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Chiamaka Oscar
- November 6, 2024
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Choosing the right courses for Senior High School (SHS) can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to the General Arts courses in SHS. If you’re interested in a curriculum that fosters intellectual curiosity and broadens your understanding of society, history, and culture, then the General Arts track is for you. This track provides a well-rounded education that focuses on liberal arts, humanities, and social sciences, preparing you for a variety of future careers.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about General Arts courses in SHS, including the subjects you’ll study, what you can do with a General Arts qualification, and more. By the end of this article, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision about your academic path.
Table of Contents
- What is General Arts?
- What Can You Do with a General Arts Degree?
- What Are the Courses Under General Arts?
- General Arts Courses in SHS
- What Are the Courses Under General Arts in SHS in Ghana?
- What is Art and Design in SHS?
- What is Visual Art in SHS?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
What is General Arts?
At its core, General Arts is about exploring the diverse realms of human knowledge and society. Imagine embarking on a journey where you encounter the teachings of philosophers, historians, economists, artists, and writers. These fields offer insights into the essence of human nature, cultural evolution, and the mechanics of societies.
General Arts courses encompass a wide range of subjects that delve into the humanities, social sciences, and liberal arts. Through these courses, students engage with big questions like “What makes societies function?” and “How does human behavior shape the world?” These topics provide a deeper understanding of not just the present world, but the forces that have shaped our past and continue to influence our future.
Essentially, General Arts offers a flexible and diverse academic experience that prepares you for various career opportunities, while also fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
See: The List of SHS in Ghana, their Fees and Requirements
What Can You Do with a General Arts Degree?
A General Arts degree opens doors to countless career paths. While the SHS curriculum lays the foundation, the possibilities expand when you pursue higher education. Here are some fields you can enter with a General Arts background:
- Journalism and Media
If you have a knack for storytelling, writing, and communication, journalism might be the perfect career for you. General Arts students are well-prepared for journalism because they develop strong writing, research, and critical thinking skills. - Law
With a General Arts degree, you can enter law school. The analytical skills gained through subjects like Government, History, and Economics can be invaluable in law studies and practicing as a lawyer. - Education
If you enjoy learning and sharing knowledge, teaching is another rewarding career option. You could become a teacher in subjects such as History, Literature, Economics, and more. - Business and Management
The analytical and problem-solving abilities honed in General Arts courses are perfect for business-related careers. Whether you want to work in marketing, management, human resources, or entrepreneurship, a General Arts degree can provide the foundational knowledge you need. - Creative Industries
If you’re inclined toward creativity, the General Arts track offers opportunities in fields like writing, music, theater, or graphic design. - Public Relations and Communication
With strong communication skills, you can pursue a career in public relations, advertising, or media relations. The General Arts curriculum equips you with the ability to craft messages that resonate with audiences.
See: SHS Courses and Their Career Job Opportunities in Ghana
What Are the Courses Under General Arts?
General Arts courses typically cover a range of subjects that emphasize human society, culture, and critical thinking. Some of the core subjects in the General Arts curriculum include:
- Literature: Study of classic and modern literary works.
- History: Understanding past events and their impact on the present.
- Economics: Exploration of economic principles and systems.
- Geography: The study of the Earth’s physical features and human interactions with the environment.
- Government: Understanding political systems, governance, and law.
- French: Language learning to enhance communication skills.
- Music: Understanding musical theory and appreciation.
- Religious Studies: Study of various world religions and their influence on culture and society.
- Sociology: Exploration of social behaviors and societal structures.
- Ghanaian Language: Learning local languages and cultural traditions.
- Social Studies: Broader understanding of societal issues and structures.
- Environmental Science: Study of environmental issues and sustainability.
- Religious and Moral Education: Focus on ethical and moral development.
The specific courses available might vary depending on the school and region, but these subjects form the backbone of the General Arts track in SHS.
General Arts Courses in SHS
In Senior High School, students who pursue the General Arts track can choose from a wide variety of subjects that fall under this umbrella. Here’s a breakdown of the courses commonly offered in SHS under General Arts:
- Literature
- History
- Economics
- Geography
- Government
- French
- Music
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Ghanaian Language
- Social Studies
- Environmental Science
- Religious and Moral Education
- Civics and Citizenship Education
Note that while many of these are core subjects, some such as Economics or Business Management might be offered as electives, meaning students can choose them based on their interests and career aspirations.
What Are the Courses Under General Arts in SHS in Ghana?
In Ghana, the General Arts track is divided into three categories, each offering specific courses. Here’s an overview of the Arts 1, Arts 2, and Arts 3 tracks in Ghanaian SHS:
1
- Government
- History
- Economics / French
- Geography / Literature / Christian Religious Studies (CRS)
2
- Geography
- Economics / Arts & Design Foundation
- Additional Mathematics
- Computing
3
- Geography / Government
- Economics / Home Economics
- Additional Mathematics / CRS
- Arts & Design Foundation / Performing Arts / Twi / Business Studies
Each track is designed to cater to different academic strengths and interests. Whether you’re inclined towards arts, history, economics, or even technology, there’s a track that suits your preferences.
What is Art and Design in SHS?
Art and Design in SHS is a creative course focused on exploring visual arts and design principles. This includes subjects like Visual Arts, Graphic Design, Fashion and Textiles, and Product Design. It offers students the chance to unleash their creativity and express themselves through various artistic forms, preparing them for careers in design, art direction, and fashion.
What is Visual Art in SHS?
Visual Arts is an important course within the General Arts track, where students engage with different forms of art such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and digital media. The course not only allows students to express their creativity but also gives them the opportunity to understand art history, theory, and various artistic techniques. Even if you’re not an expert in drawing, Visual Arts is all about self-expression and finding your unique artistic voice.
FAQs
1. What course can a General Arts student offer at Legon?
General Arts students at the University of Ghana (Legon) can pursue courses like History, Political Science, Linguistics, English, Sociology, Psychology, French, Spanish, and even some courses in the Business and Economics departments.
2. Can a General Arts student offer a degree in Nursing in Ghana?
Unfortunately, General Arts students cannot pursue a degree in Nursing in Ghana, as Nursing programs typically require a Science-based background.
Conclusion
The General Arts courses in SHS offer a diverse, intellectually stimulating education that prepares students for a variety of career paths. Whether you’re interested in law, education, business, or the creative industries, the skills gained through General Arts studies—such as critical thinking, communication, and analytical abilities—are invaluable. By understanding the different courses available, including specialized subjects offered in Ghana, you can make an informed decision about your future studies and career aspirations.
Now that you have a clearer picture of what to expect from General Arts courses, you’re ready to embark on an exciting academic journey!
