IB Spanish A: Language and Literature

The Spanish A: Language and Literature course allows students to experience a wide range of literary and non-literary texts, covering at least six different text types from around the world, including works not originally written in Spanish. This breadth of exposure develops students’ appreciation for the diversity of written and spoken expression in Spanish, enabling them to engage with global perspectives through the lens of Hispanic cultures.

The course introduces the critical study and interpretation of written and spoken texts. Students learn that meaning is not fixed but is shaped by contexts of production and consumption, fostering a sophisticated understanding of how language and literature interact across cultural, historical, and media landscapes.

General Objectives:

Spanish A: Language and Literature blends analysis of literary and non-literary texts, examining how language shapes meaning across media, culture and context.

The IB Spanish A: Language and Literature course explores the complexities of language and literary analysis through a wide range of texts, genres, and cultural perspectives. It emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and an understanding of how language shapes meaning in different contexts.

The IB Spanish A: Language and Literature course is examined at the end of the 2 year linear course and consists of 70% external assessment and 30% internal assessment

*Internal evaluation is based on a visual stimulus at standard level and an extract from a literary work at higher level.

1. Paper 1: Guided textual analysis of an unseen non-literary text
2. Paper 2: Comparative essay on two studied literary works
3. Individual Oral (SL & HL): 10–15 min presentation linking a literary work and a non-literary text
4. Higher Level Essay (HL only): 1 200–1 500 word analytical essay on a studied text or body of work

• Three areas of exploration guide the syllabus:
• Language in Cultural Context
• Language and Mass Communication
• Literature — Texts and Contexts

Each area is underpinned by seven central concepts—such as identity, culture, perspective, and transformation—through which students interrogate texts from multiple angles.

• Text Types
• Literary Works: Novels, plays, poetry, short stories
• Non-Literary Texts: Editorials, advertisements, speeches, films, blogs Students examine at least six different text types to develop analytical skills across media forms.

• Analyze both form and content: explore how language shapes meaning in media and literature.
• Develop strong thesis statements and structured arguments.
• Use terminology: tone, register, audience, purpose, and stylistic features.
• Be critical and creative: offer original insights and nuanced interpretations.
• Polish your Spanish: aim for clarity, coherence, and stylistic control in writing and speaking.

Spanish A: Language and Literature blends literary study with critical analysis of media and non-fiction texts. You will learn to see how language shapes meaning across various formats.

You can expect to

• examine advertisements, news articles, speeches and podcasts alongside short stories and poetry
• deconstruct how tone, register and stylistic choices influence an audience
• create your own interpretive and creative texts, from commentaries to multimodal projects
• practice text-transformation exercises and produce guided written commentaries

As we move through the IB curriculum, you’ll prepare for both internal and external assessments. Here’s what comes next:

• Internal oral assessments that combine individual responses with interactive exchanges
• External written examinations featuring text analysis, essay writing and listening tasks
• Extended essay or comparative commentary for Literature and Language & Literature students
• Regular feedback sessions and targeted workshops to hone exam strategies

I’m here to support you every step of the way. Let’s make this course a journey of discovery, growth and genuine connection with the Spanish-speaking world.