Faculty Member : Kay G. Losabia/kaylosabia@yahoo.

com
Course Title/Code : Readings in Philippine History /GE PLH

Course Description

The course analyzes Philippine History from multiple perspectives through the lens of
primary sources coming from various disciplines and of different genres. Students are given the
opportunities to analyze the author’s background and main arguments, compare different points
of view, identify biases and examine the evidences presented in the document. The discussions
will tackle traditional topics in history and other interdisciplinary themes deepen and broaden
their understanding of Philippine political, economic, cultural, social, scientific and religious
history. Priority is given to primary materials that could help students develop the historical and
critical consciousness of the students so that they will become versatile, articulate, broad minded,
morally upright and responsible citizen.
This course includes mandatory topics in Philippine Constitution, agrarian reform and
taxation.

At the end of the course, the students would be able to:

1. Evaluate primary sources for their credibility, authenticity and provenance;
2. Analyze the context, content, and perspective of different kinds of primary sources;
3. Determine the contribution of different kinds of primary sources in understanding
Philippine History;
4. Develop critical and analytical skills with exposure to primary sources;
5. Demonstrate the ability to use primary sources to argue in favor or against a particular
issue.
Course Outline

Week Topics/Concepts
1 Module 1
Introduction to History
Definition of History
Issues/Sources/Methodology
2 Module 2
Historical Methodology
Components in Historical Method
Content and Contextual Analysis
Suggested Readings:
Site of the first mass
Cavite Mutiny
Retraction of Rizal
Cry of Balintawak or Pugadlwin
3 Module 3
Pre-colonial Philippines
Government structure
Economic system
Socio-cultural
Required Readings:

Page 1 of 5
 Excerpt from the Conicas by Juan Francisco de Antonio (pp. 29-31)
Excerpt from the Boxer Code (pp.31-32)
Excerpts from Relacion de las Islas Filipinas by Miguel de Loarca (pp. 17-18)
Excerpt from Labor Evangelica: of the Government and Political Customs of these
People by Francisco Colin, S.J. (pp. 26-27)
Excerpt from Relacion de las Islas Filipinas by Padre Chirino (pp.19-21)
Excerpts from relation of the Worship of the Tagalogs, Their Gods, and Their Burials
and Supertitious by Fray Juan De Plasencia (pp. 15-16)
4-5 Module 4
The Colonial government
- National and local government
- Functions of colonial officials
- Checks on the power of Governor – general
Ecclesiastic organization
Required Readings:
Encomiendas assigned by Legazpi (pp. 53-56)
Memorials of Bishop de Salazar on the Abuses Committed by the Spaniards
(pp. 57-60)
Opinion of Fray Martin de Rada on Tributes Coming from the Indians (pp. 62 – 65)
Decree Regulating Services of Filipinos (Royal Decree issued on May 26, 1609)
(pp. 65-66)
Performance Task 1: Collection of Sources/Evidences/ Summative Exam 1
6 Module 5
The Propaganda Movement
- Background of the Propaganda Movement
- Propaganda Movements
- Reasons for the failure of the Movement
The Philippine Revolution
- 1st Phase of Revolution
- 2nd Phase of Revolution
Required Readings:
Excerpt from “ The Philippines in Distress” by Graciano Lopez Jaena
(pp. 85 -86)
Excerpt on the “Indolence of the Filipinos” by Jose Rizal (pp. 89-94)
Kartilya by Emilio Jacinto (pp. 100 - 102)
Andres Bonifacio’s Letter to Emilio Jacinto, April 16, 1897 (pp. 109 – 110)
Apolinario Mabini’s Reply to the Proclamation of the 1st Philippine Commission
(San Isidro, Nueva Ecija on April 15, 1899) (pp. 122 – 124)
Case Unclosed (GMA 7 docu/video)
7 Module 6
American Occupation of the Philippines
- treaty of Paris
- tensions between US and Philippines
- end of Phil – American war
The Suppression of Filipino Nationalism and the Filipinization in the government
Required Visuals:
Philippine cartoons : Political Caricature of the American Era, 1900-1941
8 Module 7

Page 2 of 5
 Japanese Occupation
- Japan Occupation of the Philippines
- Installation of the Philippine Republic
- Liberation of the Philippines
Required Readings:
Address to the People of the Philippines by Lt. General Masaharu Homma
(pp. 194 – 196)
Letter of Claro M. Recto to Director General of the Japanese Military Administration
(pp. 200 – 204)
On line references:
http://www.slideshare.net/jhonilbajado/the-phil-government-in-transition2
History With Lourd Tsismis Noon Kasaysayan Ngayon December 18, 2013 Full
Episode (you tube
9 - 10 Module 8
Pre – Martial law and Martial Law Period

Performance Task 2: Oral Presentation/ Summative Exam 2

11 Module 9
1986 People Power Revolution
Agrarian Reform Policies
12 Module 10
The Philippine Constitution
1897 Biak na Bato Constitution
1899 Malolos Constitution
1935 Constitution
1973 Constitution
1987 Constitution
Taxation and Fiscal Policy in the Philippines

13 Module 11
Doing History
a. Critical evaluation and promotion of local and oral history
b. Doing historical research
Online
Libraries
Archives (historical sites, museums, galleries)
Doing life histories and biographical research
Interacting with history through historical shrines and museums
Performance Task 3: Full Paper Submission/ Final Examination

Page 3 of 5
Course Requirements

1. Regular Attendance
2. Major Examinations
3. Quizzes, recitation, classroom activity, individual/group presentations

Grading System

Midterm Grade
Summative test (Prelim Exam 20%
Summative test (Midterm Exam) 20%
Outcomes evaluation (CP) 20%
Performance Task 40%
Midterm Period 100%

Final Grade
Summative test (Final exam) 30%
Outcomes evaluation (CP) 30%
Performance Task 40%
Final Period 100%

Major References

The course does not require a textbook, considering the dynamic and wide array of
available resources in the library and online, but some references are suggested:

1. Abinales, P. and Amoroso, D. (2005). State and Societies in the Philippines. USA:
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
2. Agoncillo, T. (2012). History of the Filipino People. 8th Ed. Quezon City: C&E
Publishing, Inc.
3. Constantino, R. and Constantino, L. (1978). The Philippines: The Continuing Past.
Quezon City: The Foundation for Nationalist Studies.
4. Joaquin, N. (1977). A Question of Heroes: Essays in Criticism on Ten Key Figures of
Philippine History

Classroom Rules and Policies

1. Open-door policy is given premium. Should you have any questions or if you are in need
of assistance, please feel free to talk to your instructor. You can visit the faculty room
during consultation hours and send a message via email / moodle.
2. Everyone is expected to come to class prepared by reading the assigned topics for
discussion. Reading and accomplishing tasks are non-negotiable in this course.
3. A positive learning environment is aspired, hence, everyone is expected to observe proper
decorum (e.g. maintain cleanliness, proper use of mobile phone and other electronic
devices, avoid loud conversations, show attentiveness/active participation).
4. We follow the provisions on the student handbook. It should be emphasized that absences
and tardiness are strongly discouraged. Although tardiness and absences are not
components of your grade, if you incur the maximum number (according to the student
handbook), you will automatically be placed on FDA.
Page 4 of 5
5. Plagiarism and any form of dishonesty are not allowed and will be dealt with accordingly.
6. Less rules and restrictions are ideal for a meaningful learning, however, if the needs may
arise, other policies will be discussed by the instructor.

Page 5 of 5