Case Study Seminars

If we're not careful, TOK can become a very abstract, highly theoretical course. It's not supposed to be. While at times we'll need to consider carefully what may seem like some pretty arcane points of philosophy, we will do so with an eye on how to apply what we're learning to the "real world."

In fact, the IB-required Internal Assessment for TOK is an oral presentation in which you must analyze a current issue or problem through the lens of a specific knowledge issue.

Case Study Seminars, then, will give you practice in 1) working together with your peers [itself a very useful real world skill] and 2) applying TOK concepts and analyzing knowledge issues in a real world context.

General Description. You will be assigned to a team that will research, present, and respond to questions from the class during an Extended Learning Period that centers on a real world problem as it relates to knowledge issues and relevant unit content. Once you've been assigned to a team, you'll need to meet to select and define your real world issue. I will provide some possible suggestions which you are free to use; or, your group may select something entirely differen -- as long as it fits under the unit focus.

Requirements. Each team will have an entire ELP and must fill it with a combination of presentation, panel discussion, and responses to follow-up questions from the class and instructor. Each team member should identify, research, and explain how a particular knowledge issue shows up in relation to the team's overall case. You should formulate a specific knowledge issue question that will guide your research and which you will address during your portion of the team presentation. You must use at least one primary or secondary source. Each student should plan on speaking about 10 minutes. You may have an outline with you (see below), but you MUST NOT read directly from notes.

What to turn in. On the day you present, turn in the following items:

• A typed, one-page outline (you may use bullets or standard format).
• A copy of sources (miniumum = 1), with complete bibliographic information.

Options. Audio-visual support is strongly encouraged. Bring in an audio file, show us some images, take us through website, play a portion of a DVD, etc. If you'll need techology beyond what our classroom is normally set up for, you'll need to supply it yourself or coordinate with me in advance to make those arrangements.

Assessment. You'll be assessed using a modified version of the TOK internal assessment criteria A and B (not C or D).

1. Identification of knowledge issue: Did the presentation identify a relevant knowledge issue involved, implicit, or embedded in a real-life situation?

___ Yes (5 points)

___ A knowledge issue was identified, and it was relevant in some ways, but it might not have been the best issue to identify, given the real-life situation you discussed. This an area of some concern. (4 points)

___ You referred to a knowledge issue, but it was irrelevant. This is an area of significant concern. (3 points)

___ Your presentation may have covered a real-life situation, but you didn’t explore a relevant knowledge issue. This is an area of major concern. (0-2 points)

2. Treatment of knowledge issues: Did the presentation show a good understanding of knowledge issues, in the context of the real-life situation?

___ Yes: good understanding (5 points)

___ To some degree: there may have been some insufficiencies in definition, depth, or insight regarding

how you handled the knowledge issue. This is often related to spending too much time explaining or

summarizing the real-life situation. Remember: The purpose of the presentation is to teach us something

about the knowledge issue using the real-life situation for your examples. (4 points)

___ To very little degree. See above. (3 points)

___ Not at all. Obviously, a major concern. See above. (0-2 points)

A sub-total of ten points will be multiplied times four. 40 points total are possible.

Written Reflections. A Written Reflection (essay) is the summative assessment for each unit. However, during the unit when you are assigned to deliver a Case Study Seminar, you will not write the Reflection.

Seminar Ideas for METHODS unit (pdf file)

Seminar Ideas for ARGUMENTS Unit (pdf file)

Seminar Ideas for STORIES unit (pdf file)

Seminar ideas for PURPOSES unit (pdf file)

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