New York University puts Taylor Swift on program

Taylor Swift arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 5, 2020, at The Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Image: AFP/Valerie Macon

Taylor Swift is a serious subject for New York University (NYU). The institution recently launched a course dedicated exclusively to the American singer. Students signing up for the class can immerse themselves in the star’s musical heritage through lectures and more.

The course at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute is taught by American journalist Brittany Spanos. She traces Swift’s career from her early recording days in Nashville, Tennessee, to her transformation into a global pop icon. The course also looks at the legacy of the country singer-songwriters she draws inspiration from, as well as the evolution of the musical genre and “politics of race in contemporary music,” according to Variety.

The course syllabus does not mention whether it will look at Swift’s recent wrangling for control of her music. She made the decision to leave Spotify in 2014, criticizing the way the streaming service pays artists. She returned three years later to celebrate 10 million sales of her fifth album, “1989.” More recently, she began re-recording her first six records in full to regain ownership of her work.

The course seems to be a big hit with students at the Clive Davis Institute. According to Variety, many are currently on the waiting list to take the class. The university has reportedly invited Swift to speak at a seminar, although her participation is yet to be confirmed.

NYU isn’t the only institution offering classes dedicated specifically to the study of big names in music. The University of Liverpool launched a master’s program on the Beatles in October 2021. Students taking the course spend a year exploring the cultural and economic impact of the band on the British city, through seminars and visits to Liverpool locations. DC

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