COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is an introduction to psychology a scientific study of human behavior, thought, and emotions
which focuses on basic concepts, principles, and issues. Topics include the history of psychology and its
relation to other fields of studies, biological basis of human behavior, sensation and perception,
consciousness, learning, memory, intelligence, personality development, motivation and emotion, stress
and health, social psychology, and abnormal psychology.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the semester, you should be able to learn the following four Ds (4Ds):

1.
2.
3.

Demonstrate an understanding of the historical foundations of psychology and its development;

Describe the basic concepts, theories, and principles of psychology;

Discuss the basic human processes such as motivation, learning, and personality and human
development; and

4.

Develop a better understanding of many facets of humanity including you and the others.

TEXTBOOK:
Myers, David G. (2007). Psychology (8th Edition). New York: Worth Publishers
REFERENCES:
Atkinson, Rita et al (1990). Introduction to Psychology. Florida: Harcourt
Kahayon, A. H. & Aquino, G. V. (1999). General Psychology.Mandaluyong City: National Book Store
Plotnik, Rod (2000). Introduction to Psychology (6th Edition).Belmont, CA: Wadsworth- Thompson
Learning
Sanchez, Custodiosa, et. al. (2002). General Psychology. Manila: Rex Bookstore, Inc.
Newspapers, websites, movies, and articles/research papers

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the semester, you should be able to learn the following four Ds (4Ds):

1.
2.
3.
4.

Describe the key concepts and theoretical approaches and frameworks of political analysis in
analyzing past and present developments of the Philippine government;
Distinguish the structure, functions, and issues of the three branches of government, the
Constitutional Commissions, and other political institutions;
Discuss the basic principles and the development of the present Constitution; and
Develop an interest in the political system equipped with knowledge on your rights, duties, and
responsibilities as a member of the Philippine society.

COURSE OUTLINE:
One (1) semester is equivalent to eighteen (18) weeks, or its equivalent of normally six (6) school days a
week, or one hundred (100) days (CHED Memorandum Order No. 40, Series of 2008).
Session #1
Discussion of syllabus and course orientation
Introduction to Political Science and Its Relation to Other Disciplines
Importance of Studying Philippine Constitution
Readings:

De Leon, pp. 1-5, Zulueta, pp. 1-20, Article XIV, Sec. 3 [1]

Session #2
Meaning and Elements of State
Theories on the Origin of State
State, Nation, and Government Distinguished
Different Forms and Systems of Government
The Doctrine of Parens Patriae and Doctrine of State Immunity from Suit
The Three Inherent Powers of the State
Readings:

Article III, Sec. 9; Article XII, Sec. 18, Article XVI, Sec. 3

De Leon, pp. 5-9

Rousseau, Jean-Jacques (1762). The Social Contract. InTheories of Democracy by Ronald Terchek and
Thomas Conte, eds. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc., pp.67-74.
Zulueta, pp. 21-43, 63-76
National QuickStat: A Monthly Update of Philippine Statistics. Manila: National Statistics Office. Any
available data this year
Short Quiz #1: General Information and Current Events in the Philippines,
Asia, and the World and Course Syllabus
Session #3

Meaning, Nature, and Scope of Constitution

Kinds of Constitution

The History and Development of the 1987 Philippine Constitution

The Constitutions of La Liga Filipina, Biak-na-Bato (1897), Malolos (1899), 1935 (Commonwealth Period),
1943 (Japanese Occupation), 1973 (Marcos Era), 1986 Provisional Constitution (Freedom Constitution),
and the 1987 (Present Constitution)
Basic Principles Underlying the Constitution
The Preamble
The Preambles of the 1973 and 1987 Constitutions Compared
Readings:

De Leon, pp. 10-37; Zulueta, pp. 79-91

Session #4

The National Territory

The Archipelagic Doctrine
Territorial Issues: Spratlys, Sabah, Macclesfield Bank, and Scarborough Shoal
Meaning and Significance of Sovereignty
The Supremacy of Civilian Authority over Military Authority
Duties and Obligations of the Government
The Doctrine of Separation of the Church and State
Readings:
De Leon, pp. 38-55
Bautista, Lowell (2009). The Philippine Treaty and Territorial Water Claims in International Law. Social
Science Diliman, 5:1-2, pp. 107-127
Short Quiz #2: Sessions 2 and 3 Topics
Session #5
Session #6

Readings:

PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION
Social Justice and Human Rights
The Filipino Family
The Role of Youth and Women in Nation-Building
Health, Ecology, and Education
Science and Technology, Arts and Culture, and Sports
De Leon, pp. 56-66, 397-402, 420, 422-488
Short Quiz #3: Session 4 Topics

Session #7

Declaration of State Policies and Principles, cont.

