You are thinking about certain careers but are still not sure which subjects to choose.
Is the thought of making a decision at such a young age making you nervous?
Do you feel you are still missing out on important information on subjects that are available to you as a choice?
This confusion is experienced by many students, as class 11th and 12th are an important turning point in a student’s career. The choice of subjects is equally important and can be confusing without proper guidance.
To bail you out of this baffling dilemma, we have compiled a list of subject options in Humanities to help you choose the right set of subjects.
In this blog, we will find out what is the humanities domain, why to study it, subject and career options in detail.
Recommended Read: Which Stream Should You Choose in Class 11? Here is a Detailed Look at All Streams
Why study humanities subjects in class 11 and class 12?
Studying humanities in Class 11th and 12th may provide several advantages and help you in your overall growth. Some of the ways in which studying humanities will make you flourish are:
- Understanding of human experience: Humanities subjects such as psychology, history, literature, philosophy, and sociology give a broad understanding of the human experience across cultures and historical periods. This information helps you in comprehending the world and the many viewpoints that influence it.
- Critical thinking abilities: Humanities topics foster critical thinking and analytical abilities. You will learn how to analyze and comprehend complicated material, assess many viewpoints, argue for and against those viewpoints and construct well-reasoned arguments. These abilities are useful in a variety of academic areas and are in great demand in a variety of professions.
- Effective Communication: Studying humanities improves your capacity to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Reading and analyzing literature, writing essays, and engaging in class debates all help you in improving your communication skills, which will come in handy in all spheres of your life.
- Cultural awareness and empathy: Humanities topics encourage cultural awareness and empathy towards various persons and groups. You get a larger perspective and a more empathic understanding of unique human experiences through examining other cultures, history, and social systems.
- Ethical and moral reasoning: Certain areas in Humanitiesposes crucial ethical and moral issues. Philosophy and ethics are subjects that require you to think thoroughly about complicated ethical concerns and form your own value systems. This allows you to make educated judgments and manage moral quandaries of your life as well.
- Personal growth: Humanities topics promote self-reflection, personal growth, and a better knowledge of one’s own values, views, and identity. Engaging with psychology, literature, art, and philosophical concepts may be personally rewarding and help you grow as a well-rounded person by enhancing understanding of yourself.
- Interdisciplinary connections: Humanities studies often overlap with other academic fields such as social sciences, sciences, and even technology. This domain may give you the opportunity to gain a holistic perspective of education and assist you in making connections between various disciplines of study, boosting creativity and innovation.
Remember that studying the humanities is about developing fundamental skills like effective communication, empathy, cultural understanding, and establishing a larger perspective on the world. This may aid your academic and professional goals, as well as your self-development and fulfillment.
What are the Humanities subjects in Class 11 and class 12?
For humanities students, the subject choice in class 11 is almost like a loaded buffet at a restaurant, with a variety of options suited for every taste. CBSE gives you a (nearly) free hand to create subject combinations according to your future career goals. For example, an aspiring Law student may find it useful to pursue Legal Studies in classes 11 and 12. Coupling it with subjects like Political Science and History may give them an added edge.
However, each school and board has different subject options available for students to choose from.
So, let’s take a comprehensive look at all the subjects on offer in the humanities stream.
Recommended Read: I Chose Humanities Over Science in Class 11th. No Regrets!
Economics (with/without Maths)
Economics is the study of processes or systems by which goods and services are produced, sold, and bought and the functioning of the economy at the larger level (macroeconomics) and at the smaller individual level (microeconomics).
- After studying Economics at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, you can enter banking, insurance, finance, service and manufacturing firms, real estate, consulting, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
Recommended Read: What is B.A Economics All About? Career Options & Colleges
History
You must be quite familiar with History as it is a compulsory subject till class 10th. In class 11 history, you study world history, the industrial revolution, early societies, empires, etc. On the other hand, you take a deep dive into Indian history in class 12, starting from Harappan civilization going up to the British era and post-independence India.
Teaching, research, archaeology, conservation management, heritage management, civil services, and public administration are some of the professions you can enter with History as a major for undergraduate.
Read More: History as a Career in India
Recommended Read: Archaeology 101: Everything You Need To Know To Pursue This Exciting Career
Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. It specializes in the study of experiences, behaviours, and mental processes of human beings within a socio-cultural and historical context.
Being a multifaceted discipline, it includes many sub-fields such as child and development psychology, sports psychology, health psychology, clinical psychology, social psychology, etc. It is quite interesting for those who are interested in understanding human behaviour in depth. You can go in for a bachelor’s and Master’s and Doctoral in Psychologyto branch out to many different fields and specializations.
Recommended Read: Exhaustive Guide to Becoming a Psychologist and its Scope in India
Geography
It is the study of the earth’s surface and its relationship with human beings. Broadly it covers physical geographic concepts like landforms, flora and fauna- their evolution, location, distribution and development. It also entails human geography involving population, economy, transport, etc. and Cartography– the study of map making, a sub-discipline of Geography.
