Rizal Syllabus

Syllabus for Rizal and Philippine Nationalism

Course Title : Rizal Course
Course Description : This course is a critical study and analysis of the life, writings, and major works of Dr. Jose P. Rizal. It is situated in 19th century Philippine political, economic, and socio-cultural conditions. Focus is primarily on Rizal’s thoughts and political stand which were emphasized through his major works and writings. The course is in accordance with the provisions of the Rizal Law (RA 1425) and caters to the needs of our present times, primarily a sense of nationalism.
Number of units : 3
Course Objectives :
At the end of the course, students are expected to:
1. Identify the important facts and events about the life of Dr. Jose P. Rizal from his childhood to his death.
2. Describe the political, economic and socio-cultural conditions of the Philippines with emphasis on the 19th century when Dr. Jose P. Rizal lived.
3. Analyze the foundation and development of Rizal’s personality, beliefs, and philosophy in the context of his own historical milieu.
4. Strengthen nationalism, awareness, and critical thinking through the major works and writings of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.
5. Learn the different discourses and perspectives in the study of his life, works, and writings.
6. Observe the relevance of Rizal’s ideas and concepts to his times as well as to the contemporary times.

Course Outline
Preliminary Period
A. Course Introduction: Contextualization of the Rizal Law
Concepts and Values: Strategies Toward a Better Filipino Nation
· What is a better Filipino nation?
· Rizal’s leadership.

Activities:
1. Answer the discussion aids and exercises from the work text.
2. Document analysis: The Rizal Law.
3. Debate: “Who should be the National Hero of the Philippines?”

B. Human and Cultural Constituents in the Maze of Emancipation
· Immigration to the archipelago.
· The Philippines in Rizal’s time.
· Evolution of national consciousness.

Activities:
1. Answer the discussion aids and exercises from the work text.
2. Conceptualization of the word “nationalism”.
3. Timeline of events.
4. Newspaper articles and clippings on contemporary Filipino nationalism.

C. Heroic Leadership and Rizal
· Heroic leadership.
· Rizal’s life.
· The debacle of his death.

Activities:
1. Answer the discussion aids and exercises from the work text.
2. Film viewing: Ang Buhay ng isang Bayani, Jose Rizal or Rizal sa Dapitan.
3. Have students draw their own family tree.
4. Think paper/Reflection paper.

Midterm Period

D. His novels
· The plots of the novels.
· The characters.
· Expressions of nationalism among the characters.
· Symptoms of the social cancer.
· Symbolism of the characters.
· Impact of the novels.

Activities:
1. Answer the discussion aids and exercises from the work text.
2. Interpret the symbolism on the cover design of Noli Me Tangere.
3. Role playing/Drama.
4. Recitation.
5. Film showing: Noli Me Tangere

E. His essays
· The message to the young women of Malolos.
· The indolence of the Filipinos.
· The Philippines within a century.
· The town school in the Philippines.

Activities:
1. Answer the discussion aid and exercises from the work text.
2. Prose writing on themes corresponding to the essays.

F. His poems
· Poems describing the actual plight of the Filipinos.
· Expressions and Appeals on love and country.
· Poems on Education and Labor.
· Two autobiographical poems.

Activities:
1. Answer the discussion aid and exercises from the work text.
2. Poetry writing on preferred selections.
3. Paraphrasing of Rizal’s poems.

Final Period

G. Bonifacio and Other National Leaders
· Influence of Rizal on the Revolutionary Leaders.
· Andres Bonifacio and the Revolt of the Masses.
· Other national leaders.
· Towards Philippine independence.
· Rizal ideals in Commonwealth Policies and Institutions.
· Rizal and the Philippine Educational System.
· Contemporary Presidents.
· Overview of National Leadership.

Activities:
1. Answer the discussion aids exercises from the work text.
2. Make the students work on their own autobiography with goals, objectives and plans.
3. Recitation.
4. Group activities.

H. Toward unity and peace, justice and prosperity with health and nutrition.
· Sacrifice and pursuance of life goals.
· Better health and sustainable nutrition.
· Taking risks.
· Leadership development through education.
· Today’s heroes – exemplars of national values.
· National unity through synthesis of cultural diversity.
· The vote and the nation.

Activities:
1. Answer the discussion aids and exercises from the work text.
2. Recitation.
3. Quizzes and activities.

I. Philippine Nationalism Today
· Rizal: Man and Hero.
· The first step: achievements.
· Subsequent steps: Toward sustained achievements.
· Toward a Better People, the Best Nation.

Activities:
1. Answer the discussion aids and exercises from the work text.
2. Film showing: Bayaning Third World.
3. Think paper/Reflection Paper

Methodology:
Lecture/discussion, group discussion, film showing, group and individual activities/exercises.

Course Requirements:
Attendance and active participation in class discussion.
Quizzes.
Activities/exercises and assignments.
Project submission: Group and/or individual.
Passing of three (3) major examinations.

Reference:
Romero, Ma. Corona S. Rizal and Philippine Nationalism. Thinkbook Enterprises, San Mateo, Rizal: 2009.