De La Salle University (DLSU) is a private research university located in Manila, Philippines. It was founded in 1911 by the Brothers of the Christian Schools, a Catholic religious congregation also known as the De La Salle Brothers. DLSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields such as business, engineering, social sciences, humanities, law, and science. The university is known for its high-quality education, innovative teaching methods, and commitment to social justice and environmental sustainability. DLSU is also a member of several international academic organizations, including the ASEAN University Network and the Association of Southeast and East Asian Catholic Colleges and Universities.

Instruction is conducted mostly by workshops including weekend off-campus sessions These workshops give the students the opportunity to discuss and produce original writing in the company of experienced professionals

Curriculum
Course Requirements

Major Courses 21 units
Cognates 6 units
Electives 3 units
Thesis 6 units
Total 36 units

Major Courses

CRW691M Fiction Writing Techniques
CRW801M Fiction Writing Workshop
CRW692M Poetry Writing Techniques
CRW802M Poetry Writing Workshop
CRW693M Playwriting Techniques
CRW803M Playwriting Workshop
CRW672M Creative Nonfiction Techniques (or CRW675M Introduction to Professional Editing)

Cognates

CRW660M/LIT660M Literary Theory and Criticism CRW680M/LIT680M Literary Translation

Thesis

CRW851M (onwards) Thesis Writing

Elective

One literature elective to be chosen from the MA-level Literature Programs or the students may opt to enroll in a 3-unit Cognate course offered by other departments in the College of Liberal Arts relevant to their Thesis

Course Description
MAJOR COURSES

Fiction Writing Techniques (CRW691M)
3 units
An in-depth study of the fundamentals of prose fiction beyond the undergraduate level; includes frequent writing exercises in the elements of description characterization dialogue narrative viewpoint the writing of short fiction and peer analysis of these exercises

Fiction Writing Workshop (CRW801M)
3 units

Actual writing of fiction with focus on a work of substantial length such as a short novel or novella or a collection of short stories The bulk of the course content is composed of the fictional works done by the students and the workshop process is meant to prepare these works for publication

Poetry Writing Techniques (CRW692M)
3 units
An intensive study of the techniques in writing poetry including discussion and critical evaluation of the works of contemporary poets in conjunction with a workshop concentrating on the students’ own output

Poetry Writing Workshop (CRW802M)
3 units
Actual writing of poetry with focus on the exploration and practice of various styles; each student works on an individual project The bulk of the course content is composed of the poetry done by the students and the workshop process is meant to prepare these works for publication

Playwriting Techniques (CRW693M)
3 units
An in-depth study of the principles and techniques of playwriting for stage radio TV and screen; writing exercises leading to the creation of short scripts

Playwriting Workshop (CRW803M)
3 units
Actual writing of plays with emphasis on characterization motivation plot etc the student must present a completed script for stage radio or screen The bulk of the course content is composed of the dramatic works done by the students and the workshop process is meant to prepare these works for performance

Creative Non-Fiction Writing Techniques (CRW672M)
3 units
A study of the craft of writing biographies and autobiographies and other forms of creative non-fiction; exercises in writing short biographies of literary figures based on research and interviews and on writing about one’s own life

or

Introduction to Professional Editing (CRW675M)
3 units
A study of the editing process from substantive editing to the nature of the editor-writer relationship; manuscript reading author queries copy-editing rewrite and style; editing awareness and skills are developed by working on varied writing examples

COGNATE COURSES
Literary Theory and Criticism (CRW660M/LIT660M)
3 units
A study of theories principles and techniques of literary criticism from antiquity to the later twentieth century with emphasis on major schools of criticism such as Romanticism New Criticism Formalism Structuralism Marxism Feminist Criticism and Post-Structuralism

Literary Translation (CRW680M/LIT680M)
3 units
A study of the theories principles strategies and problems in literary translation; output is a translation into English or Filipino of a literary text originally written in a Philippine vernacular

ELECTIVE
3 units

Depending on the thesis topic a student chooses one elective from the MA-level Literature programs or a CLA cognate course

SAMPLE ELECTIVES
Poetry and Philosophy (CRW371M)

The course explores the relations between poetry and philosophy as complementary though at times antithetical discourses It inquires into selected issues drawn from philosophy of literature philosophy of poetry and philosophy of language such as truth in/and poetry metaphorical meaning and lyric philosophy

Women’s Literature (LIT331M)

