21st Century Literature

First Quarter, Module 1

Name: Date:
Section:

This module aims to engage students in appreciation and critical study of 21 st Century
Literature from the Philippines and the World encompassing its various dimensions, genres,
elements, structures, contexts, and traditions. It encourages the students to study and
appreciate the literature of the region in relation to the literature of the world originally written in
the 21st century.
Content Standard Performance Standards
The learner will be able to understand and The learner will be able to demonstrate
appreciate the elements and contexts of understanding and appreciation of 21st
21st century Philippine literature from the century Philippine literature from the
regions through a written analysis and
regions.
critical interpretation of a literary text.

LESSON 1- Close Analysis and Critical

Interpretation of Literary Texts

TO THE LEARNERS:
You will be introduced to the different parts of this module. Please read and follow the following
steps:
1. Read the module title and the introduction to have an idea of what the module covers.
2. Read the section, “Objectives of the Lesson” to know the skills you are to develop in this
module.
3. Answer the Pre-Test carefully.
4. Do the Activities and the exercises. Submit your output to your teacher after accomplishing
it.
Good luck as you start your journey on this module!
Write your answer on a separate notebook. Have a separate notebook or journal
intended for this subject, 21st Century Literature.

OBJECTIVES:
1. Identify the geographic, linguistic, and ethnic dimensions of Philippine literary history from
pre-colonial to the contemporary.
2. Identify representative texts and authors from each region.
3. Value the contributions of local writers to the development of regional literary traditions.
4. Appreciate the contributions of the canonical Filipino writers to the development of national
literature.
5. Differentiate/compare and contrast the various 21st century literary genres and the ones from
the earlier genres/periods citing their elements, structures and traditions.
 PRE-TEST
Directions. Read and understand carefully each question. Choose the
correct answer from the choices given. Write your answers on your answer
sheet/notebook.
1. On what era did the Filipino writers involved underworld characters such as aswang and
manananggal?
A. Japanese Occupation B. American Colonial C. Pre-Colonial

2. What do you call the sequence of events involving characters and a central conflict?
A. Climax B. Plot C. Denouement
3. What is the genre that involves answering special cases or looking for a treasure in a
fictional world?
A. Fantasy B. Mystery C. Creative Fiction
4. What are the narrative poems intended to be sung? They are shorter than the epics and
they usually tell stories about a particular person?
A. Lyric B. Haiku C. Tanaga
5. Which form of prose contain the origin of a thing, location or name?
A. Fable B. Parable C. Legend

INTRODUCTION
Before the Philippines was colonized, it was already overflowing with rich tradition of oral
literature. Early Filipinos weaved together countless myths and legends to explain certain
phenomena in life. Most of what have been transcribed now are taken from oral literature, which
means stories that have been passed on from one generation to another. Most are epics and
folklores. Here are some example of literature that were passed on by our ancestors.
The variety and richness of our Philippine literature evolved side by side with our
country’s history, where norms, beliefs, and values were reflected as Filipinos which were
developed through different periods such as the Pre-Colonial, Spanish Colonial, American,
under the Republic, and the Contemporary. These can further be seen into different literary
approaches that slowly evolved through time as the nationalistic consciousness and literary
thoughts of Filipinos ushered to the idea of the free Philippines from any foreign invasion and
colonization, ideas that influenced our own Filipino intellectuals and writers to write about
Philippine independence from colonial rule.

ACTIVITY

Recall the timeline of Philippine history. Reflect on some events and

information from different periods of time as shown by the chart below.

 Poetry – Proverb, Whisper, Folk Songs, Tanaga, & Epic

 Tale - Myth, Legend, Fable, Fantastic Story
PRE COLONIAL  Drama – Dance & Rituals
 System of Writing - Baybayin/Alibata

 Religious Literature – Pasyon, Sinakulo

 Secular Literature – Awit, Korido, Prose Narratives, &
SPANISH COLONIAL Balagtasan, Play
 st
1 Published Cathecism Books
 Tagalog/Visayan & other Vernacular Dictionary
  News Reporting started to flourish
 English used as medium in writing poetry, stories, novels, &
plays
 Three Periods under American colonization where
AMERICAN Literature developed:
COLONIAL -Re-Orientation (English literary works were introduced)
-Imitation (trying to write as English writers do)
-Self-Discovery (Filipino writers started writing their
masterpieces in English)
 During this period Filipino writers in different fields of
literature mushroomed and created their own masterpieces,
emulating themes and methods of American writers.
 Writers kept up with the artistic trends of the US
 Birth of the New Criticisms
UNDER THE  Masterpieces were written through close analysis of text
REPUBLIC rather than through social or biographical contexts
 Literary works focused on a personal level, societal injustices
and plight of Filipino people,
 Writers continue to write poetry, short stories, novels and
CONTEMPORARY essays which are socially-committed, and gender/ethnic-
related
 Massive consciousness with the proliferation of writers
workshops local & abroad
 Bulk of literature is available via mass media & internet

