The TOK optional themes are five different epistemic ‘affiliations’ that shape the way we acquire knowledge. They include knowledge and indigenous societies, language, politics, religion, and technology.
Students are required to develop a detailed understanding of at least two optional themes, and demonstrate their learning in their TOK exhibition commentary.
Members explore all the content on the site in much more depth and detail, via classroom-ready lessons, monthly newsletters, and other brilliant resources. A single membership covers your whole learning community – join us in seconds here!
Explore the optional themes
Click below to explore our extensive free notes on the themes, structured around both the Big Questions and the knowledge framework.
Whether you’re following a conceptual or a more traditional approach to TOK, you will find material here to support teaching and learning.
Subscribe to our free monthly TOK newsletter
Our newsletter, The Examined Life, delivers 8 thought-provoking real-world stories to your inbox, three of which we unpack in detail to challenge assumptions, introduce brilliant thinkers, and build a library of examples for your essay, exhibition, and UA portfolio.
It is the easiest way to stay connected to the ideas that matter most and develop the habits of authentic critical thinking. Subscribe here.