Riverview High School

Sarasota, Florida, USA

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Year Two Syllabus 2019-2020

Faculty Name: Miles Mowry
Phone Number: (941) 923-1484 X 64038
Room Location: 1-209
Email address: miles.mowry@sarasotacountyschools.net
IB Parent Organization Contact: RiverviewIBPO@yahoo.com
Course Description
How do we know what we claim to know? This is the essential question of the Theory of Knowledge Course. As one
of the components of the Diploma Programme core, ToK lies at the heart of the educational philosophy of the International
Baccalaureate Programme. ToK is composed almost entirely of open-ended, debatable questions. Through reflection on
thinking, students gain greater awareness of their personal and ideological assumptions, as well as developing an
appreciation of the diversity and richness of other perspectives.
This course is an introduction to the slice of philosophy called epistemology, the study and analysis of knowledge itself.
ToK is intended to challenge students to reflect critically on their assumptions and to consider the roles of knowledge in
the lives of individuals and in cultures within a global society. We want students to become more keenly aware of
themselves and others as thinkers and knowers, to recognize the complexity of knowledge with its potentials and
limitations, and the need to act responsibly in a world that is increasingly interconnected and simultaneously disconnected.
TOK Year Two is a mastery course established from the learning and knowledge acquired during the Year One studies
in the subject. The two major assessments for the Course are included in this Year: the Presentation on a Real Life Situation
and the 1600 word Essay response to a choice of Titles. The Oral Presentation assesses the ability of the student to apply
TOK thinking to a real-life situation. It is delivered in a classroom setting to a Cohort Group and is assessed internally by
one of the TOK Assessment team. There is a mandatory form (TKPPD) that is filled out by the student and the Assessor
and uploaded to IB. The Presentations are filmed and these are kept in a secure location for IB if we are audited.
The Essay takes a more conceptual starting point and will be a Response to a Title, issued by IB in early September.
Students will respond to one of six titles of their choosing. There are sessions held in mid-October that help “un-pack”
these Titles. There is an area in Managebac that students will begin to submit versions of their responses. There is a
mandatory form (TKPPF) that is filled out by the student and the Assessor and uploaded to IB. Passing these Assessments
in a requirement for the IB Diploma.
Approaches to Learning
• Thinking Skills: The course is structured through a thorough investigation into 8 Ways of Knowing (WoKs) and 8 Areas of
Knowledge (AoKs). Through this mental training the student is taught to see all the material that they are processing in the IB
Curriculum through multiple lenses.
• Social Skills: We investigate the WoKs and AoKs through small group work and Presentation.
• Communication Skills: These investigations and Presentations require a high level of communication skills
• Self-Management Skills: the mastery of the WoKs and AoKs requires some deep introspection and skillful sharing
• Research Skills: Ultimately, the student will become fluent in the Course methods and take some of the aspects deeper into a
Research aspect in their Oral Presentation and Response to the Title in the 1600 word Essay.

Recommended Reading + Resources

Microsoft Teams and OneNote Notebook “ToK 2020”

Grading Policy
40% - Assessments: Presentations, Essays, Projects, Tests
40% Journal, Classwork, Participation
20% Employability: Participation, Class Discussions, Attendance

Riverview IB Attendance Policy:

To comply with IB authorization, students must be able to document the appropriate number of hours in class.
Therefore, in an effort to develop proper employability skills when it comes to time-in-learning:
1. All absences from school will be treated the same way regardless of the designation as excused or
unexcused.
 Riverview High School
Sarasota, Florida, USA

2. At semester, any missed classes over 9 will be rectified by Saturday study sessions (1 hour per missed
class). Alternative days, such as professional days may be substituted.
3. Saturday study sessions will be used for covering essential studies missed during course time.
4. On approximately April 1, any missed classes over 15 will be rectified by similar Saturday study sessions.
5. Missing more than ten days of school during a semester may result in the loss of “good standing” status
with the IB program. These students may be placed on probation or removed from the program. Students
must be in “good standing” in order to sit for any IB examination.

Juniors & Seniors: DP candidates and DP students who do not fulfill the attendance policy
will NOT be allowed to sit for IB exams.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the use of ideas, facts, opinions, illustrative material, data, direct or indirect working of another
scholar and/or writer – professional or student – without giving proper credit. Judged on a case by case basis,
penalties for plagiarism can be serious: written referral, zeroes for assignment, review by administrator,
appearance before Honor Council, perhaps even expulsion from the IB Program, and the retraction of college
acceptance.

Standards of Conduct in Course and Program

Communication: Students are expected to communicate in a range of ways. Communication includes listening, viewing,
reflecting, engaging, discussion, presenting, and writing. Students are expected to participate in a wide range of classroom
activities and discussions, adding their thoughts and ideas while listening and considering the ideas of others. Respectful
and authentic engagement is expected throughout the course.
Social Navigation: Social navigation is about being thoughtful about others and the world around you. Show up on time,
prepared, and ready to start class. Accept responsibility for yourself and your choices, be respectful to others in all contexts,
as well as the educational process, cooperate with others, participate willingly in a variety of group roles, work towards
conflict resolution when needed, participate in group decision making and participation, explore a variety of perspectives,
and develop empathy.
Student Responsibility: Contribute to a safe environment, stay organized, manage your time appropriately – no working
on other class work while in class, sleeping, game playing, etc

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have received, read, and understand the syllabus and requirements for
IB TOK Year II course.

I understand that this is an advanced academic course that requires significant time to cover all reading
assignments, course work, and demonstration of knowledge through the ToK Presentation and Essay. I
understand that active, scholarly participation is mandatory in this course. At times, we will view films and
artwork that could contain material beyond the “G”-level film statutes that exist. If these offend in any way, an
alternative, out-of-the-classroom assignment will be offered as an option. By signing below, I agree to these
stipulations of the course and its content.

Parent or Guardian Signature: _________________________ Date: ________________

Student Name: ___________________________________________________________

Student Signature: ___________________________________Date:_________________