The IB – by design – has created a very flexible course.  The principles of course design page will help you understand how to construct a course.  InThinking has also published a course tracker to help you see if you have met all the IB requirements.  Finally, it’s important to note that the three areas of exploration are not to be thought of or taught in isolation.  Integration is key here.

Below is a reminder of the IB requirements.  Please note that for the areas of exploration in particular, 1 literary work for each area at SL is needed and two literary works for each area at HL is the rule. 

Standard Level Requirements

Literary works:

• 2 time periods, 2 places (at least 2 continents), and 2 literary forms
• Minimum of 1 literary work for each area of exploration
• 1 work from the Prl in English, 1 work from the Prl of another language, and 2 works chosen freely

Non-literary texts:

• an equal or balanced amount of time is spent studying non-literary texts

Higher Level Requirements

Literary works:

• 3 time periods, 3 places (at least 2 continents), and 3 literary forms
• Minimum of 2 literary works for each area of exploration
• 2 works from the Prl in English, 2 works from the Prl of another language, and 2 works chosen freely

Non-literary texts:

• an equal or balanced amount of time is spent studying non-literary texts