A career in Geography can lead you to several paths and sectors such as Aviation, Sustainability & Environment, Architecture & Urban Planning, Cartography, Climate Science, etc.
Read More: Geography as a Career in India
Political Science
In Political Science you study political processes, the working of various types of governments and institutional organizations and a whole lot of administrative theories and concepts. If power and politics interest you and foreign policies intrigue you, then Political Science should be your choice. Opting for History and Public Administration along with Pol. Science is a wise choice, as they are all complementary to each other.
Public Policy & Research, Law, Administrative services and International Relations are some of the prominent career options from Political Science.
Recommended Read: What Can You Do After B.A Political Science? Here are 8 Promising Career Options
Sociology
For those of you who think critically about human social life, social behaviour and society, Sociology should be an interesting subject choice. In this subject, you get to know more about human societies, their interactions, and the processes that preserve and change them. Sociology also studies social status, social movements, and social change, as well as societal disorder in the form of crime, deviance, and revolution.
You can make your career as a Guidance Counselor in the area of family conflicts, or work with the government as a Policy Analyst. You can also explore careers in the HR department of private/ public organizations. Market Research, Public Relations, and Media Strategy are also a few other fields well-suited to Sociology majors.
Read More: Sociology As A Career in India
Informatics Practices
As part of this subject, you get to learn the basics of computer hardware and software. Topics covered under the Informatics Practices course include database management systems, operating systems, introduction to programming, and programming languages. If you are in love with computers, you are sure to enjoy studying this subject in classes 11 and 12. As the world we are riding at present, knowledge of Technology will come in handy with its application to various careers.
Home Science
Studied both in Science and Arts, it is an interdisciplinary subject that teaches you about human development, nutrition and food, family resource management, hygiene, family relations, community living, art, clothing, textiles, home management and much more. It opens the door to various careers in design, art, hotel management, culinary arts, etc.
Legal Studies
If law interests you and you aspire to pursue it for your graduation, then legal studies can give you an early start. It gives you an insight into the nature of political institutions, the nature and sources of law, the evolution of the Indian legal system, civil and criminal courts and processes, the family justice system, human rights in India, etc.
Entrepreneurship
This subject resembles Business Studies but also offers basic insights and understanding into the principles of entrepreneurship such as definitions, types, requirements, setups, governmental assistance and programs, financial reports, patents, entrepreneurship characteristics and traits, etc. This subject can be an interesting addition to your list if you are interested in understanding business, or are a budding entrepreneur.
Physical Education
An easy-to-score subject, and an interesting one for those who love sports. You learn about the world of physical wellness, lifestyle and sports. Under this, you cover areas like different types of sports, yoga, physical activity and leadership training, sports psychology, sports measurements, fundamentals of anatomy and physiology, sports training, doping, etc.
Fine Arts
This subject is a good fit for those who have a talent for and wish to pursue a career in the Fine Arts or design. You can opt for any of the following courses under fine arts: Painting, Graphics, Sculpture, and Applied Arts-Commercial Art. In these, you study the history of Indian Art, coupled with specific practical training in your chosen course.
In addition to these, there are a few other optional subjects offered in schools including Indian Hindustani Music, Carnatic Music, different forms of Dance, Creative Writing and foreign languages such as French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Mandarin, and Italian.
- Computer Science: This course digs into computer programming, algorithms, data structures, and software development, providing students with practical computer science skills and understanding.
- English (Mandatory): English in Class 12 is concerned with the development of language competency, communication skills, and literary interpretation. Students improve their comprehension of literary methods, critical thinking, and efficient written and vocal communication by studying English literature and language.
- Fashion Studies: Fashion Studies delves into the world of fashion, including design concepts, garment manufacturing, fashion marketing, and the analysis of diverse fashion trends and influences.
- Hindi: The study of Hindi literature, grammar, and language skills allows students to gain competency in Hindi conversation and literary analysis.
- Media Studies: This subject investigates mass media, communication theories, journalism, advertising, and media production processes in order to develop a critical examination of media content and a better understanding of its social influence.
- Music: Through practical instruction and the study of many musical forms, genres, and composition processes, music cultivates musical talents, theoretical understanding, and appreciation.
- Sanskrit: The study of the Sanskrit language, classical literature, grammar, and ancient texts provides a thorough grasp of this ancient language and its cultural relevance.
Now that you came to know about the humanities subjects in class 11 and class 12, it is time to look at the available courses after 12th humanities:
Courses after 12th humanities to pursue:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA): Earn a Bachelor’s degree in English, History, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Economics, Philosophy, or another specialised subject, obtaining in-depth knowledge and critical analytical abilities.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA): Focus on fine arts disciplines such as painting, sculpture, applied arts, photography, visual communication.
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): Prepare for a profession focused on having a good effect in society by studying social work principles, community development, social welfare, and interventions targeted at resolving social challenges.
- Bachelor of Design (B.Des. ): Concentrate on design-related subjects such as fashion design, textile design, graphic design, interior design, industrial design, or product design, while developing creative and technical abilities required for professional design practice.