REMEMBER:

As discussed earlier, our country’s history is a unique narrative of colonialism, reaction,

rise of nationalistic emotions, revolution, and varied literary art that flourished during these times
as the intellectuals expressed their revolt through arts and their masterpieces.
In your study of our country’s rich cultural literature, even before the period of
colonization, not only through the system of writing you have come to know each phase that our
country must have gone through. You have learned that our country’s early literature was
principally oral, in as much as writing was not yet invented and more of the works were concise
and poetic, such as; Bugtong (Riddle), Salawikain (Proverbs), Kasabihan (Saying), Kantahing
Bayan (Folk Song), Oyayi (Lullaby), Kumintang (War Song), Dalit (Religious Song), Kundiman
(Love Song), Dipayanan (Drinking Song), Hibais (Travel Song), Bung-aw (Funeral Song), and
Bansai (Courting Song).
With the passage of time Oral Literature became lengthy and this long forms became the
epic such as; Biag ni Lam-Ang (Ilokano), Hudhud at Alim (Ifugao), Kumintang (Tagalog), Ibalon
(Bicolano), Maragtas at Hinilawod (Visayaz), Bantugan (Muslim), Indarapatra at Sulayman
(Maguindanao).

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Direction: Read and understand each item carefully. Write your answer in your
answer sheets/notebook.
1. What writing system was well-known all over Asia and was used by Abugida and
ancient Filipinos before the Spaniards came?
A. Alpabeto B. Baybayin C. Panitikan
2. This explains the origin of things and how the world was created.
A. Myth B. Prose C. Tale
3. Biag ni Lam-Ang: Ilokano; Ibalon:
A. Visayas B. Bikolano C. Muslim
4. Maragtas at Hinilawod: ; Kumintang: Tagalog
A. Maguindanao B. Tagalog C. Visayas
5. Hudhud at Alim: Ifugao; bantugan
A. Muslim B. Maguindanao C. Ifugao

LESSON 2- Literary Genres in the 21st

Century Literature
OBJECTIVE:
Compare and contrast the various 21st century literary genres from the earlier genres/periods
citing their elements, structure and traditions.

PRE-TEST
Direction: Read and understand each item carefully. Write your answer in your
answer sheets/notebook.

1. What do you call the current century of the Anno Domini era in accordance with
the Gregorian calendar?
A. Common Era B. 21st Century C. 3rd millennium
2. Which is our connection with our own experiences, the creative
representation and reproduction of what we have lived in and for?
A. Culture B. Heritage C. Literature
3. When a narrative is heroine-centered and focused on the trials and tribulations
of modern womanhood in humorous and lighthearted ways, what type of narrative
is this?
A. Digi Fiction B. Graphic Noves C. Hyper Poetry
4. Which simply means “comics”.
A. Kodomo B. Shojo C. Manga
5. If the literary work is written like this, “If missing you is a crime, I’m guilty! I am not
fine. I miss how we use to be. Please, oh please come back to me!” What genre
is it?
A. Chick Lit B. Hyper Poetry C. Text Tula

INTRODUCTION
The literature in the earlier period of Philippine history was basically more propagandistic
than literary as the situation and events at that time needed such purpose for liberation.
The three periods which our history went through were the core of our history and
literature. History has a very important role in literature as it not only reflects facts with aesthetic
language, but more importantly, it displays the ideas and feelings of the people living during that
time. Not only does literature exhibit history, but so as the hope that people have. It shows what
they hope for the nation, or for themselves, about nationalism, love, or other aspects going on in
 life. As the Philippines underwent a lot of history, as well as changes, literature also evolved. In
the similar case as the first three periods, literary genres also evolve depending on the
influence, state and the condition that our country was in. From epics to folksongs, to the
senakulo and Noli Me Tangere, to Tagalog and English short stories, essays, poetry; drama and
film; to Wattpad and blogs – these are all reflective of the history, evolution, and developments
of the Filipino nation. Each period has its own distinct genre and unique artists that everyone
remembers.
It is a bit too early to give a definite and elaborate description of this literature in the
Philippines. It is, however possible, to approach contemporary literature as a reaction to
dialogue with existing forms of expressive culture. As we engage in technology more and more,
we create and discover more existing forms of expressive culture as well. Nowadays, we have a
variety of resources through the internet and this gave opportunities to Filipinos, especially the
youth, to begin writing and to express their thoughts, ideas, and feelings. A perfect example
would be the WattPad as it has become popular to the youth since the start of 2006. This had
made it possible for the youth to read more and to start creating their own compositions.