Labor, Rural Development and Agrarian Reform
National Economy and Patrimony
Indigenous Cultural Minorities
Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Readings: De Leon, pp. 66-69, 354-396, 403-416, 421-422

Short Quiz #4: Session 6 Topics
Session #8

Bill of Rights

Property
Seizure

Historical Background, Nature, Purpose and Basis of Bill of Rights

Due Process and Equal Protection of Law
The Three Inalienable Human Rights: Life,Liberty, and
Search Warrant, Warrant of Arrest, Warrantless Arrest, and
Freedom of Expression, Religion, Abode and Travel
Writ of Habeas Corpus
Debt and Tax
Double Jeopardy
Ex Post Facto Law and Bill of Attainder

Readings:
Session #9

Readings:

De Leon, pp. 73-129

Citizenship
Citizenship vs. Nationality
Subject vs. Alien
Ways of Acquiring Citizenship
Loss and Reacquisition of Citizenship
Dual Allegiance to the Philippine Republic
Duties and Obligations of Filipino Citizens
Suffrage
Meaning, Nature, and Scope of Suffrage
Qualifications of Voters
The Voting Process
Sanctity and Secrecy of Ballots
Absentee Voting
De Leon, 130-152; Zulueta, pp. 94-104, 119-127
Short Quiz #5: Sessions 7 and 8 Topics

Session #10

MIDTERM EXAMINATION

Session #11

The Legislative Department

Meaning of Legislative Power
Unicameral vs. Bicameral Legislature
The Senate
The House of Representatives
Qualifications and Powers of Senators and Congressmen
The Party-List System
Salary and Immunity
Disqualifications and Removal from Office
Limitations on the Powers of Congress
How a Bill Becomes a Law

Readings:

De Leon, pp. 153-204; Zulueta, pp. 205-216

The 2011 Budget in Brief. Available at the Department of Budget and Managements website

Short Quiz #6: Session 9 Topics

Session #12

Readings:
Session #13

The Executive Department

Meaning of Executive Power
Qualifications of the President and the Vice-President
The Cabinet Secretaries
The Powers and Duties of the President
Presidential Succession
Salaries of the President and the Vice-President
De Leon, pp. 206-240; Zulueta, pp. 219-230
The Judicial Department
Meaning of Judicial Power
Organization of Courts
Composition of the Supreme Court
Qualifications of the Members of the Supreme Court
Powers and Obligations of Supreme Court Justices
Meaning, Form, and Procedure of Court Decisions

Salary
Readings:

De Leon, 241-272; Zulueta, pp. 233-245

2009 Supreme Court Annual Report. Available at the SCs website
Short Quiz #7: Sessions 11, 12 and 13 Topics

Session#14
Session #15

Readings:
Session #16

PRE-FINAL EXAMINATION
The Constitutional Commissions
The Civil Service Commission (CSC)
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC)
The Commission on Audit (COA)
Composition, Qualifications, Powers, and Functions
Salaries of Members of the Constitutional Commissions
De Leon, pp. 273-315
The Local Government Units (LGUs)
Meaning and Importance of Local Governments
Centralization vs. Decentralization
Powers, Term of Office, and Representation
The Local Government Code
Creation, Division, and Merger of Local Government Units
Autonomous Regions

Readings:

De Leon, 317-334; Zulueta, pp. 289-298

Republic Act No. 7160. The Local Government Code of 1991

Tapales (1993). Devolution and Empowerment: The Local Government Code of 1991 and Local
Autonomy in thePhilippines. Quezon City: UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies State of
the Nation Report No. 7

Session #17

Accountability of Public Officers

Meaning and Nature of Public Office
Meaning and Nature of Impeachment
Sandiganbayan and Ombudsman: Powers, Functions, and Duties
General and Transitory Provisions and Amendments or Revisions

Readings:

De Leon, pp. 335-353, 508-527

Short Quiz #8: Sessions 15, 16 and 17 Topics

Session #18

FINAL EXAMINATION