- BJMC (Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication): Learn about journalism, media studies, advertising, public relations, electronic media, and communication as you prepare for a career in the media and communication sectors.
- Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM): Gain knowledge and skills for a career in the hospitality sector by studying hospitality management, hotel operations, food and beverage management, event management, and related fields.
- Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies: Liberal Arts, just as the name implies, gives you the liberty to explore areas of your interest. The flexibility and interdisciplinary nature of education allow students to learn by making connections between ideas and concepts across different disciplinary boundaries. One can choose majors in one of them and keep the rest of the subjects as minors.
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)/Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS): Gain a solid grasp of business administration and management topics, such as marketing, finance, human resources, data analytics, advertising and entrepreneurship, as you prepare for entry-level management positions or future studies in business
- Bachelor of Law (LLB): Begin your legal career with a Bachelor of Law degree, which gives a thorough grasp of legal ideas, structures, and procedures, setting the framework for a career in law or legal practice.
- Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.): Pursue a degree in education, specializing in areas such as English, History, Geography, or other related disciplines, and earning the pedagogical knowledge and abilities required for successful teaching.
- Bachelor of Library Science (B.Lib.Sc.): Gain knowledge in library and information sciences, archival studies, library management, and information systems while preparing for jobs in libraries, research institutions, or information management positions.
- Bachelor in Social Sciences (BSS): Develop a thorough grasp of social phenomena and their repercussions by studying interdisciplinary social sciences such as sociology, political science, anthropology, economics, and geography.
- Bachelor in Social Work (BSW): Learn in-depth about social work theory and practice, social justice and human rights, and develop the skill set to serve the wellbeing of the communities.
- BBA (Tourism and Travel Management): BBA(Tourism and Travel Management) is a 3-year degree program that prepares students for careers in the tourism and travel industry. Graduates can work as travel agents, tour operators, or hotel managers.
- Integrated Law Programmes: Choose integrated law programmes such as BA LLB, BBA LLB, or BCom LLB, which combine undergraduate courses with legal education and provide a thorough grasp of law and legal practice from the start.
Career Options in Humanities
Looking at the broad range of subjects offered under the humanities stream, it should come as no surprise that the number of career options for humanities students are plentiful.
All fields from law and government, to management and creative fields, require people from a humanities background because of their broad education, understanding of the nuances of society, and the ability to research and think out of the box. All these qualities can be found in students of the Humanities stream.
You may enter a career as journalist, writer, lawyer, fashion designer, graphic designer, public administrator, psychologist, economist, lawyer, artist, teacher, political scientist, marketing/advertising professional, anthropologist, media and PR professional, geologist, archaeologist, museum curator, social worker…and the list goes on!
Read More: Career Options in Humanities | Upcoming Career Options for Humanities Students
Summing Up
Students who are aware of and curious to learn about the world around them – its history, society, systems, laws and the like – are a good fit to opt for the humanities stream in class 11. However, before you make any call, I would recommend you to do deep research and a thorough analysis of your personal interests, aptitude and career goals. And in case you are not sure, get expert help.
FAQs:
Q: Is Class 11th Humanities complex?
A: The varied variety of studies and critical thinking necessary in Class 11th Humanities might be cognitively tough, but with the right guidance and perseverance, students can effectively traverse the complexity.
Q: Is history a mandatory subject in Class 11 Humanities?
A: History is not a mandatory subject in class 11 humanities, it totally depends on the school you study.
Q: Why do students choose humanities?
A: Students choose humanities to get a larger perspective of the world, develop critical thinking skills, improve communication talents, learn about other cultures, and prepare for jobs in disciplines such as law, journalism, social work, teaching, and others.
Q: What skills do the humanities help us build?
A: Critical thinking, analytical reasoning, effective communication, research and interpretation, empathy, cultural knowledge, ethical reasoning, and a larger perspective on social concerns are all aided by the humanities.
Q: Why is ‘arts’ called humanities?
A: Because it incorporates creative manifestations of human experiences, emotions, and cultural values, art is considered part of the humanities. It investigates aesthetic forms, cultural artifacts, and creative interpretations that help us comprehend the human condition.
Q: Who should choose humanities?
A: Students who like disciplines such as literature, history, philosophy, social sciences, and the arts, as well as analysing human behaviour, societies, and civilizations, might consider majoring in humanities.
Q: What are the qualities of humanities students?
A: Curiosity, critical thinking skills, creativity, empathy, open-mindedness, good communication ability, cultural sensitivity, and an understanding for other viewpoints are common characteristics among humanities students.
Q: Is humanities for weak students?
A: No, humanities is not just for weak pupils. Humanities topics need critical thinking, good writing abilities, and a thorough comprehension of complicated concepts. It is a broad area that draws students with a wide range of abilities and interests.
Q: Is humanities good for IAS?
A: Yes, humanities topics may help students prepare for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or other civil service exams. However, IFS is not open for humanities students. History, political science, sociology, and economics are all useful subjects for understanding social and political processes, governance, and public policy.
Did this article get you closer to choosing your subjects for the humanities stream? share with us in the comments!
