This course is an introduction to the historical formation and cultural complexity of the Philippines. It surveys major periods in Philippine history, paying particular attention to their cultural dimensions. Starting with the inclusion of the archipelago in Asian maritime trade, to becoming a colony of Spain, through the American colonial period, and arriving at the post-colonial present, we will draw from primary source materials, historiography, ethnography, literary works and popular culture to examine the cultural effects of processes and events such as:
- religious conversion and colonial encounter;
- revolution and nationalism;
- U.S. Imperialism;
- hybridity and language;
- regional, class, and identity formation;
- modernity, globalization, and migration.
Of continued reflection throughout the course will be the recurring problems and challenges of trying to study a place and people comprised of such incredible diversity in historical experience and cultural life.
Course Requirements: Students are expected to have completed all required readings before each lecture. Attendance is required and participation will constitute 10% of the student’s final grade. There will be regular quizzes to test that you are doing the readings and following along with the lectures.
By the end of the academic term, each student should have attained:
- general knowledge about the geographical, cultural, and religious diversity of the Philippines;
- a basic understanding of the historical emergence of the Philippine nation:
- the ability to identify and describe some of the major cultural and political consequences of colonial rule; and
- familiarity with a few of the current issues in the contemporary Philippines.
Intended Audience: This course will be appropriate for a wide range of students, but especially those interested or concentrating/minoring in Asian Studies, History, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Anthropology.