Are you still confused about which subjects to choose or which stream is best for you? After understanding the subjects in the science and commerce streams, let’s explore the subjects in the humanities stream for 11th-grade CBSE.
Many students experience this confusion, as it’s a turning point in their careers. With the right selection of courses and subjects, you can tailor your education to meet your career goals and interests effectively.
Now, let’s take a detailed look at the subjects in the humanities stream for 11th grade.
Recommended Read: Subjects in Science Stream
Why study humanities subjects in 11th and 12th grade?
Humanities subjects offer several advantages and contribute to overall growth. Here are some ways in which humanities can enhance your career:
1. Understanding the human mind: Subjects like psychology, philosophy, history, and sociology provide an understanding of human experiences. These subjects will help you understand the world and the factors that influence it.
2. Critical thinking: These topics foster critical thinking skills and analytical capabilities. You’ll learn how to evaluate different points of view, analyze complex information, and formulate well-reasoned arguments. These skills are highly valued in various domains, including academics and the workplace.
3. Communication: Humanities subjects in 11th grade will enhance your ability to write and speak well. You can develop these skills through reading, analysis, essay writing, and discussions. These soft skills will help you grow in the future.
4. Awareness and empathy: Studies in the humanities stream promote awareness and empathy. Studying history and social structures will help you gain a broader perspective and greater recognition of diverse human experiences.
5. Moral and ethical reasoning: Humanities subjects in 11th grade will prompt you to develop your value systems and think deeply about ethical issues. This will enable you to handle moral dilemmas and make sound decisions.
6. Personal development: Studying humanities subjects encourages introspection, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of one’s beliefs. Subjects like philosophy, psychology, and literature can be particularly beneficial for your personal development.
Remember that humanities subjects will help you master essential abilities like communication, critical thinking, and empathy. This could also contribute to personal growth and the fulfillment of various objectives in your life.
What are the subjects in the humanities stream for 11th and 12th grade?
Subject selection for 11th grade is like a restaurant’s buffet, with choices to fit every preference. You have complete freedom to choose from various subjects based on your interests. The subjects are designed to help you in higher studies. For example, if you select economics in 11th and 12th grade, it will be beneficial if you want to appear for banking exams or even the Indian Economic Service. A website like TopRankers has also listed the humanities stream subjects in class 11th.
However, each school offers different options for students to choose from. Let’s look at all the subjects in the humanities stream for 11th grade.
1. Economics
Economics is compulsory for the Commerce stream and optional for Science and Humanities students. It deals with how markets function, their elasticities, price determination, and discrimination by firms, among other topics. Economics is a social science.
The syllabus for the 11th and 12th grades covers basic concepts related to the economy and the Indian economy. You will also learn about basic statistical tools that are widely used.
The topics included are as follows:
•Introductory Macroeconomics
•Introductory Microeconomics
•Statistics
•Indian Economy
There are various government and private sector jobs available after studying economics.
Recommended Read: Subjects in Commerce Stream
2. English
English is a compulsory subject regardless of which stream you choose. As it’s a common language used almost everywhere, proficiency in this subject will benefit you in the future. The chapters included will help boost your creative thinking skills.
Career options in this field include content writing, journalism, teaching, and more. English as a subject will improve your public speaking skills, which you will need at every phase of your life.
3. History
You likely have some familiarity with history as it was a compulsory subject until 10th grade. In 11th grade, you will learn about the Industrial Revolution, societies, empires, and more. In 12th grade, you will study the Harappan civilization and post-independence India.
Some themes include:
•Ancient history
•Medieval history
•Modern Indian History
Teaching, research, and civil services are some of the many professions you can pursue after majoring in history at the graduate level.
4. Psychology
This subject has gained wide popularity recently. In 11th and 12th grades, you will learn about the human mind, cognitive behaviors, psychological stressors, and more. After covering the theoretical part, practical sessions will be conducted, such as the popular Sinha’s Comprehensive Anxiety Test.
