Ruth Elynia S. Mabanglo

Courses Taught

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  1. Poems in Tagalog
  2. Poems in English
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  4. Sample Plays
• Courses Taught
  1. IP 363
  2. IP 396
  3. IP 368B
  4. IP 431
  5. FIL 315
  6. FIL 330
  7. FIL 461
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The Course:

The literature of the Philippines is multi-faceted. It is written in many languages (in the indigenous languages of the Filipinos such as Ilokano, Tagalog, Cebuano, Pampango, Bikol, etc.; in the languages of her conquerors (Spanish and English) and covers a lot of themes. This course will sample only the literature written by Filipinos and Filipino Americans in English.

The literary works were chosen to provide the reader a general background knowledge on how the Filipino writers view themselves (and the other Filipinos) in various context (in different times and space)-in their family life, in the community, at work, in war and in love. One important aspect of the course deals with the subject of diaspora or migration. Filipinos in America wrote short stories, poems and essays dealing with the views or sentiments about this topic. There are also writings that deal with migration in other Southeast Asian countries, in Europe or the Middle East.

Through the literature, it is hoped that the readers would be able to reclaim their heritage (if they are Filipino Americans) or understand where the Filipinos are coming from (if they are Americans), to identify themselves in the characters they read, and to be inspired in writing their thoughts, sharing their feelings or simply, to appreciate what others have written, said or done.

Course Objectives:

Through this course, students will

• Develop understanding of Filipino/Filipino American values, customs and traditions through the various stories, poems, essays and plays that will be read in class
• Discover the strengths and weaknesses; values and traditions of the contemporary Filipinos/Filipino Americans emerging from various situations, events and problems given them.
• Delineate the difference between perception and reality; between reading and experiencing Philippine contemporary literature
• Develop insights and communicate them with others through oral and written intercourse

Expectations:

Each student is expected to:

1. Participate actively in the building of learning atmosphere conducive to opennes, mutual respect, friendliness and join the learning process.
2. Be responsible in terms of preparedness for discussion, tests, projects and activities.
3. Conduct independent study and research in background and relevant information that can enrich knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.
4. Share findings of independent study in written reports and group discussions.
5. Complete and submit all requirements on time.

The Text

IP 363 -- Readings in Contemporary Philippine Literature in English compiled by Dr. Ruth Elynia S. Mabanglo
           (available at Professional Image, King St. across 7-11 Grocery Store)
Handouts
Filipino novels in English (as chosen by students), available at the Asia Collection, Hamilton Library

Requirements/Grading

Class Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40%
    (attendance, discussion, assignments, class performance)
Oral Presentations (formal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30%
Writings (formal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30%
TOTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100%

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND LIST OF NOVELS (will be given as handouts)

Schedule of Readings/Activities

1. WRITING REQUIREMENTS (30%)
*attendance; recitation; participation in activities, assignments; cultural activities

Presence in the classroom entail active participation in the discussion. If there is group work, in-class writing activities, games, roleplays, etc., students are expected to cooperate/join. Only one absence (equivalent to three in regular scheduled 3-unit courses), excused or unexcused, can be tolerated for the duration of the course. Students are expected to inform the teacher ahead of time if an absence cannot be prevented.

The syllabus designates two cultural activities required of every student to attend or participate in. Make arrangements to make-up for these activities if you cannot make it.
COMMUNICATION BY EMAIL IS IMPERATIVE IN THIS CLASS.
You are expected to reply once you receive an email from the teacher or classmates.

2. ORAL PRESENTATIONS (30%)
*2 formal group presentations; 1 individual presentation (novel)

Since the class is also designated as oral communication intensive (OCI), students are required to have presentations. The OCI grade will be based on the panel presentation (group), individual performances/presentations. The schedule for presentations will be announced as class progresses. There will be guidelines for assessment - both from the teacher and the peer.

3. CLASS PARTICIPATION (40%)
* 2 major papers, 1 peer review, 1 short essay for publication; take-home midterm exam

Major papers should be and at least 7 pages each, typewritten in double space using 12 fontsize of Times or Times New Roman.
Guidelines will be provided before the writing of each paper.
            1 major paper
            1 book review (novel)
The peer review should at least be 2 pages, typewritten, double-spaced using 12 font size of Times or Times New Roman. The comment is for the paper of a peer or classmate (feedback).

The second major paper is the review of a Filipino/Filipino American novel in English. This will be the final paper. A guideline for writing the review will be provided.

Apart from the feedback that your classmate will provide for the two major papers, the teacher will provide assessment to your writing to help you revise your work. The grade will be given only after each revision.

A midterm examination on the topics and discussions covered in class. This is a take-home examination that will be distributed before the spring break.