21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World
The 21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World module is designed to expose students to the diverse literary works that reflect the contemporary experiences, ideas, and cultures of both the Philippines and other parts of the world. It aims to help students appreciate the evolution of literature in the 21st century, particularly the various forms and genres that have emerged due to technological advancements, globalization, and changing societal issues.
This module introduces students to the characteristics of 21st-century literature, focusing on the unique features of modern literary forms, such as digital texts, spoken word poetry, blogs, short stories, graphic novels, and plays, among others. The module also explores how literature has evolved to address themes of identity, migration, technology, environmental concerns, and social justice.
Students will read and analyze works by both Filipino and international authors, recognizing how cultural, historical, and socio-political contexts influence the way literature is created and interpreted. The module will include discussions on the ways that literature is used as a tool for personal expression, social commentary, and activism in the modern world.
Key topics include:
- The evolution of 21st-century literature and its defining characteristics
- Contemporary Filipino literature: themes, authors, and literary movements
- Global literary trends and how they influence or differ from Philippine literature
- The role of technology and digital platforms in the creation and consumption of literature (e-books, online publications, blogs, etc.)
- The use of literature to express personal identity, social issues, and global concerns (migration, gender equality, climate change)
- Comparative analysis of Filipino and world literature
- New literary genres: spoken word, graphic novels, online literature, and more
Through reading assignments, discussions, and creative activities, students will develop a deeper understanding of how contemporary literature mirrors and responds to the changing world. By the end of the module, students will be able to critically engage with and analyze 21st-century literary works, appreciating their relevance to both the present and the future.