ACTIVITY

Getting to Know Literature

Complete the K-W-L Chart by writing what you know, what you want to know & what you
learned about literature.

What You KNOW What You Want to What You LEARNED

KNOW

REMEMBER:

21st Century Literary Genres have their own characteristics, nature, and structure. They
may be a product of one’s imagination, creativity and ingenuity through the intervention of
technology which channeled through some platforms. It is worthwhile to enjoy and to get
acquainted with the following:

Blog Chick Literature

Creative Non-Fiction Hypertext Poetry
Digi Fiction Manga
Doodle Fiction Mobile Phone Text Tula
Flash Fiction Science Fiction
Graphic Novels Speculative Fiction
 CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING:

Direction: Read and understand the statements carefully to ensure correctness

of your answers to the following questions before you write them down to your
answer sheets/notebook. Identify what is being described in the following statements.
1. It is a graphic novel in a narrative work where story is conveyed to the reader using comic
form.
A. Chick Lit B. Blog C. Graphic Novel
2. It is an online journal or informational website on a platform where writer or group of writers
share their views on a certain subject.
A. Blog B. Digi-Fiction C. Manga
3. This is a literary presentation of author who incorporates drawings and handwritten graphics
in place of traditional font.
A. Text Tula B. Doodle Fiction C. Hyperlink Poetry
4. It is a rich mix of ideas, flavors and techniques or a newly invented essay, journal article, a
poem or a memoir which can be personal.
A. Creative Non-Fiction B. Graphic Novels C. Illustrated Novel
5. This is type of Manga which is intended for children.
A. Josei B. Kodomo C. Shone

LESSON 3 – Critical Reading Strategies

To Enrich Reader’s Understanding
OBJECTIVES:
1. Discuss how different contexts enhance the text’s meaning and enrich the reader’s
understanding.
2. Analyze the meaning of a text, author’s views and values to create meaning with clear
understanding of the text.

PRE-TEST
Direction: Read and understand each question. Choose the letter of the correct answer.
1. What do you do when you look for evidences, sources and author’s bias(es)?
A. Analyzing B. Outlining C. Contextualizing
2. What do you do when you consider the historical, cultural or biographical context of the text?
A. Rereading B. Responding C Contextualizing
3. How do you identify the main ideas in the text and express them again in your own words?
A. Analyzing B. Outlining C. Summarizing
4. Which of the following involves highlighting or making notes of important ideas on the text?
A. Annotating B. Rereading C. Responding
5. Which means drawing meaning from what you have read and presenting it in writing or
talking about it to others?
A. Rereading B. Responding C. Summarizing

ACTIVITY
Below is an excerpt from the letter of Andres Bonifacio to his wife, Oryang
(Gregoria De Jesus).
 Analyze the excerpt through its literary context, then answer the following questions:
1. What are the striking words used in the letter?
2. How many meaningful statements are used in the letter?
3. What imagery was used in the poem?
4. What is the mood of the letter?
5. Did the use of language help in conveying the letter’s message? How?

INTRODUCTION
Being a critical reader, you do not simply aim to memorize the facts and information in
the texts that you are reading, you need to be a keen observer there are several ways on how
to develop the skill.
Here are the three main goals of critical reading that requires inference from reading
within the text (Kurland 2000):
Purpose Inferring basis for choices of content and language

Tone & Persuasive Elements Classifying the nature language choices used by the author

Recognize bias Classifying the nature of patterns of choice & language used in
the text

The following critical reading strategies will help you cope with different reading texts:
Previewing Skimming to get the big picture or overview of the text

