Swifties, here's some enchanting news for you!
Harvard University is set to introduce a new course titled Taylor Swift and Her World during the upcoming semester. The course, led by Professor Stephanie Burt from the university's English department, will immerse students in the fascinating world of Taylor Swift. It will explore not only her iconic lyrics and music but also her profound cultural influence.
Professor Stephanie Burt, the instructor behind this unique course, believes that Swift is undeniably one of the most significant songwriters of our era. In her words (via Dazed Digital), "She’s one of the great songwriters of our time, she’s figured out how to write songs with broad appeal which not all great songwriters do, and she’s learned to use those extraordinary gifts alongside other gifts and privileges of image management and fan interaction."
The course will delve into Swift's journey, from her early days as a MySpace sensation to her current status as a global megastar. Additionally, it will explore how Swift's work intersects with various literary and cultural themes, including teenage identities, whiteness, fame, self-doubt, adulthood, and the complexities of sexuality.
Swift's achievements in the music industry are nothing short of remarkable. She has solidified her status as one of the world's most influential artists, boasting an enormous global fan base known as Swifties. At one point in October, she occupied all ten spots on the Billboard Hot 100, illustrating her unparalleled dominance in the music charts.
Following the release of her latest album, 1989 (Taylor’s Version), Swift made history by becoming the first artist ever to achieve six number-one albums, each selling over one million copies in their debut week. Her concert film, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, shattered box office records, grossing a staggering $250 million and earning the title of the highest-grossing concert film of all time.
Professor Burt strongly asserts that those who dismiss Swift as a trivial subject of study are mistaken. She emphasizes, "She’s a great songwriter, and songwriting is its own art form." While Swift may not be renowned as a poet, novelist, or playwright, she has undoubtedly carved her niche as a great songwriter.
Intriguingly, this isn't the only academic institution to recognize Swift's cultural significance. The University of Florida (UF) will also offer a course dedicated to the pop sensation next semester, titled Musical storytelling with Taylor Swift and other iconic female artists.
This course, taught by senior lecturer Melina Jimenez, will explore Swift's discography along with the works of other iconic female artists like Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, and Dolly Parton.
Harvard and UF are not alone in offering courses centered around Swift. Numerous other universities, including Ghent University in Belgium, the University of Texas at Austin, Rice University, Berklee College of Music, the University of California at Berkeley, Arizona State, New York University, and Stanford, have recognized the academic value of studying Swift's work and cultural impact.
The introduction of courses centered around pop culture figures is not limited to Swift alone. In recent years, universities have explored the scholarly potential of artists like Harry Styles, Nicki Minaj, and Bad Bunny, further highlighting the evolving landscape of academic exploration into contemporary culture.
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