The language A: literature course introduces students to the analysis of literary texts. It is the course through which the IB’s policy of mother-tongue entitlement is delivered. The course is automatically available in 55 languages and available by special request and may be studied in any language with a sufficiently developed written literature.
The language A: language and literature course aims at studying the complex and dynamic nature of language and exploring both its practical and aesthetic dimensions. The course will explore the crucial role language plays in communication, reflecting experience and shaping the world, and the roles of individuals themselves as producers of language.
For each course the syllabus and assessment requirements are identical for all languages offered. The teaching and assessment of any particular language A will be conducted in that language. Language A: language and literature comprises four parts—two relate to the study of language and two to the study of literature.
In general, language and literature students must be exposed to as many non-literary text-types as possible. They must know and understand the conventions, purposes, vocabulary, style and terminology associated with them.