subjectmatter

Subject matter, often written as subject matter or subject-matter, is a term used across disciplines to denote the content addressed by a work, discourse, or field. It refers to the topics, events, objects, or issues a work engages with, distinct from form, style, or method. In the arts, subject matter can be a landscape, a portrait, a social issue, or an imagined world; how it is depicted or interpreted depends on medium and context. In literature and film, the subject matter encompasses the concrete events or ideas around which a narrative is built, while the theme expresses the underlying message or insight.

In information work, subject matter is used to classify materials for discovery and access. Libraries and digital catalogs employ subject headings and taxonomies that reflect the content’s subject matter, helping users locate relevant items. In visual arts, photography, and media, the subject matter guides composition and audience interpretation, though stylistic choices can alter emphasis or meaning.

In education and research, subject matter denotes the content of study. “Subject matter expertise” refers to deep knowledge in a specific area, such as physics, history, or linguistic theory, and informs pedagogy, assessment, and curriculum design. Clear specification of subject matter supports transparent communication about what a work or program covers, what it aims to teach, and what falls within its scope.

The term is widely used without assuming a fixed domain, making it a flexible label for what a work is about rather than how it is presented. See also theme, topic, content, and scope of study.