Hinging on the human factor

The buzz word among toppers of Class X is humanities. It is no longer the under-rated, second choice of the ‘not so bright students’. The broad spectrum of subjects and courses that one can choose from has been responsible for a steady increase in the number of students opting for this stream in Class XI. Some of the top colleges in the country are the ones offering degrees in different courses in this stream. Subjects falling under the ambit of humanities have a strong human angle and allow an understanding of people and mechanics of society. Ranging from philosophy, history, sociology, literature, languages, political science to mass communication, environment sciences, public administration and their related subject areas, this stream is truly brimming with choices. No wonder, then that there is no dearth of job roles that humanities students can fit into. So, students of this stream can look forward to rewarding and exciting careers after completing their college education. Some of the subjects that students of humanities stream can look at are:  

Philosophy

Though known to be a subject for thinkers since ancient times, philosophy is highly relevant in the current sociological scenario. This subject introduces students to logic and analysis besides aesthetics and feelings. Philosophy remains one of the rare subjects in the humanities stream that still claims access to absolute knowledge. 

History

Opting for history as one of the majors in your graduation degree can open doors to a career in civil services, journalism, academics, the Archaeological Survey of India, museums etc. The contemporary curriculum is more experiential and the role of rote learning is limited now. This subject makes a student pick up skills like analytical and reasoning, communication, interpretation of data, sequential thinking. And all of these are important and valuable skills in the job market. 

Political Science 

This subject involves the study of governmental systems and general principles that govern the world of politics. It covers fields like political theory, public policy, international relations, political philosophy, political economy, history, public administration etc. A degree in this subject prepares a student for a career in civil services, law, journalism, international relations, social work, public policy. Those looking to be associated with international organisations like the UN, international relief and aid groups will also benefit by choosing this subject for their UG degree. This course is best suited for students interested in governance, policy making at the local, state, national, and international levels. This subject enhances skills like reasoning, data analysis, communication, political awareness etc. 

Psychology

This subjects straddles the streams of science and humanities as it involves a scientific study of human mind and behaviour. The course will include experiments to identify personality and behavioural disorders and their prevention and treatment. Guidance and counseling methodologies also form an important part of this course. The undergraduate course creates a base for PG specialisation as one can work in the field of criminal psychology, child psychology, occupational psychology among other fields of specialisation.

Sociology

This subject will enable you to study human relationships right from within a family unit to large organisations and different cultures across the globe. Sociology is basically the study of human behaviour within a social structure and community. It is a broad field encompassing different disciplines of social sciences such as anthropology and linguistics. Specialties within sociology are: cultural traditions, family relations, gerontology, criminology, demography, social welfare, race relations and social change, to name a few. Sociology students can work with research institutes, HR departments, NGOs, corporates, marketing departments, public health and welfare organisations, government agencies and correctional institutions.

Geography

Geography is another subject that blends social and pure sciences to help scientists understand the physical structure of the earth. Experts opine that this subject covers history, sociology and economics, as well as geology, meteorology and the sciences. Whether it is the prediction of natural calamities, or an assessment of soil fertility and crop patterns or navigation in remote areas, knowledge of geography is essential. Field studies, statistical analysis of data are an important component of this course. Students can take up the study of geography through both the science and humanities routes. A BSc in geography mainly covers the physical aspects of the earth, its climate and topography, while a BA in geography deals with its influence on society and the management of its resources. Geography graduates can work with the Survey of India or Google maps in mapping and cartography, mining industry, planning and logistics, town planning, environment consultancy firms, travel agencies, market research. GIS specialists can work with the National Remote Sensing Agency, and organisations dealing with power and telecommunications.

There are so many different career options irrespective of which subject you choose. Every degree programme gives you knowledge of the subject, leading to a career directly related to that subject, as well as certain transferable skills that you can use for any number of other careers. And if the MBA tag seems to sound inviting, you can also explore options in the field of business and management with graduation in a humanities subject too. 

Go ahead, think out of the box, explore your strengths and your opportunities and upgrade yourself!