Close reading of the fiction poetry and plays of selected women writers; examines their resolution to the question of the narrative voice the image of women and women writing reflected in the works and the manner in which the self is presented

Literature and Environment (LIT345M)

This three-unit interdisciplinary course introduces students to the evolving nature of literature and environment studies

Pathography: Writing Illness to Wellness (LIT370M)

This course is an elective interdisciplinary seminar course on the intersections of Literature and Medicine and focuses on Pathography: Narratives of Illness Recovery and Death The texts for study in the course are literary pathographic texts as well as medical theories on pain and literary theories on narrative

Gender Sexuality and Literature (LIT763M)

A study of literature from the optic lens of genders and sexualities Includes a survey of feminist and antihomophobic discourse/theories; an examination of the representations of the female and the homosexual subject in literature; and an interrogation of the identity politics of the writers/texts

Performance Studies (LIT769M)

This course takes up performance both as object of study and as a mode of critical inquiry in the humanities and social sciences It explores various understandings of performance performance studies and performance research with a special attention to practices of performance in the Philippines

Literature Seminar (LIT800M)

Special topics in interdisciplinary studies such as Literature and Psychoanalysis Literature and Marxism Literature and Linguistics and Literature and Historiography

THESIS
Thesis (CRW851M onwards)
6 units
The application of the skills and knowledge gained in course work with research supervision by a mentor at the department whose interest and expertise of creative-critical practice match the nature focus or trajectory of the student’s book project

FACULTY MEMBERS AND AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION

Marian Amor Romina T Abuan MFA Creative Writing De La Salle University

Poetry; Playwriting; Screenplay; Performance Studies; Women’s Literature

Vijae Alquisola MFA Creative Writing De La Salle University

Poetry; Children’s Literature; Literary Studies; Indigeneity

Mesandel V Arguelles Literature De La Salle University

Contemporary Poetry; Contemporary Art; Conceptual Writing; Translation Studies

Genevieve L Asenjo Literature De La Salle University

Creative Writing: Poetry and Fiction; Regional Literature (Hiligaynon Kinaray-a); Ecocriticism

Eros Atalia MA Philippine Studies De La Salle University

Fiction; Creative Nonfiction

Anne Richie G Balgos Applied Linguistics De La Salle University

Educational Theatre; Drama Pedagogy; Applied Linguistics; Language and Literature Teaching

David Jonathan Y Bayot Literature De La Salle University

Theory and Criticism; Philippine Kritika; Translation Studies; Art Studies; Literary Research; Critical Writing

Ronald Baytan English Studies (Creative Writing) University of the Philippines-Diliman

Creative Writing: Creative Nonfiction and Poetry; LGBTQI Studies; Philippine Literature in English; Philippine Cinema

Ernesto V Carandang II DFA Creative Writing De La Salle University

Creative Writing: Fiction Poetry & Creative Nonfiction; Drama and Theatre Production; Arts Management; Philippine Arts and Heritage (focusing on Music Architecture Sacred Arts Furniture and Food)

Genaro Gojo R Cruz MA Philippine Studies De La Salle University

Children’s Literature; Creative Writing: Nonfiction

Clodualdo del Mundo Jr Professor Emeritus Communication Studies (Film) University of Iowa

Media Studies; Philippine Cinema; Creative Writing: Screenwriting; Film Directing; Film Archiving

Noelle Leslie dela Cruz Philosophy De La Salle University

Philosophy of Literature; Poetry and Philosophy; Science Fiction and Philosophy; Existential Phenomenology; Feminist Philosophy

Mary Jessel Duque MA University of the Philippines-Diliman

Popular Culture; Art Studies; Creative Writing: Fiction; TV Studies

Johann Vladimir Espiritu Literature De La Salle University

Queer Studies; Music and Popular Culture; Creative Writing: Fiction

Marjorie Evasco-Pernia Professor Emeritus Literature De La Salle University

Creative Writing: Poetry and Nonfiction; Pathography; Cebuano Literature; Literary Translation; Ekphrasis; Women’s Literature; Ecocriticism

Ivar Nicholas-Fojas Music Fred Fox School of Music University of Arizona

Classical Guitar; Music Studies

Mark Adrian Ho MFA Creative Writing De La Salle University

Theater; Media Studies; Creative Writing: Drama Poetry and Nonfiction

Farida P Kabayao MA Language and Literature De La Salle University

Music Studies; Theater; Art Studies

Jazmin B Llana Performance Studies University of Wales

Performance Studies; Philippine Drama; Theater and Theater Studies; Bikol Literature; Performance Research

