What is Humanities and Social Science

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• Prospective students: English degrees

This section deals with the scope and study of Humanities as a discipline in India. Some of the important areas that have been covered in this section include the Scope of Humanities, Careers in Social Social Science and Humanities, different courses in Humanities and top universities and colleges offering humanities. Study of Humanities in India is considered by many as not a very prospective option. Humanities offer a plethora of courses and career options for students after class 12. The important subjects that are taught under Humanities include History, Geography, Political Science, Philosophy, Psychology and Sociology. But before we deal with pertinent questions like why should one Study Humanities, Importance of Humanities, Careers in Social Science and Courses in Humanities, let us deal with the subject 'What is Humanities?'

What is Humanities

Though every stream and aspect of academics someway or the other casts impact on the society, the core scientific disciplines have an indirect bearing as their focus is primarily on to the scientific phenomena. At the same time, there are several disciplines where human beings and the society is the focus of study. Some are engaged in unraveling the past, some the other aspects of human being and society viz social, cultural, political, economic etc. Such disciplines are broadly referred in the ambit of Social Sciences or Humanities.

The systematic study of society and human relationships within society is referred as social science. It is considered as one of the oldest subjects that have a tremendous impact on society. Social sciences aim to understand human societies through scientific explanations. There are several disciplines where human beings and the society is the focus of study. Some are engaged in unraveling the past, some the other aspects of human being and society such as social, cultural, political, economic etc. These disciplines are broadly referred in the ambit of Social Sciences or humanities.

Social Science is the interdisciplinary study of gradual development of human society. It offers myriad disciplines such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, and applied social studies such as social policy analysis and social work. Its hallmark is to provide the intellectual rigour of the older disciplines and to emphasize the practical aspects of social science: research methodologies and the theoretical dimensions of research practice.

The range of programs in Social Science is its strength. From social policy and aging to language and crime, students will be challenged to think in a rigorous and scientific way about social processes, institutions and policies. From the first to the final year of the program there is a consistent emphasis on training students to carry out their own research and to critically challenge the world around them.

Subjects Under Humanities

Now, that you have a better understanding of Humanities, you should also know the subjects that you can study under Humanities like History, Economics, Political Science and English. To learn about these subjects and the scope it offers, click here.