A college course I teach at Entrepreneurs School of Asia, an international business school in the Philippines

1. LIT130
PHILIPPINE LITERATURE IN ENGLISH
Cindy Cruz-Cabrera
English, Women and Development, and Media Studies
about.me/cindycruzcabrera en.gravatar.com/cindycatz
prof.cindycatz@gmail.com

2. COURSE DESCRIPTION

3.  A study of representative and landmark
texts from the Philippine literature in
English as a dynamic interaction among:
 the individual
 society
 cultural forces

4.  In this introductory course to literature, we
will tackle the basic elements of the
different types of literary material
 GOAL: develop the skills of interpreting,
uncovering, and extracting meaning from
encounters and experiences.
 This course requires out-of-class reading
and writing.

5. COURSE OBJECTIVES

6.  Discuss the cultural and historical
contexts and frameworks of the
literary texts;
 Display an understanding and
appreciation of fiction and its various
conventions in the analysis of how the
elements of fiction operate in the
construction of meaning;
 Explain the social, philosophical,
spiritual, and aesthetic values
expressed in literature;

7. IMPACT OF THIS COURSE

8.  Critical reading and analysis is necessary in
composition, whether academic,
professional, or for personal enjoyment.
 Proficiency gained in this class will enable
you to
 Enable you to tackle higher literature
classes
 develop your mental dexterity for
ANALYZING and EVALUATING any kind of
text from different academic disciplines,
professional readings, and readings done
for pleasure as well.

9. COURSE CONTENT

10.  Elements of Fiction and Non-fiction,
particularly the short story, poetry, drama,
the novel, and the personal essay
 Theoretical issues and questions related to
historical, social, cultural, and biographical
approaches to the study of literature
 Critical analysis and interpretation
 Elements of fiction: a refresher

11.  A selection of reading material
 1 Film
 1 Novel
 1 Play (optional)
 Historical, social, cultural, and biographical
contexts in which these writings were
produced

12. REQUIRED READINGS and FILMS

13.  To be announced / posted
 Library Files
 Online
 I will assume at all times that assigned
readings have been read.
 Class viewing of films will be scheduled.
 Check the class page on Facebook regularly,
or keep notifications for this page ON.

14. COURSE REQUIREMENTS
AND GRADING

15.  20% Class Participation
 20% Short Papers
 20% Midterms
 40% Finals
 Sixty percent (60%) is required as a passing
mark for each requirement and for the course.

16. CLASS PARTICIPATION

17.  You are expected to participate
consistently in class discussions.
 The success of discussions depends to
some extent on the work you do before
stepping in the classroom. Make sure you
come to class prepared.
 Read the required texts carefully. Put a lot
of thought and effort into your assigned
work.
 We do not need mere talk in class. What
we need is talk that is interesting and
insightful.

18. COURSEWORK FORMAT
Soft Copy / Printout
APA

19. CLASS MEETINGS

20.  Discussions
 lectures, discussions, reports, activities,
and presentations.
 Work Sessions
 composition, research, consultation,
assessment and evaluation
(teacher/group/peer).
 Film / Play viewing

21. ATTENDANCE AND CLASS WORK

22. • Attendance is mandatory.
• You are allowed a maximum of three (6)
excused/unexcused absences from class.
 The Office of Academics shall automatically
drop you from the roll on your absence
beyond the sixth.
 Three counts of tardiness = one absence.
 Arriving 15 minutes past class time =
absent.

23. • Any class work done on the day of one’s
absence is automatically forfeited,
regardless of whether the absence is
excused or not.
 Any questions you may have for me
regarding attendance will be about your
requirements only.
 All other concerns (submission of
certificates/letters/etc.) should be directed
to Academics.

24. DEADLINES

25. • Work should be turned in on time. Failure
to comply will affect your grade.
• All assignments are due at the beginning of
class.
• Requirements shall be submitted in class
OR via email as instructed.
• Closing dates and times shall be strictly
observed.
 Any requirements not submitted when due
need not be turned in. Deadlines are non-
negotiable.

26. A NOTE ON PLAGIARISM
 Plagiarism is cheating and is punishable by:
 failure in a requirement
 failure in a course
 suspension and
 expulsion.

27. CONSULTATION

28.  CONSULTATION takes place during Workshop
Sessions. These will be announced.
 Sign up for consultation on Facebook.
 Please be ready to consult and deliver during
your designated time.
 You may consult briefly via email. Be sure to
indicate the course title.
 I do not refuse ambush consultations;
however, to ensure having your pertinent
documents, grades etc. on hand, sign up for
consultation.

29. Students with Disabilities
 If you have (or suspect you have) a
disability for which you are or may be
requesting accommodation, you are
encouraged to speak to me privately as
early as possible in the term.
 We will properly verify your disability and
determine reasonable accommodations for
this course.