In a testament to her growing influence, Taylor Swift is set to become the focus of academic inquiry, with Harvard University and the University of Florida both introducing courses dedicated to the pop superstar in the spring of 2024.
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Harvard’s course, titled “Taylor Swift and Her World,” will be taught by Stephanie Burt from the English department. This course aims to delve into the multifaceted impact of Swift’s work, exploring themes such as fan culture, celebrity culture, adolescence, adulthood, and appropriation. The curriculum will trace Swift’s musical origins and assess her influence while drawing connections to her predecessors, including Dolly Parton. Students will engage with Swift’s extensive discography, analyzing her songwriting as a unique art form.
Meanwhile, the University of Florida will offer a course named “(Un)Common,” led by English faculty member Melina Jimenez. This course will examine Swift’s songwriting through a comparative lens, juxtaposing her lyrics with those of iconic female artists like Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, and Dolly Parton. The course will also incorporate the contributions of Cuban music legend Gloria Estefan, with a focus on the musical “On Your Feet!”
These new offerings reflect a broader academic trend that recognizes Taylor Swift’s significant cultural and musical contributions. Institutions such as Arizona State University, UC Berkeley, the University of Texas, and Stanford University have also introduced courses exploring various aspects of Swift’s impact on modern culture and music.
Indeed she is a testament 😁
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