courseoutline-teacherweb.docVIP

MR. GREEN THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE Nature of the Subject and Course Outline The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) program is central to the educational philosophy of the International Baccalaureate. It challenges students and their teachers to reflect critically on diverse ways of knowing and areas of knowledge, and to consider the role which knowledge plays in a global society. It encourages students to become aware of themselves as thinkers, to become aware of the complexity of knowledge, and to recognize the need to act responsibly in an increasingly interconnected world. As a thoughtful and purposeful inquiry into different ways of knowing, and into different kinds of knowledge, the TOK program is composed almost entirely of questions. The most central of these questions is, How do we know that a given assertion is well grounded? Assertions or judgments of this sort are termed Knowledge Claims. Difficulties that arise within or across subject areas are called Knowledge Issues. To guide students, the course divides up into four categories: 1. Knowers2. Ways of Knowing3. Areas of Knowledge4. Linking Questions Aims and Objectives Aims The aims of TOK 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 are 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* develop a concern for rigor in formulating knowledge claims, and intellectual honesty. Objectives Having followed the ToK course, candidates should be able to: * demonstrate an understanding of the strengths and limitations of various Ways of Knowing and of the methods used in the diffe