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The writer argues that Literature in English should be made compulsory in CBE system as it plays a vital role in shaping learners’ critical thinking, moral values, philosophical outlook, and understanding of society.
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He believes that denying students the opportunity to study literature limits their personal growth and weakens their connection to society and the nation’s values.
The outcry has gained the status of an uproar. In fact, it has become such a big issue in academic and literary circles that one cannot afford to be ignorant about it. This is more so for the ministry of education, and its surrogates, the KICD and KNEC.
Should literature in English be compulsory, or an elective, in the CBE system?
It is instructive to note that in the 8-4-4 system, Literature was integrated with English language. Thus it was not a distinctive cognitive category. This has been scrapped. Learners can now either do it, or not do it if, and as, it suits their pleasure and convenience.
Of course, there are those who see nothing wrong with what KICD has done. They reason that in the former 7-4-2-3 system, Literature in English was not compulsory. This did not dent the intellectual prowess of the students who went through that system.
It produced brilliant teachers, writers, education administrators, and lawyers. The likes of Senior Councils; Kalonzo Musyoka, Otiende Amolo, PLO Lumumba, and my teachers like Imbuga, Jane Nandwa, Kitheka wa Mberia, and all these luminaries were products of that system.
Thus, the argument goes, one need not make too strong a case for making Literature in English compulsory.
Nevertheless, critical thinking is needed here. We need an objective assay of the pros and cons of the argument above, to see if haply we can either revise or enhance the situation for purposes of promoting our educational goals.
A look at the inherent benefits of studying literature would, to me, serve as a guideline.
From antiquity, Literature has had a prominent place in the cognitive realm. Indeed, even at the time of the great ancient Greek scholarship, it was classified with Mathematics, Science and Philosophy as a key facet of scholarly prowess.
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That is why writers were greatly celebrated. Think of great writers like Homer, Aeschylus, Euripides, Sophocles, Plato, Herodotus, and the others. Their works are still with us, and form a standard for various genres of literature. Who can talk about plays, and not mention the Theban Plays? Oedipus Rex? Antigone, Electra, the like?
How about the poetry of Homer? The Iliad, the Odyssey?
Personally, I think living through life without ever having made acquaintance with their writings is a tragedy of sorts. They helped shape scholarship, even as we know it today. They made the study of literature one of the most important experiences in life.
Philosophical World outlook
Literature also helps shape a person’s philosophical world outlook. As one philosopher said, (Literature) helps us to (think, behave, act) how we didn’t know how to (think, behave, act).
Perhaps this assertion begs for qualification. In the various genres of Literature, we come across contexts, characters, conflicts, and the like. These reflect our day-to-day experiences. In Things Fall Apart, fear and anger drive Okonkwo to kill Ikemefuna and the court messenger.
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If he had controlled these vices, he would have acted otherwise. He wouldn’t then have had to contravene tradition, or die a shameful death. By extension, his grandson, Obi Okonkwo (No longer at Ease) was driven to taking bribes due to the many demands on his meagre salary. If he had lived within his means, he wouldn’t have had to go to jail.
Social Mirror
The literature of a nation reflects its culture, national achievements, heroic deeds, and many national aspirations which it sets out to promote and achieve.
Is it cohesion? National growth? Fight against corruption? Patriotism? Name them? Read its plays. Read the novels, biographies and autobiographies, poetry. Is it History? Read the historical novels. Fair treatment of the disabled? Read Mlemavu? Sio Mimi.
Read our essays. Read our literature!
To cap up: in Dear Mama, we see the subject, Kinyanjui Kombani, being bullied due to the poverty parameters he exhibited: torn clothes, poor food, etc. The learners who have the privilege to read this autobiography have a lot to identify with. They will learn patience, the virtue of working hard, having a will of iron, and adopting humility as a lifelong philosophy. I view with pity those who have refused themselves the chance to fellowship with this great book, by not opting for Literature.
What can one say? As the Chinese say, it is futile to measure the volume of the Yang Tse River using a teacup. Suffice be it to aver very emphatically, that denying a child the opportunity to do Literature as a subject in basic schooling is denying them the chance to live life in its fullness. It is also denying them to participate fully in the aspirations of their nation, by refusing them a chance to look into their national social mirror. That is what Literature is.
By Charles O. Okoth
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