Some topics included are:
•Developmental psychology
•Psychology as a discipline
•Clinical psychology
•Social psychology
•The human mind and how it functions
•Psychological theories
It is an interesting subject for those who want in-depth knowledge about human behavior. You can pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology to explore various specialties.
Recommended Read: Best Universities for Psychology in Australia
5. Geography
Geography explains the nature of human geography and its importance, draws connections between human geography and other disciplines, analyzes statistical data and represents it in maps, and explores cause-and-effect relationships in human interactions. This subject will also foster your problem-solving and decision-making skills through the study of environmental and socio-economic issues.
Some topics covered in 11th and 12th grades are:
•Geography as a discipline
•The Earth
•Landforms and climate
•Physiography
•Natural hazards and disasters
•Human geography
•Resources and development
•Human settlement
•Trade and communication
6. Political Science
In this subject, you will learn about various types of government and institutional organizations. If you aspire to join the civil services, taking this subject will help you in the long term. The topics are designed to give you a proper understanding of the Constitution, Indian politics, and world politics.
Some topics include:
• Constitution
•Election and Representation
•The legislature, executive, and judiciary
•Citizenship
• Secularism
•Parties and party movements
•Indian Foreign Policy
•Democratic resurgence
•Globalization
•Contemporary South Asia
7. Computer Science
This includes topics like computer applications, basic programming languages, and networking.
8. Informatics Practices
This is similar to computer science but places more emphasis on program development, computer systems, and device applications.
9. Physical Education
Among the optional subjects, physical education is considered a scoring subject and also promotes physical health. Along with theories, you will learn about various activities to keep your body healthy.
10. Painting
This subject will give you insight into ancient painting styles and their evolution in the contemporary world. In addition to the theory exam, you will also have practical sessions. You will learn about sculpture, graphics, and applied and commercial arts.
11. Fashion Designing
You can delve into the fashion world, which includes interesting topics like garment manufacturing, fashion marketing, trends, and design concepts.
12. Languages
You can also study Hindi or Sanskrit literature and grammar if your school offers these subjects. This will help you gain competency in conversation and enhance your literary analysis skills.
In addition to these, various schools offer other optional subjects such as music, dance, creative writing, and foreign languages.
List of courses after 12th-grade humanities:
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Bachelors of Fine Arts (BFA)
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Undergraduate degree of Design (B.Des)
Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC)
Hotel Management (BHM)
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Management Studies (BMS)
Bachelor of Law (LLB)
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed)
Integrated Law Programmes
Undergraduate Library Science (B.Lib.Sc)
Bachelor of Social Science (BSS)
Bachelor of Tourism and Travel Management
Conclusion:
We hope you now have an idea about the subjects in the humanities stream for 11th-grade CBSE. If you are curious to learn about history, society, and laws, then humanities might be a good fit for you. However, before you make a decision, we suggest conducting a deep analysis of your interests, aptitudes, and goals. If you are confused or want to know more, seek expert help.
Read more about us at EnrichMyCareer.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Is the humanities stream easy?
The difficulty of a subject or stream is based on your interest and aptitude. When choosing a subject, make sure you have an interest in it. This way, you will be able to excel in it.
2. Is humanities better for UPSC?
Choosing arts or humanities can be beneficial if you want to prepare for the UPSC examination due to its courses, which include political science, history, economics, and more.
3. Should I take humanities in 11th grade?
Students who have an interest in learning about the world around them, history, laws, and systems are a good fit for humanities in 11th grade.
Nishant is an Internationally Certified Career Coach, a Career Counsellor, an Education Consultant, a Soft Skills Trainer, and an ardent advocate of youth empowerment through personalized guidance, mentoring, and developmental interventions. He is also an International Economic Development and Business Consultant. Over the years, he has helped many students of different age groups and working professionals in discovering their true selves, setting appropriate career goals, and walking the right career paths.
Nishant is a mechanical engineering alumnus from R.V. College of Engineering, Bangalore. He has been widely featured in top media and also delivered talks at Cambridge University-UK and IIT-Guwahati among others. He has also delivered workshops at many reputed schools and colleges on various careers and skills-related topics.
