Ethical analysis of content in compulsory english literature set books in Kenya
Date
2020
Authors
Dinda, Gabriel
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
In Kenya, all learners in the third and fourth years of Secondary school read, analyze and comprehend compulsory English set books. The set books are examined in the National Examinations. The set books studied have an immense influence on the lives of the learners. The immense influence is witnessed through the imitation of characters in the books and adoption of certain behaviors portrayed in the books. Over the years, the moral issues highlighted in the set books have been questioned by different groups. Some of the questions raised regarding the moral issues include; inappropriate language, adult content that may not be appropriate for the age group and use of subtle language that propagates immoral behavior. This concern, therefore, raises the question of the nature of values that are contained in the compulsory English set books. This research evaluates the positive and controversial values contained in the compulsory English set books, used in Kenya between 2003 and 2018. This analysis is based on the six social principles: Common Good, Primacy of the Human Person, Solidarity, Subsidiarity, Participation and Universal destiny of the goods of the earth. The books under analysis are A man of the people by Chinua Achebe, The River Between by Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Coming to Birth by Marjorie Oludhe Macgoye, The River and the Source by Margaret Ogola and Blossoms of the Savannah by H.R. Ole Kulet.
Description
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in applied philosophy and ethics at Strathmore University
Keywords
English Literature