It is common for subject to be used as a synonym for matter.
Subjects (from the Latin assignatus ) are the subjects that make up a degree or a study plan , and which are taught in educational centers. Some examples of subjects are literature , biology and chemistry .
Although in many countries the words subjects and subjects are used as synonyms , certain differences can be established. Studies, whether in Basic, Secondary or Higher Education, are divided into subjects. Each subject usually has an assigned classroom where the classes are taught, its own teachers, certain schedules, etc. In other words, each subject focuses on a different area of knowledge .
On the other hand, when a student carries out a study , research or a specific project, which revolves around a single central theme , it is a subject of study.
Difference between subject and matter
The difference that could be established between subject and matter, therefore, is the following: a subject is made up of one or more subjects structured within a study plan or academic course. Outside of this context, the object of study itself can be known as a matter.
Subjects, therefore, represent the essence of educational systems , as they constitute the pillar of the study plans. The set of subjects make up the basic studies and also the undergraduate or postgraduate courses.
The number of subjects per level depends on each educational system.
Particularities of each educational system
Although there are certain limits set by the educational systems of each country regarding the minimum and maximum number of subjects at each level, this number may be different in each institution. For example, two contemporary and neighboring secondary schools may have a difference of five or more subjects without this representing a legal fault.
However, if the one that offers more subjects to its students turns out to be more competent, then it can be argued that the other should rethink its program with a view to a potential expansion at the academic level. One of the most common cases is the "compression" of two subjects into one, as can happen with physics and chemistry, which in some schools are merged. This may be convenient for reducing the budget, since a lower salary must be paid, but inconvenient for the students, who - in the best of cases - receive fifty percent less content from both subjects.
Traditionally, students must complete the school year (the period stipulated for carrying out school activities ) with an average that equals or exceeds the minimum grade considered positive to move on to the next year, until they finish the last year and finally receive the official degree that accredits all their efforts. To do so, it is normal to be required to pass a certain number of exams, both written and oral, theoretical or practical, which serve to control the precision with which the content has been learned.
Pending subject
On the other hand, when someone refers to a pending subject , they are talking about a project or an ideal that is still pending resolution. For example: "My pending subject is to study Chinese, but I always find some excuse to keep putting it off" , "I know I will leave some pending subjects, but I hope to resolve most of them" , "Traveling to the Caribbean is a pending subject for me" .
The concept of unfinished business is usually not considered until we leave youth and reach the first stage of adulthood. Until then, we tend to be overflowing with vital energy and are not aware that there will be many things we cannot do before we die. This is not negative, but natural, but human beings always want more than what we have, and it is this insatiable thirst that drives us forward.