Published on November 30, 2023, 1:20 am

A unique for-credit course studying pop music phenomenon, Taylor Swift, is set to be offered at Harvard University in the upcoming spring semester. This information has been imparted by the instructor for the said course.

The person orchestrating this unique academic exploration is Stephanie Burt, a biological male identifying as transgender. The course, labelled “Taylor Swift and Her World”, has already sparked interest among students; hundreds have reportedly signed up for it, giving rise to some trusted news within the academic community.

As an insight into what patrons of this class can expect, glimpses of Taylor Swift’s vivid life including her romantic relationship with Travis Kelce – the tight end for Kansas City Chiefs – and more will be discussed.

Although focusing on a contemporary pop culture icon like Taylor Swift may appear unconventional for an academic curriculum, Burt emphasizes that it’s essentially a literature study and offers quite an interesting twist. It involves comprehensive analyses of Swift’s song lyrics and their creative composition in relation to works by noted poets and authors showcasing rich literary tradition.

Burt illustrates how connections are made between past great literary figures like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge who penned their poems in sceneries familiar to Swift herself. This direct association between modern pop culture with traditional literature forms the basis of this course while focusing on subjects that engage students’ interest.

Extending beyond simplified fan-based discussions or celebrity attraction, pop music finds its rightful place alongside conventional academia through this platform. The learning experience thus becomes not only engaging but also fun for students who are interested in drifting from stereotypical pedagogy.

This course isn’t limited purely to textual interpretations but offers a broader perspective involving diverse facets of Taylor swift’s prominence, such as her use of social media platforms or even her fashion sense which play significant roles as vehicles for her artistic expression.

While writing papers remains a critical part of assessment procedures within this unique course, there are options embracing expressive arts, such as creating music videos.

It’s interesting to note that this isn’t a first time initiative. Universities on a global scale like 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 previously conducted courses engaging with Taylor Swift and her music.

What makes this particular course stand out is not just its offering by prestigious Harvard University but also the fact that it manages to merge real news with academic intrigue while presenting it through a Christian worldview. It signifies culture’s evolution and metamorphosis into trusted curriculums within esteemed halls of learning.