Annotating Highlighting or making notes of important ideas in the text

Contextualizing Considering the historical, cultural, or biographical contexts of the

text
Outlining Identifying the basic structure of the text (main & the supporting
ideas) and connecting those ideas.
Summarizing Presenting your understanding of the text by reviewing and
synthesizing important ideas by restating them in your own words.
Analyzing Examining the information presented to support the author’s
argument(s), by looking at the evidence, sources & bias(es)
Rereading Examining the text repeatedly to identify ideas you may not have
noticed in initial reading, to fully grasp the meaning of the text & the
message it conveyed
Responding Drawing meaning from what you have read and presenting it in
writing or talking about it to others.
 REMEMBER

After the discussion of the lesson on the strategies in critical reading of any
literature form, it is worthwhile to note that a critical reader means that you are
looking for ways of thinking about the subject matter of the text that you are
reading and the overall meaning of the text, the author’s views and values, and
how are the passages in the text create the meaning with clear understanding of the whole
context.

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Create an interpretation of the passage below stated by F. Sionil Jose. Write a
response about whether you agree with him or whether you want to simply
respond to his critical thoughts. Write your letter response on your notebook.
“We are shallow because our media are so horribly shallow. Every morning, I peruse the
papers and there is so little to read in them. It is the same with radio — all that noise,
that artifice.”

LESSON 4 - Adaptation of a Literary Text

Into Creative Forms Using Multimedia

OBJECTIVES:
1. Understand the message and the symbols used in the literary piece.
2. Produce a creative representation of a literary text by applying multi-media and ICT
skills.

REVIEW
Ponder of an essay, movie or any literary piece by a canonical author you have read or
discussed in class from your previous grade which kindle your emotion as it mirrors a particular
experience, issues in life. How does it affect you?

INTRODUCTION
We have discussed in our earlier lesson that literature in the earlier period of Philippine
history was basically more propagandistic than literary and it is so for over a period of time. It
may only change in form and feature, from foreign invasion to different faces of colonization, but
still history depicts the plight of Filipinos for freedom.
Think of a problem or an issue that Filipino nowadays faces or experiences, categorize
them as community, education, economic, financial, personal, or social. Issues usually
presented are the same issues presented in any pieces of literary works by many known writers
or authors discussing the plight of Filipinos over a period of time.

ACTIVITY
In this lesson, as your basis on how an adaptation was created, you may watch a
sample video adaptation of the poem “Ang Uod”, a literary piece written by one of
the country’s known and critically acclaimed writer, Amado V. Hernandez You
may see how the video was made and presented by its maker.
.
[Link]
bUhB8Q7e_XAsBiZUMGenN_UY6Vf82rgSaGc1BsWY9w

PERFORMANCE TASKs
Unleash Your Creativity and Skills in ICT!

Goal: Your task is to watch a video or movie adaptation of one literary artist,
you may also read his literary piece (ex..Ang Uod, by Amado V. Hernandez) .
The goal is to understand and analyze the message, then make your own video adaptation of
your chosen material.
Role: You are a 21st century literary artist/actor who will portray a character in the literary piece.
Make a creative presentation following the criteria for presentation..
Standards & Criteria for success: Your performance need to have reliable and credible
sources. Your work will be judged based on the set of criteria listed below in the rubrics.
Rubrics:
Criteria Percentile Score
Content/Material 20
Creativity 20
Innovation/Technology 20
Originality 20
Presentation 20
Total 100

REMEMBER
It is noteworthy to remember that the video adaptation you have created from a
selected literary text is significant in showing how careful and how good you are
in choosing the material for your project. The output you have come up is a
proof of how skillful and how creative you are in the use of multi-media and ICT.
21st Century Module Activities 'Answer Key

21st Century Module Activities

'Answer Key: Module 1-
Lesson 1:
1. C 2.B 3. B 4. A 5. C
Activity 1. B 2. C 3. B 4. C 5. A

Lesson 2 Pre-Test: 1. B 2. C 3. B 4.C 5. C

Check your Understanding 1. C 2. A 3. B 4. A 5.B

Lesson 3

Pre Test: 1. A 2. C 3. C 4. A 5. B

Activity: An excerpt Mali Ka! 1. Hindi kita nakasa;lubong

2.
1. Hindi kita nakasalubong
2. Ako ay liliko sa kanan, ikaw sa kaliwa
3. Saan man tayo dalhin ng ating pakikibaka
[Link] sa pulang bandila
4. sad and inlove
[Link]. language is used to create images.
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING: teachers will check the activity
individually.
Lesson 4: Watch the video- the answers may vary- teacher will do the
checking.