Part 2: Study of Literature
A detailed study of literature from two options in the original language chosen from five prescribed options.
The main aim of this part of the syllabus is to give students some experience of classical literature in the original language. Prescribed passages in Latin or Classical Greek are grouped into options and must be studied in the original language; in addition, it is assumed that students at HL will undertake supplementary reading in translation. At the SL and HL levels, knowledge of the historical, political and cultural background will be expected where this is essential for the understanding or appreciation of the text. HL candidates will also be required to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of texts within their broader historical, political and cultural contexts. HL paper 2 section B, the written response, assesses the ability to construct an argument supported by relevant examples from the prescribed passages and from supplementary reading.
Options
Options for study in this section are comprised of readings taken from one or more authors. The options allow either for a more traditional approach or a theme-based approach through texts chosen from multiple authors. Teachers may prepare students for any two options. The prescribed list of options is available in this subject guide. The length of the readings is 300–350 lines at SL and 500–550 lines at HL.
Suggested preparation
The prescribed passages should be studied in class under the direction of the teacher. This study requires careful note of stylistic, poetic and rhetorical nuances, in addition to grammatical and syntactical points. The students must read the texts closely, analysing critically each text’s meanings, style, vocabulary and figures of speech. Both SL and HL students must develop some knowledge and understanding of texts within their historical, political and cultural contexts. HL students are expected to have broader background knowledge of each option. The most important preparation must be the careful study of the texts in the original language. Commentaries are very useful, and some modern works of criticism may also be helpful in developing the students’ understanding of the texts. The use of dictionaries is not permitted for paper 2 during the final examination.
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