Explore Courses
Top University
Komal
19 October, 2024
Table of Contents
“Education in art speaks where words are unable to explain; it is the soul’s purest expression, connecting hearts beyond boundaries” – Anonymous
For those passionate about humanities and social sciences, a Bachelor of Arts is their canvas. The BA programme has blended traditional and modern learning approaches. The BA Arts syllabus includes humanities, social science, and liberal arts. The modern curriculum gives you a personalised academic journey. Pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree opens up diverse opportunities. It is a popular choice for those with a passion for humanities and social sciences.
The vast electives and subjects of this course prepare you for multiple roles in almost every industry. Whether pursuing your passion or following a future plan, BA course is a fit for all.
You just need to have a 12th pass qualification to pursue a BA programme. You can go for regular, distance and online BA courses as well. But what exactly does the curriculum include? This blog explores BA Arts subjects, including both core and elective courses. It shall give you a clear idea of what to expect from a BA Arts degree.
A B.A. Arts degree is an undergraduate programme. It focuses on humanities, languages, social sciences, and more. It encourages a broad understanding of various cultural and social aspects. You can study subjects ranging from literature to sociology and political science. The course typically lasts three years, but it may vary based on location. After completing the course, you get a job with a competitive salary. You earn around INR 7 LPA to 13 LPA. The best part is, you can pursue this degree in regular, distance or online mode as per your choice.
Also Read: The Complete Guide to Pursuing Online BA Degree in 2024
Must Read: Distance BA Course: Fees, Admission, Top Colleges 2024
The BA Arts programme usually has two categories of subjects: core and electives. Core subjects are compulsory, and you must study them throughout your course. Elective subjects are optional. You can choose based on your interests and career goals. It is a three-year programme divided into six semesters. The first year is usually the same for every major, and gradually, the curriculum will include specialised subjects. Most institutions offer flexibility to let you study the programme as per your needs. You can choose any specialisation that suits you well.
Here is the detailed syllabus of the programme.
To be honest, there is no particular syllabus for BA arts. The syllabus varies in different universities. But out of 3 years, in the first year, you study primary subjects. The BA arts subjects include core and electives. The subjects included in the first year are meant to build a strong foundation for humanities and social science.
| Semester I | Semester II |
| English Communication | Economic Development |
| Environmental Science | Indian Polity/Political Science |
| History and Indian Culture | Psychological Research |
| Skill Enhancement Course-I | Skill Enhancement Course-II |
| Foreign/Regional Language | – |
Core subjects form the backbone of a BA Arts degree. You must study these essential subjects regardless of your chosen electives. However, it may vary in different institutions. Here are some of the common core BA Arts subjects:
English Literature is a staple in most BA Arts programmes. Unless you have chosen a different language. It introduces you to classic and contemporary texts, poetry, and prose. You learn to analyse and interpret literary works. This subject enhances your understanding of culture, history, and human experiences. It also improves your language and writing skills, which can benefit many careers.
List of subjects covered:
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Communication
Public Speaking
Written Communication
Cross-Cultural Communication
History is another common core subject. It teaches you about past events, cultures, and civilisations. This subject helps you understand the roots of current social and political structures. A solid grasp of history makes you more informed about the world around you. You shall study ancient, mediaeval, and modern periods, covering both global and regional histories.
List of subjects covered:
History of Modern East Asia
History of Modern Europe
Rise of Modern West
Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Ancient World
Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Medieval World
History of Southeast Asia- 19th century
Political Science explores the functioning of governments, political behaviour, and public policies. You learn about different political ideologies, systems, and institutions. This subject also covers international relations, law, and political theory. It sharpens your understanding of how societies operate and the role of power and governance.
List of subjects covered:
Indian Constitution
Political Institutions
Public Administration
Political Ideologies
Governance
Policy Making
Geography explores the physical features of the Earth and how they interact with human activity. You study topics like climate, ecosystems, urban development, and geopolitics. This subject is perfect for those who love travel, exploration, and learning about different cultures. Geography is also essential for careers in environmental science, urban planning, and tourism.
List of subjects covered:
Geomorphology
Physical Geography
Human Geography
Regional Planning and Development
World Geography
Hydrology
Surveying and GPS
This subject examines social structures, patterns, and relationships. Sociology looks at how societies develop and change. You would study social norms, culture, family, and social inequality. This subject equips you with the skills to analyse and address social issues. If you are interested in community work, sociology can be an excellent core subject.
List of subjects covered:
Sociology of Gender
Social Stratification
Urban Sociology
Environmental Sociology
Industrial sociology
Economics is often a core subject in BA Arts programmes. You learn about microeconomics, macroeconomics, and economic theories. Understanding economics helps you make sense of markets, trade, and financial systems. It provides insight into how economies function. This subject can be valuable if you plan to enter business, finance, or public policy.
