21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World

In today’s globalized, technology-mediated society, a course on contemporary literature can be especially useful for exploring national, ethnic, linguistic, and socio-political issues, in addition to serving as a model of connected and active student learning. Nonetheless, teaching literature in the 21^st century also poses challenge to teachers and curriculum developers specifically on finding ways to represent current writers from diverse regions and to connect literary works to students’ personal and communal lives, across cultural and national boundaries.

In this light, the authors aim to contribute in addressing the challenge by crafting this textbook entitled, “21^st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World.” The book is anchored on the curriculum guide provided by the Department of Education for the Grade 11 subject 21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World which aims to engage students in appreciation and critical study of literature encompassing their various dimensions, genres, elements, structures, contexts, and traditions.

This book is based on theories regarding communicative, differentiated, and collaborative learning. It uses a task-based approach to help the student grasp all the nuances of the texts, and includes tasks that will help them construct knowledge and create meaning for themselves. It was written to encourage a student-centered environment. It includes activities where students can be sources of knowledge. Worksheets and guide questions will be provided to help students analyze literary texts on their own. This book also includes background information that will help students appreciate the context of what they have read, and ultimately apply what the have read to their lives.

The book adopted the textbook format designed by Marikit Tara A. Uychoco.  The book is divided into two sections: Philippine Literature and World Literature with an introductory discussion on the nature of literature (definition, major genres, and its development in Philippine history). Each section has an introduction and is divided into several units. Each unit is composed of different lessons or modules. Each module consists of the following parts:

Motivation: These are questions that elicit what the students know prior to the lesson

Pre-Reading: These are activities designed to capture the students’ attention and stimulate their interest using the inquiry process.

Guide Questions: These questions are able to explore the text further and help the students process and explain what they just read.

After Reading: This provides students with activities to build their own understanding after reading the text. They may also be the transference of learning to unfamiliar situations.

Evaluation: This segment helps the student show what they have learned from the text.

Enrichment: These activities help students apply their knowledge in an original way.

Background information on the various authors, the themes presented in the literary works, and literature on the regions or countries involved are included for readers to get to know the subject material better, and broaden their knowledge on the different world and Philippine literature available.