IB DP Economics SL, Y2 / IB Economics HL, Y2 Macroeconomics 30 and Global Economics 35

PREREQUISITE: Microeconomics and IB DP Economics SL, Y1 or IB DP Economics HL, Y1

Two units of inquiry frame the course content: (1) Macroeconomics, and (2) Global Economics. Mostly, these units follow a structure typical of macroeconomics courses. The goal here is to allow students to understand how societies as a whole are impacted by economic models and to understand the debates around economic policy to address economic growth and development. Students will examine topics related to unemployment, inflation, inequality and poverty and then examine policy options to address these societal concerns. Towards the end of the course, the focus will be more on the issues around global economics, with an added focus on the development and strategies to help economies develop. Students will make use of real-world data and examples to help explore these complex issues and use skills gained from microeconomics to understand challenges related to these issues. The goal is to help students understand our world’s challenges and how economics can help solve these problems.

SL vs HL

The distinction between SL and HL is based upon two items: (1) Assessment and (2) Proof of Theory. In HL, there is an emphasis on proof of an economic theory, which means that students need to carry out calculations to explain the theory addressed by diagrams that they construct and need to prove quantitatively that the theory is accurate. This goal is achieved through additional units of study that HL students must learn to deepen their ability to analyze economic theory and understand the impacts of changes caused by policy actions. Additionally, students in HL must write a Policy Paper (Paper 3) on their IB Exam, whereas SL students are not required to write this as part of their exam.

• Students sit an IB examination in May.

• Students sit an Alberta Diploma exam in June.

• Students receive 3 credits for Macroeconomics 30

• Students receive 3 credits for Global Economics 35

IB DP TOK, Y2

PREREQUISITE: IB DP TOK, Y1

COREQUISITE: IB Diploma Candidate / IB Certificate Candidate

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is a senior-level course, required by all full-time participants in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, but available for Alberta Education credit to other students, as enrolment space allows. IB Diploma students successfully complete TOK over two years of study. The bulk of the course is scheduled in Grade 11 (Y1), with additional student engagement required of IB DP candidates in Grade 12 (Y2). All participants are engaged in an exploration of our cognitive selves and the reality we share with others. Learning opportunities are presented through guided discussions, rigorous analysis of text, lectures, investigations, creative expression, oral presentations, and formal essays. The primary aims of the course are to give the participants structured opportunities to examine the ways by which we “know” things and to develop skills in critically reflecting on how we know what we know. Associated with these primary aims is the development of skill in: (1) recognizing bias in perspective, from personal through to social and cultural levels, (2) appreciating different value systems without abdicating one’s own set of values, (2) recognizing that with knowledge comes responsibility, and (4) expressing ideas clearly and effectively, in written, oral, or visual modes.

The IB Theory of Knowledge course entails applying four elements – Scope, Perspectives, Methods and Tools, and Ethics – to all TOK lessons, regardless of their particular focus and content. Further, the Program of Studies features a compulsory Core Theme (“Knowers and Knowledge”) and another two Optional Themes (selected by the instructor from a range of five available choices). All core and optional themes are outlined below.

• Core Theme (CT1): Me as a knower and thinker

• CT2: My perspective assumptions and biases

• CT3: Where do our values come from?

• CT4: How can we navigate the world?

• CT5: How do we know when we are being manipulated or “spun”?

• Optional Theme (OT1:) Knowledge and Technology

• OT2: Knowledge and Indigenous Societies

• IB Diploma Candidate assessment consists of an externally assessed (EA) essay developed from one of six prompts released by IB at the start of September in the Grade 12 year, weighted at 66% of the total grade.

• TOK is one of the core components of the IB’s Diploma Programme (DP) and, without its successful completion, no IB Diploma can be awarded.