List of subjects covered:
Econometrics
Development Economics
International Economics
Public Economics
Environmental Economics
Industrial Economics
Also Read: Online BA Economics Course in 2024: Your Comprehensive Guide
This introduces you to fundamental questions about life, existence, and morality. It encourages critical thinking and reasoned argument. Philosophy sharpens your logic, writing, and problem-solving skills. It is an essential subject for those who like to think deeply about the world. You explore the works of great philosophers, learning to question and form ideas.
List of subjects covered:
History of Philosophy
Philosophy of Language
Philosophy of Religion
Political Philosophy
Metaphysics
Philosophy of Mathematics
Philosophy of Law
To be exact, psychology is the study of the mind and behaviour. It covers topics like personality, cognition, and emotions. Psychology can be especially useful if you are interested in careers in counselling, education, or human resources. This subject helps you understand why people act the way they do.
List of subjects covered:
Introduction to Psychology
Industrial Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Social Psychology
Abnormal Psychology
Related: Want to Pursue an Online BA in Psychology? Get All Details Here
Elective subjects allow you to specialise in areas of your interest. You can pick courses that align with your career goals or personal interests. Here are some popular elective BA Arts subjects:
Languages are a popular choice among BA students. You can learn a new language or study advanced levels of a language you already know. Some common languages offered are English, Hindi, Punjabi, French, German, Spanish, etc. Learning languages can enhance your communication skills and open up international career opportunities. List of subjects covered:
Foundation in Literature
Hindi Language
Concepts of Grammar
Foreign Language Subjects
Media Studies examines the influence of media on society. You learn about different forms of media, including television, film, and digital platforms. This subject is ideal if you are interested in a career in journalism, advertising, or content creation. It provides insights into media production, communication theories, and media ethics. List of subjects covered:
Journalism
Radio Broadcasting
Mass media
Animation
Film Studies
Introduction to Television Studies
It expresses creativity through visual arts. You can explore painting, sculpture, graphic design, and more. This elective nurtures your artistic skills and helps you develop a unique style. Fine Arts is ideal for students interested in a career in design, illustration, or visual communication. List of subjects covered:
Graphic design
Photography
Printmaking
Painting
Sculpture
Visual communication
Its studies are a blend of theory and practice. You learn about different music styles, history, and performance techniques. If you are passionate about music, this subject can refine your skills. You might even consider a career in music production, teaching, or performing. List of subjects covered:
Composition
Music of India
Music analysis
Music theory
Applied Music
Exploring music psychology
Studies human societies, cultures, and their development. It looks at how people interact with their environment and each other. This subject is useful for those interested in research, archaeology, or cultural studies. Anthropology helps you understand cultural diversity and human evolution. List of subjects covered:
Socio-cultural Anthropology
Archaeological Anthropology
Linguistic Anthropology
Biological Anthropology
Focuses on gender, feminism, and social justice. It examines the role of women in society and the challenges they face. It can be a powerful addition for those interested in social work, policy-making, or activism. This subject encourages critical thinking about gender equality and empowerment. List of subjects covered:
Feminist Theory and Analysis
Gender communication
Women in Art
Gender and International Relations
Media and Gender
Queer theory
Finding the right can be challenging. So, we have compiled a list of top 10 recommended books for BA Arts below.
“India’s Struggle for Independence” by Bipan Chandra(History – Modern Indian History)
“An Introduction to Political Theory” by O.P. Gauba(Political Science – Fundamental Concepts in Political Theory)
“Indian Polity” M. Laxmikanth(Polity – Basic Concepts and Principles)
“A History of English Literature” by Edward Albert(English Literature – Overview of English Literary History)
“Sociology: Themes and Perspective” by Michael Haralambos and Martin Holborn(Sociology – Key Concepts and Theories in Sociology)
“The Penguin History of Early India: From the Origins to AD 1300” by Romila Thapar(History – Ancient Indian History)
“Psychology” by Robert A. Baron(Psychology – Introduction to Basic Psychological Concepts)
“Cultural Studies: Theory and Practice” by Chris Barker(Cultural Studies – Introduction to Cultural Theories and Practices)
“Essays, Civil and Moral, and The New Atlantis” by Francis Bacon(English Literature – Classic Essays and Philosophical Thought)
“Indian Economy” by Ramesh Singh(Economics – Comprehensive Guide on Indian Economic Structure)
Also Read: Can Arts Students Do MBA? Top 7 MBA Programs for You
A B.A. Arts degree is more than just a course. It is an opportunity to explore diverse subjects, develop critical skills, and shape your future. Choose the right combination of core and elective subjects, and tailor BA to suit your interests and career goals. With a BA Arts degree, you gain knowledge, confidence, and a broader perspective on the world. So, choose your subjects wisely, and let your academic journey begin.
