Best arts subjects | Here’s everything you need to know

Art subject | An overview

The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) has published statistics revealing a record 97 lakh students enrolled in the arts stream. This makes the stream among the most popular options considered by students in 11th grade. Preference for the subject of art owes to the plethora of new careers emerging in the market. While there is a demand for technical skills, there is also a requirement for excellent soft & creative skills. 

The arts syllabus also allows the development of all-rounded skills, including written language & mathematics. A combination of relevant skills can give you an excellent advantage over the competition for good employment opportunities. Moreover, understanding the arts subject list can help you structure your academic career & align your efforts with your professional goals.

Find a comprehensive list of all arts subjects below –

Physical and Health Education 

This subject is recognized as a favorite among many art students. It talks about physical well-being and goes in-depth on various sports. The subject is both theory and practical application based. Here are a few topics in this arts subject –

• Changing trends within physical education 
• Maintenance of physical fitness, wellness, and lifestyle 
• Yoga
• Leadership training and physical activity 
• Test, measurement, and evaluation of the human body 
• Fundamentals of physiology, anatomy & kinesiology in sports 
• Training & doping in sports

Political Science

Political Science is divided into two components, which are as follows: 

Part A – The Contemporary World 

This part of the subject of the art will train you in all the relevant political happenings of the contemporary world. Some of the topics covered in this subject include –

• Globalization 
• Environment and Natural Resources 
• Security in the Contemporary World 
• International Organizations 
• Contemporary South Asia 
• Alternative Centers of Power 
• The End of Bipolarity 
• Cold War Era 

Part B – Politics in India Post-Independence 

This part consists of all relevant information about India’s political activities post-independence. Some of the essential topics covered in this part include –

• Recent Developments in Indian Politics 
• Rise of Popular Movements 
• Crisis of the Democratic Order 
• Challenges to the Congress System 
• Politics of Planned Development 
• India’s External Relations

Sociology 

One of the core arts subject, Sociology, is another excellent option to choose from. The syllabus is designed to equip you with the skills needed to understand societal changes. Studying sociology at the high school level is an excellent gateway to lucrative career opportunities in this specialization.

Some of the topics covered in this arts subject include –

• Structural & Cultural Change 
• The Story of Indian Democracy 
• Changes & Development in Rural Society 
• Mass Media & Communication
• Social Movements
• Patterns of Social Inequality and Exclusion 
• The Market as a Social Institution 
• Social Institutions – Continuity & Change

Geography 

A foundation in Geography will equip you with the skills to identify the impact of geographical factors on human settlements in current times. Some of the important topics covered under this part of the syllabus include: 

• People 
• Human Settlements 
• Geographical Perspective on Selected Problems & Issues 
• Resources & Development 
• Transportation, Communication & Trade 
• Human Activities 
• Human Geography

 

Economics 

If you enjoy Economics, several lucrative opportunities can be considered after you complete your high school qualification. This subject covers all essential knowledge needed on macroeconomics and Indian economic development. A list of topics covered under each section is as follows –

Macroeconomics 

• Balance of Payments 
• Government Budget & the Economy 
• Determination of Employment & Income 
• Money & Banking 
• National Income & Related Aggregates

Indian Economic Development 

• Development of India (Comparative study to neighboring countries) 
• Current Challenges of the Indian Economy 
• Economic Reforms since 1991 
• Developmental Experience since 1991

History 

This course in the arts subject list comprises three parts. Part 1 deals with the ancient civilization history of India. Part 2 emphasizes the history of India’s medieval period. These include topics such as: 

• Bhakti Tradition 
• Religious Histories of Sufi 
• Architectural Reforms during the Medieval Period 

Part 3 of the History syllabus sheds light on the modern history of India. This includes topics such as: 

• The Preamble of India 
• The Constitution of India 
• The History of Mahatma Gandhi 
• Partition History in India 
• Colonialism 

Language

The high school curriculum for the arts subject requires you to select a language in depth and gain working and speaking knowledge of it. Listed below are some core languages as well as electives you can choose from –

Language I – Core 

Language is an essential component of the arts syllabus. As an arts stream student, you will have to choose from a list of options for core & elective languages. Some of the core language options you can choose from include –  

• English 
• Hindi 
• Malayalam 
• Tamil 
• Urdu

Language II – Elective 

Some of the elective language options you can choose from are as follows –

• Spanish 
• French 
• Persian 
• Arabic 
• Sanskrit 

Key takeaways 

• The arts stream is among the most popular by students choosing foundation subjects in the 11th standard. 
• There are several benefits to having a foundation in arts. This includes the development of relevant skills needed across industries. 
• Understanding the arts subject list can be a great way for you to structure your academic career. 
• The plethora of subjects that are a part of the syllabus will equip you with all the technical & creative skills needed for careers in this specialization. 

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Liked this blog? Read Career options in arts | Top 5 paths for you to choose from!

FAQs 

Q1. What are the careers I can consider with a foundation in arts? 

Answer – There are several careers that you can consider with a foundation in arts including – sociologist, public relations officer, psychologist, journalist, event planner & lawyer. 

Q2. What undergraduate degree options can I consider after the arts stream? 

Answer – Some popular undergraduate degree options that you can consider include – BHM in Hospitality & Travel, BA in Interior Design, BA LLB, BDes in Animation, BFA, BCom in Accounting & Commerce, and BA in Social Sciences & Humanities. 

Q3. Can I join a medical undergraduate program after choosing the arts stream? 

Answer – Most medical undergraduate programs will require a basic foundation in science during the 11th and 12th.