Taylor Swift, the multiple Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, needs no introduction. With millions of fans singing and dancing to her tunes, her cultural influence is undeniable. Beyond topping music charts, Swift’s artistry has found its way into the academic world. Yes, you read that right—several universities across the United States have offered courses dedicated to studying the pop icon. Talk about leaving a legacy! Here’s a look at some of the top US universities diving deep into the world of Taylor Swift
Harvard University
In the spring of 2024, Harvard University introduced a course titled “Taylor Swift and Her World.” This three-paper class took a literary lens to examine the multifaceted songwriter. Students explored how Swift channels emotions into her lyrics and dissected her catalog alongside works by other renowned authors. The class was a hit, with around 300 undergraduates signing up for the packed 80-minute sessions, according to USA Today.
Northeastern University
Northeastern University offered a unique two-day Zoom course led by Catherine Fairfield. Attended by over 500 students, this course delved into the intersection of English literature and gender studies, as reported by USA Today. It examined themes like womanhood, societal expectations of women’s fame and success, and the cultural dynamics Swift highlights in her music.
University of California, Berkeley
In spring 2024, UC Berkeley rolled out a course titled “The Music and Impact of Taylor Swift.” This class explored her musical evolution and her transformative influence on the music industry. Students analyzed Swift’s journey from her country roots to becoming a global pop icon.
Austin Peay State University
At Austin Peay, students explored “The Invisible String of Romanticism,” a poetry course comparing Swift’s songwriting to the works of literary greats like William Wordsworth. The syllabus featured a song-by-song analysis of Swift’s albums, uncovering the poetic threads woven into her lyrics. In 2024, 19 students completed this class, as reported by USA Today.
Stanford University
Stanford previously offered a student-led course titled “Storytelling with Taylor Swift Through the Eras.” This class paired each of Swift’s albums with a distinct interpretive focus, encouraging students to hone their textual analysis skills by diving into her lyrics.
New York University
NYU made headlines in 2022 with its first-ever Taylor Swift course. Taught by Rolling Stone journalist Brittany Spanos, the class examined Swift’s evolution as a music entrepreneur, her legacy as a songwriter, and the politics of race and contemporary popular music, as detailed by Variety.
From literary analysis to exploring societal issues, these courses prove that Taylor Swift’s influence goes far beyond music, shaping academic discussions and inspiring students to think critically. Now, isn’t that a Mastermind move?
