EngLit 12 Section DD

LITERATURE: GLOBAL VOICES & ENCOUNTERS

CUARTERO, Jose Mari B.
Department of English, School of Humanities
Second Semester, 2018-19

COURSE DESCRIPTION
• (3 units) A prolific body of literature exists depicting the drama of global encounters,
where different cultures and perspectives play out the dynamics of conflict and the
search for human understanding.
• This course surveys representative texts in poetry, fiction, and drama revealing
important facets of global society through cultural diversity, conflict resolution, and
dialogical interaction.
• With close attention to genre conventions and various literary modes, students survey a
range of global cultural traditions and ideas, in view of honoring cultural diversity,
expanding personal horizons, and fostering global citizenship.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES
• Cultural diversity informs the current world.
• Many times, cultural diversity provokes conflict.
• Yet diverse global conditions also raise prospects for cultural cooperation.
• Literature is an artistic window that allows us to explore the dynamics of conflict,
cultural cooperation, and their consequences.
• To read literature is to develop personal skills for honoring cultural diversity.
• Reading literature hones our critical response to cultural conflict, cooperation, and their
consequences to humanity and its various contexts.
• More importantly, literature hones our capacities for dialogical interaction and global
citizenship by respecting difference and multicultural realities.
• Literature inscribes the discourse of diversity through different literary forms and
outlooks.
• Language, culture, and translation support this undertaking.
• Attention to language and competence in recognizing different forms and conventions
of literary expression enable us to respect global diversity.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
• At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
• Trace a discourse of global encounters through poetry, fiction, and drama.
• Recognize and explore issues raised by diverse texts across cultures and timeframes.
• Develop textual interpretations of literary texts that promote a critical grasp of global
issues through independent writing, class discussions, small-group work, and creative
presentations.
• Hone the personal skill of dialogical thinking through textual explorations of difference
and multicultural realities.
 • Form convictions through literature about one’s place and responsibilities in today’s
global society.

COURSE CONTENT & TIME FRAME

Literary Voices
• Forche, Carolyn. The Country Between Us
• Guillermo, Gelacio. Azucarera
• Neruda, Pablo. Canto General

Global Encounters
• Gordimer, Nadine. “The Great African Safari”
• Nguyen, Viet Than. “War Years”
• Cordero-Fernando. “People in the War”
• M. Butterfly

Literary Representation and Conflict Resolution

• Banzon, Isabela. Lola Coqueta.
• Manalo, Paulo. E is for Epal

Challenges and Responsibilities

• Alvar, Mia. “Overseas Contract”
• Rosca, Ninotchka. “A Very Small Country”
• Rivera, Marlon. Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank

Rules and Regulations:

• Everyone should be part of the google classroom. Each of you should accomplish their
respective profiles with their complete personal data, along with a profile photo for easy
identification.
• Here is the class code for your section: 21j1ki
• Make it sure that you use your Ateneo gmail account. Other email addresses would not
be accepted by the system. Go to google classroom ASAP.
• Readings are mandatory in the classroom. Everyone is expected to have a copy of the
text, whether soft copy or hard copy. However, since most of you are still first year
students, a hard copy will be a much effective way to teach yourself how to read with
depth and right speed.
• Everyone is expected to have notes on the lectures and reading assignments. Notetaking
is a necessary tool to develop one’s capacity to read, write, and think. Without
notetaking, one could not have a means to gauge the importance of an idea.
• Mobile phones are allowed in class, but texting, taking a call and other mobile
communication should be done outside of the classroom. Step outside if you need to
respond to an emergency call.
• No copy of reading assignment means one cut or absence.
 • The rest of the rules simply follow what is set in the university policies.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING SYSTEM

25% Quizzes
20% Literary Essays
15% Departmental Midterm Examination
20% Final Examination
20% Class Participation

CONSULTATION HOURS
Monday 3:00 – 4:00, but always set an appointment before coming through email.
My email address is jcuartero@ateneo.edu