Shirley O Lua Literature De La Salle University

Philippine Critical Tradition; Film & Media Criticism; Diaspora Studies; Chinese-Philippine Literature; Literary and Cultural Research; Heritage Studies

Clarissa V Militante Literature De La Salle University

Narrative Studies; Philippine Novel; Creative Writing: Fiction; Journalism

Timothy Montes MA English (Creative Writing) Silliman University

Philippine Literature; Creative Writing: Fiction

Cris Barbra Pe Literature (candidate) De La Salle University

Biography and Creative Nonfiction; Teaching Literature

Carlos M Piocos III Comparative Literature University of Hong Kong

Critical Theory; Migration and Diaspora Studies; Mobility Studies; Postcolonial Studies; Creative Writing: Poetry; Southeast Asian Studies; Cultural Research

Dinah Roma Literature De La Salle University

Diaspora Studies; Travel Writing/Theory; Creative Writing: Poetry; Southeast Asian Literary Studies

Josephine Roque MFA Creative Writing De La Salle University

Creative Nonfiction; Art Studies; Philippine Literature; Travel Writing

Anne Frances N Sangil Literature De La Salle University

Popular Culture; Film Studies; Philippine Cinema

Tanya Sevilla Simon MFA Creative Writing De La Salle University

Creative Nonfiction; Children’s Literature; Graphic Literature

Antonette Talaue-Arogo Literature De La Salle University

Theory and Criticism; Postcolonialism and Cosmopolitanism; Decoloniality; Gender Studies

Neslie Carol C Tan-Tolentino Arts (candidate) University of Melbourne

Performance Studies; Disability Studies; English Language Teaching

John Iremil E Teodoro Literature De La Salle University

Visayan Literature; Creative Writing: Fiction Drama Poetry Nonfiction; Environmental Writing; Archipelagic Studies; Translations; Philippine Gay Culture

Jose Victor Torres History University of Santo Tomas

Philippine History; Philippine Theater; Creative Writing: Drama; Heritage Studies

• De La Salle University (DLSU) is one of the most prestigious private universities in the Philippines. Established in 1911, the university has a rich history and a strong commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and environmental sustainability. In this article, we will explore the history, mission, programs, and achievements of DLSU.

History

• DLSU was founded by the Brothers of the Christian Schools, a Catholic religious congregation also known as the De La Salle Brothers. The university started as De La Salle College with just 11 students and four Christian Brothers. It was initially established to provide elementary and vocational education to poor children in Manila. In 1920, the college expanded its programs to include secondary education, and in 1946, it became a university offering undergraduate and graduate programs.

Mission and Values

• DLSU is guided by the Lasallian philosophy, which is based on the teachings of St. John Baptist de La Salle, the founder of the De La Salle Brothers. The Lasallian philosophy emphasizes the importance of education in transforming the lives of individuals and society as a whole. It promotes the values of faith, zeal for service, communion, and respect for life and the environment.
• The mission of DLSU is to provide quality education that transforms individuals and society. The university aims to produce graduates who are competent, committed, and compassionate leaders who will contribute to nation-building and global development.

Programs and Achievements

• DLSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields such as business, engineering, social sciences, humanities, law, and science. The university is known for its innovative teaching methods, such as the flipped classroom and project-based learning, which encourage active student participation and engagement.
• DLSU has also received numerous accolades and recognition for its academic excellence and research achievements. It is one of the top universities in the Philippines and has been consistently ranked in various international rankings, such as the QS World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
• DLSU is also committed to social justice and environmental sustainability. The university has various programs and initiatives that promote social responsibility and environmental stewardship. It has established the Center for Social Concern and Action, which aims to provide opportunities for students to engage in community service and outreach programs. The university also has the Lasallian Institute for the Environment, which focuses on research and advocacy for environmental conservation and sustainability.

Conclusion

• De La Salle University is a premier academic institution that has made significant contributions to Philippine education and society. Guided by the Lasallian philosophy, the university provides quality education that transforms individuals and society. DLSU is known for its academic excellence, innovative teaching methods, and commitment to social justice and environmental sustainability. It continues to be a leader in education and research and is a source of pride for the Philippines.

You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it