"Live in the question, rather than settling for the easy answer."                      

Welcome to IB Theory of Knowledge, a course whose motto could be the above quotation from the poet, Ranier Maria Rilke.

Just as in life, there are few easy answers in TOK. Nevertheless, this website will try to answer some of the more mundane questions you might have about the course, such as:

• What's due tomorrow?
• I was absent yesterday -- what did I miss? 
• What are the criteria for the IB-required assessments for TOK?
• Where can I download a copy of the writing assignment for this unit? 

The links and navigation buttons are for the most part self-explanatory, but here's a little more detail to help you find your way:

• The Calendar functions as our syllabus, with the day's agenda, assignments, and due dates.  
• Units will briefly explore key questions and concepts.
• Case study seminars will explain one of our course's core components: group oral reports on "real world" issues or problems that will help make TOK content less abstract.
• Written Reflections describes the major written assessment (essay) for each unit of the course.  
• Links will take you to audio files, downloads, websites, etc. related to TOK units.
• IB Assessment provides detailed information about the two IB-required assessments for TOK, the Presentation and the Essay that comprise your TOK mark for IB.
• Resources will allow you to download the TOK Subject Guide and Subject Report, as well as other TOK-related materials.    

Another benefit of the website is that it will reduce the environmental impact of a very "handout-intensive" course like TOK. Some documents (and most readings) will still need to be printed out, but we'll definitely save a few trees by accessing key resources electronically.   

Theory of Knowledge is a requirement for IB Diploma candidates in the International Baccalaureate Diploma program at William J. Palmer High School. The course begins in the 4th quarter of the junior year with "TOK Camp" and concludes at the end of the the 3rd quarter in the senior year.

The instructor is Steve Kern, kernsc@d11.org, 719-328-5078.

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