A COURSE MODULE FOR PHILIPPINE LITERATURE

PART 1: INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE

“Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary
competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in respect, it irrigates the deserts that our
lives have already become.”

-C.S. Lewis

Lesson 1. Essence and Significance of Literature

Learning Objectives

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. define literature;

2. explain the significance of literature; and

3. identify and discuss the qualities of good literature.

Introduction

Literature, in its broadest sense, is any written work. Etymologically, the term derives from
the Latin litaritura/litteratura “writing formed with letters,” although some definitions include spoken
or sung texts. More restrictively, it is writing that possesses literary merit. Literature can be classified
according to whether it is fiction or non-fiction and whether it is poetry or prose. It can be further
distinguished according to major forms such as the novel, short story, or drama, and works are often
categorized according to historical periods or their adherence to certain aesthetic features or
expectations (genre).

Taken to mean only written works, literature was first produced by some of the world’s
earliest civilizations—those of Ancient Egypt and Sumeria—as early as the 4th millennium BC; taken
to include spoken or sung texts, it originated even earlier, and some of the first written works may
have been based on a pre-existing oral tradition. As urban cultures and societies developed, there
was a proliferation in the forms of literature. Developments in print technology allowed for literature
to be distributed and experienced on an unprecedented scale, which has culminated in the twenty-
first century in electronic literature.

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A COURSE MODULE FOR PHILIPPINE LITERATURE

Activity 1

Directions: Given the graphic organizer below, write your ideas or thoughts about literature.

LITERATURE

Based on your definitions or ideas about literature, write a concept about the importance of reading
literature and its qualities. Write it in the space provided below.

**Please see the attached rubric or criteria for checking on the last page.

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READ

Definitions of Literature
 (Origin of term – litera which means letter) deals with the ideas, thoughts, and emotions
of man. (Kahayon, 1998)
 It comes from the French phrase “belles-letters” which means beautiful writing. (Baritugo,
et. al., 2004)
 The best way to understand human nature fully and to know a nation completely is to study
literature. (Garcia, et. al., 1993)
 It offers us an experience in which we should participate as we read and test what we read
by our own experience.
 It does not yield much unless we bring something of ourselves to it.
 It illuminates life.
 It is our life’s story including its struggles, ideas, failures, sacrifices, and happiness. (Ang,
2006)
 Appeals to man’s higher nature and its needs – emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and
creative.
Why do people read literature?

 Like all other forms of art, literature entertains and gives pleasure; it fires the imagination
and arouses noble emotions, and enriches man by enabling him to reflect on life and by
filling him with new ideas.
 For information, for amusement, for higher and keener pleasure, for cultural upliftment, and
the discovery of broader dimensions in life.

Qualities of a Good Literature (William J. Long)

The ability to judge literature is based on the application of certain recognizable standards
of good literature. Great literature is distinguishable by the following qualities:

1. Artistry. It has a quality that appeals to our sense of beauty.

2. Intellectual Value. A literary work stimulates thought and enriches our mental life by making
us realize fundamental truths about life and human nature.

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3. Suggestiveness. This is the quality associated with the emotional power of literature such
that it should move us deeply and stir our creative imagination, giving and evoking vision
above and beyond the plane of ordinary life and experience.
4. Spiritual Value. Good literature elevates the spirit by bringing out moral values which makes
us better people – the capacity to inspire is part of the spiritual value of literature.
5. Permanence. A great work of literature endures – it can be read again and again as each
reading gives fresh delight and new insights and opens new worlds of meaning and
experience. Great literature is timeless and timely –forever relevant in terms of its theme and
conditions.
6. Universality. It appeals to everyone regardless of culture, race, sex, and time which are
considered significant.
7. Style – the distinct way the author expresses his or her thoughts.

Activity 2

Directions: Aside from the qualities of good literature discussed above, kindly identify other qualities
or characteristics of good and effective literature. List down your answers below.

Other Qualities/Characteristics of a Good Literature

Qualities/Characteristics Explanations

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A COURSE MODULE FOR PHILIPPINE LITERATURE

Activity 3: Culminating Activity

Directions: Write an essay about literature and its influence on human life.

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References:

Lacia, Ferdilyn, C., et al. (3rd Ed.), (2015). The Literatures of the Philippines. Quezon City, Metro
Manila, Philippines:Rex Book Store, Inc.

Saymo, A. S. (2014). Philippine Literature. Manila, Philippines: Erehwon Artworld Corporation

Ang, J. G. (2012). Literature 101 (Philippine Literature: A Course Reader). Manila, Philippines:
Mindshapers Co., Inc.

Marco, L.L. et al. (2009). Philippine Literary Heritage (from Spanish Period to Present). Manila,
Philippines: Mindshapers Co., Inc.

PNU Reviewer: General Education. (2019)

Rubrics/ Criteria for Grading

Rubric for Activity #1.1: Write a concept about the importance of reading literature and its qualities.

Main Points (Body Paragraphs) – 3 points

Organization (Structure/Transition, Grammar) – 3 points

Style (Writer’s voice, Audience, Awareness) – 3 points

Mechanics (Spelling, Punctuation, Capitalization) – 1 point

10 points

Rubric for Activity 3. Culminating Activity: Write an essay about literature and its influence on human
life.

Focus and Details - 3 points

Organization - 3 points

Voice - 3 points

Word Choice - 3 points

Sentence Structure, Grammar, Mechanics, & Spelling - 3 points

15 points

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