General arts is all about expanding your mind and broadening your horizons. It’s generally a group of subjects that covers liberal arts, humanities, and social sciences, in senior high school.
If you’re thinking about taking this up, you might be wondering what the general arts courses in SHS are, and what this even holds for you.
We will get to all of that but first, let’s break these general arts courses down so you understand what you’re getting into to be able to make informed decisions.
Table of contents
What is the general arts?
To help you understand this better; let’s say you’re a curious traveler who is out to explore the lands of knowledge.
And so on your journey, you are welcomed by a community of thinkers, historians, storytellers, and economists, each of these groups of people eager to share their treasures of wisdom with you. That’s basically the aim of general arts.
So, what is general arts?
General arts courses are a collection of subjects that focus on understanding the intricacies of the human experience. This includes topics like literature, history, economics, and language.
These subjects aren’t just about facts and figures – they’re about understanding the big questions that drive human civilization. Questions like “How do societies form?” and “What drives human behavior?” And when you understand these things, you get to see the world in a whole new light.
Basically, general arts courses are a great way to explore different subjects, from literature and history to economics and geography.
Read: Top 10+ Free Alison Courses in Ghana | 2024
What can you do with a general arts degree?
A lot! Well, while you’re not at the degree level yet, it might help to understand what the general arts degree holds.
General arts degree is like a Swiss army knife for careers. You can use it to carve out a path in everything from journalism to education, from law to business.
The possibilities are endless, as long as you’re willing to put in the work and embrace your love for learning. There are some awesome careers you can get into with a general arts degree.
First up, journalism. If you’re a wordsmith with a nose for news, a general arts degree can give you the skills you need to thrive as a journalist. You’ll learn how to write, research, and communicate effectively, all essential skills for any newsroom.
Teaching is another fantastic option for general arts graduates. And there’s been a Lawyer. If you’ve got a way with words and a knack for finding your way around the legal system, law might be your path.
This degree can do great, too, if you’re a business-minded person. With a general arts degree under your belt, you’ll be armed with the skills and knowledge to find your way through the corporate world like a boss.
And if you’re a creative, you can consider writing or any other field in the creative world. The possibilities are just endless!
What are the courses under general arts?
When you study general arts, you’ll have the opportunity to take courses in a variety of subjects. These might include literature, history, economics, language, sociology, philosophy, and more. It’s like a wide selection of subjects that cover the humanities, liberal arts, and social sciences.
General arts courses in SHS
Here’s a list of all general arts courses in SHS:
- Literature
- History
- Economics
- Geography
- Government
- French
- Music
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Economics and Business Management
- Ghanaian Language
- Social Studies
- Environmental Science
- Religious and Moral Education
- Civics and Citizenship Education
Now, while all these subjects fall under the umbrella of general arts, the specific courses offered can vary from one SHS to another. This is because some subjects, like Economics and Business Management, are electives, meaning students can choose to take them if they’re interested.
So, the combination of subjects you end up taking depends on the availability and choices offered by your specific SHS.
Also, read: Perspectives Charter School: What to Know Before Applying In 2024
What are the courses under general arts in SHS in Ghana?
The general arts courses in Ghana are divided into 3 categories; Arts 1-3.
Arts 1 deals with stories, language, and historical events that shape our world. This includes subjects like Literature, French, and History.
Arts 2 deals with understanding how money, the world, and beliefs impact our lives, while Arts 3 deals with politics, music, and society to better understand how the world works.
Here’s a breakdown of the subjects for the general arts courses in SHS Ghana:
ARTS 1
- Government
- History
- Economics / French
- Geography / Literature / CRS
ARTS 2
- Geography
- Economics / Arts & Design Foundation
- Additional Maths
- Computing
ARTS 3
- Geography / Government
- Economics / Home Economics
- Additional Maths / CRS
- Arts & Design Foundation / Performing Arts / Twi / Business Studies
What is art and design in SHS?
In SHS, Arts and Design is a course that’s all about exploring and expressing creativity. You get to learn about subjects like Visual Arts, Graphic Design, Fashion and Textiles, and Product Design.
It’s kind of like having an open canvas where you can let your imagination run wild and create some seriously awesome stuff.
If you’re wondering what the point of all this creativity is, know that Arts and Design can lead to some sweet careers. For example, you could be a graphic designer, making logos and websites that catch people’s eyes.
Or maybe you become a fashion designer, creating clothes that make people feel awesome. And you can start a career in product design, too. Who knows, you could be the next Steve Jobs, making cool gadgets that everyone wants. The possibilities are pretty much endless, and you get to do something you love.
Also, read: The Differences Between Liberal Arts and The Humanities | 2024
What is visual art in shs?
Visual Arts in Senior High School is a course that’s all about creating and appreciating art. You’ll get to explore different forms of art, like drawing, painting, sculpture, and even some digital stuff.
Also, you will learn how to express your creativity, use different mediums, and understand the history of art. Basically, you’ll be a modern-day Picasso or Da Vinci in the making!
Well, Visual Arts is also about learning to look at the world differently, to see the beauty in everyday things, and to express yourself in ways that words just can’t capture.
And believe me, it’s not just for people who can paint or draw like pros. Anyone can do it, even if you think you can’t draw a stick figure. It’s about finding your style and discovering what art means to you.
FAQs
General Arts students at Legon can go for courses like History, Political Science, Linguistics, English, French, Spanish, Psychology, Sociology, Religion, Classics, and even some courses in the Business and Economics departments.
A general art student is a curious, open-minded learner with a passion for the humanities and social sciences. They love exploring the intricacies of human nature and society and have a knack for communicating and problem-solving.
Unfortunately, a general art student in Ghana cannot pursue a degree in nursing as it requires a science-based background.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! All you need to know about general arts courses in SHS. It’s basically about exploring the humanities and social sciences, developing your creativity and communication skills, and preparing you for an endless list of careers you can choose from.
It’s a journey that’s as rewarding as it is challenging and one that’ll shape you into a well-rounded and open-minded individual.
References
- makrosec.edu.gh – General Arts
- olagshs.edu.gh – General Arts
- opokuwareschool.edu.gh – GENERAL ARTS DEPARTMENT
- youtube.com – Courses a General Arts Student can offer in university+ Probable future Careers