IB TOK 12 (S)

The Theory of Knowledge course encourages critical thinking about knowledge itself, to try to help young people make sense of what they encounter. Its core content is questions like these: What counts as knowledge? How does it grow? What are its limits? Who owns knowledge? What is the value of knowledge? What are the implications of having, or not having, knowledge? Theory of Knowledge activities and discussions aim to help students discover and express their views on knowledge questions. The course encourages students to share ideas with others and to listen to and learn from what others think. In this process students’ thinking and their understanding of knowledge as a human construction are shaped, enriched, and deepened. Connections may be made between knowledge encountered in different subjects and distinctions between different kinds of knowledge may be clarified. The discussion-based course is designed for highly motivated, inquisitive, self-directed students. Students will complete a written assignment the summer between Junior and Senior year. The course is scheduled second semester junior year and first semester senior year.