— Inputs by Geetu Vaid

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Bachelor of Social Work 

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a three-year course which is offered as full-time and as distance learning programme too. IGNOU offers this course in distance-learning mode. Also referred to as BA (SW) course, this is ideal for those wanting to bring a change in society and mitigate the sufferings of the under privileged. Students having psychology, sociology or social sciences subjects in Class XII can opt for this course. Admission to most institutes is based on a written test followed by a personal interview.

BA in Public Policy & Administration

This three-year course is all about an in-depth study of the implementation and analysis of various policies laid down by the government for public welfare and democratic values. Admission is offered on the basis of Class XII score (minimum 55 per cent) and/or entrance test held on the institutional level. Students with leadership qualities and an aptitude for understanding and applying various laws and bureaucratic policies are ideally suited for this course.

Ba in Defence & Strategic Studies

This course focuses on subjects like military, political science, history and defence economics besides an understanding of defence organisations of India, military geography, conflict resolution and geo politics. The course helps students to gain expertise on internal security,  war and related issues. Admission in most institutions is through merit list on marks obtained in Class XII and an entrance test. After graduation one can work in defence establishments and also contribute in strategic policy development. 

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Fine Arts

For those with a creative bent of mind Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Visual Arts (BVA) are ideal courses. Depending on the institute, these courses can be of three or four-year duration. Concerned primarily with visual or performing arts, these courses can  include subjects such as painting, sculpture, photography, animation, etc. The study of performing arts involves subjects such as dance, theatre and music. Students have to choose the specialisations according to the field of their interest. 

BFA can be pursued as a full-time, part-time, online or distance-learning programme. Career opportunities for fine arts graduates are ample wherein they can choose to be an art teacher, writer, fine artist, art director, and a lot more. These days many students are opting for a career in fine arts not only to earn high remunerations but also to gain popularity and prestige.    

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Region’s best

Ashoka University, Sonepat 

Estd: 2014

Website: https://www.ashoka.edu.in

PG Govt College for Girls, Sec 42, Chandigarh

Estd: 1982

Website: http://www.gcg42.ac.in

Institute of Social Science Education and Research (ISSER), Panjab University, Chandigarh 

Estd: 2015

Website: isser.puchd.ac.in 

World University of Design(WUD), Sonepat 

Estd:  2018

Website: worlduniversityofdesign.ac.in

USP: WUD, is India's first and only university dedicated to education in the creative domain. Some of the unique programmes offered by WUD for 2019-20 are BBA and MBA in design and strategy management.

Government College for Girls,  Chandigarh

Estd: 1965

Website: www.gcg11.ac.in

St Bede’s, Shimla                                                                                                                                 

Estd: 1904

Website:  www.stbedes.catholic.edu.au/

BBK DAV College for Women, Amritsar

Estd: 1967

Website: www.bbkdav.org, 

Government College for Girls, Ludhiana

Estd: 1943

Website: gcgldh.org

Government Rajindra College, Bathinda

Estd: 1940

Website: www.grcb.ac.in

DAV College for Girls, Yamunanagar

Estd: 1958

Website: davyamunanagar.in

Mahadevi Kanya Pathshala (PG) College, Shimla

Estd: 1902

Website: mkpcollege.in 

Government College For Women, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu

Estd: 1969

Website: gcwgandhinagar.com

Govt College for Women, Srinagar

Estd: 1952

website:  http://gcwmaroad.org

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Gaining popularity

A liberal arts and humanities education will steadily become a viable choice available to students interested in the arts in the coming years. If Indian arts and popular culture repeatedly throw up newer heroes, we will see more parents willing to listen to that adolescent son or daughter who is good at maths and science but has her heart in poetry and painting. The confusions of the Indian present provide the perfect opportunity for artistic abundance. It's time our educational systems seize this opportunity to break the rigid mindset that favours the sciences, maths, commerce over the arts. Indeed, a reinvented and reinvigorated arts and humanities education will infuse life into subjects like science by examining them in terms of ideas and experiences rather formulae to be regurgitated during examinations.

Rahul Jayaram,Assistant Professor at Jindal School of Liberal Arts and Humanities, Sonepat 

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Humanities equip a person with 

• Meta skills: the skill to develop other intellectual skills
• Communication skills
• Superior ability to deal with the written and the spoken word
• A superior sense of cause and effect in human relations
• A superior sense of social logic
• A sensitivity to human social behaviour