Cleveland High School – IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK) 1-2

Mar 2026 · 2nd Semester

How do we know what we know? This central question of ToK inspires the spirit of the class as well as the content. In the IB curriculum, Theory of Knowledge serves as the unifying course that ties together all the other subject areas. Using approaches to knowledge inspired by each, students are encouraged to explore and reflect on the nature of knowledge and the process of knowing in mathematics, natural sciences, history, human sciences, and the arts. Students also examine the intersection of knowledge and at least three of the following themes - self, technology, language, politics, religion and indigenous societies. Students will consider how the worldview we have inherited determines what information we trust and which ways of knowing we find reliable. Beyond reading about, writing about and discussing these ideas, students will also use exercises designed to allow us a fresh experience of our world, each other, and ourselves. In addition to the study of the Theory of Knowledge, this course supports the development of two additional Diploma requirements: The Extended Essay and the C.A.S. portfolio. IB Assessments Internal: The ToK Exhibition, C.A.S. Portfolio and Project. External: A ToK essay of approximately 1600 words, responding to one of six prescribed prompts, and an Extended Essay: An independent, academic research paper of approximately 4000 words;