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IB English 2, HL - Researching Cultural Context in South Africa and Nigeria: Overview

Overview

Establishing Context

Researching Gordimer and Adichie

As you know, the last section of the Robinson IB syllabus focuses on the conventions and genres of novel and short story; you will now study two collections of short stories, considering each author’s approach to her topics through this medium. Throughout your studies make comparisons in purpose and effect by looking closely at the conventions of the short story, and develop an understanding of each author’s stylistic voice and themes.

Researching the cultural and historical contexts for these collections enables you to analyze the significance of the place and space within the author’s works as well as the other conventions.

As you explore the materials linked to this site, you may want to investigate aspects in the following categories:

  • Biographical information as well as interesting details about the authors (for example pictures, quotations, awards)
  • Basic political and historical details
  • Geographical information
  • Works of note published by the author (do not use titles from our short story collections)
  • Relevant interviews, in audio or video format

This site will guide you to quality information in a timely fashion. Keep track of your sources as you research and consider the credibility and reliability of your source materials.