious about linguistics, the intersections of language, culture, and society, and who seek to develop advanced analytical and communication skills.

**Pending School Board approval, this course will be offered for 2025-26.**