16 Questions
What is the purpose of Republic Act 1425, also known as the Rizal Law?
To promote nationalism and love of country through the life and writings of Jose Rizal
What new requirement is being imposed on prospective immigrants to the United States, according to the text?
Passing an oral history test
What was the view of Americans regarding the new requirement for prospective immigrants to the United States?
It was perceived as better suited for a reality TV show than a citizenship test
What is stated as the duty of schools in relation to Republic Act 1425?
To promote nationalism and love of country through literature and history
What aspect of knowledge did Americans argue makes a better citizen?
Knowledge of history
What is the main problem discussed in the article?
The controversy surrounding Republic Act 1425
What was one means to the end of making Rizal’s novels required reading in schools?
Promoting patriotism
Why did the Church find Rizal’s novels controversial as required reading in schools?
They violated freedom of conscience
What was the Church's reaction to the Rizal bill?
Threatened to close down Catholic schools
How did Claro M. Recto respond to the threat of Catholic schools closing down?
Told them to go ahead so the state could nationalize all schools
What was the compromise suggested regarding the use of Rizal’s novels as textbooks?
Expurgated versions to be used as basic texts
What did Recto emphasize about reading the novels in schools?
He did not want an adulterated reading of the novels
Why did Recto believe that eliminating Rizal's books from schools was a fight against Rizal?
'The people who would eliminate the books of Rizal from the schools would blot out from our minds the memory of the national hero.'
What does Section 1 of RA 1425 state about using Rizal’s novels in schools?
'The original or unexpurgated editions or their English translations shall be used as basic texts'
What was the compromise found in the law regarding the use of Rizal’s novels as textbooks?
'Unexpurgated copies to be kept under lock and key in school libraries'
'Courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels, shall be included in the curricula of all schools, colleges and universities' - This statement is from which law?
'RA 1425'
Study Notes
Republic Act 1425 (Rizal Law)
- Purpose: to require the study of Jose Rizal's life, works, and writings, particularly his novels, in all schools, colleges, and universities
Immigration Requirement
- The US government imposed a new requirement on prospective immigrants: they must demonstrate a knowledge of American history and government to become naturalized citizens
American View on Immigration Requirement
- Americans believed that knowing American history and government made a better citizen
Duty of Schools
- Schools are required to include courses on Rizal's life, works, and writings, particularly his novels, in their curricula
Controversy Surrounding Rizal's Novels
- The Church found Rizal's novels controversial due to their perceived anti-clerical and subversive themes
- The Church threatened to close down Catholic schools if Rizal's novels were made required reading
Claro M. Recto's Response
- Recto suggested a compromise: allow schools to use Rizal's novels as textbooks, but with certain modifications to avoid offending Catholic sensitivities
- Recto emphasized that reading Rizal's novels in schools did not mean endorsing their perceived anti-clerical themes, but rather to appreciate their literary and historical value
Compromise and Section 1 of RA 1425
- The law allows for the use of Rizal's novels as textbooks, with certain modifications to avoid offending Catholic sensitivities
- Section 1 of RA 1425 states: "Courses on the life, works and writings of Jose Rizal, particularly his novels, shall be included in the curricula of all schools, colleges and universities"
This article by Ambeth Ocampo discusses the Rizal Law, while also mentioning the new oral history test for US citizenship. The writer reflects on the discomfort of Americans with the history pop quiz.
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