This Canadian University launches course focussing Taylor Swift: Check how you can apply for it

The University of Guelph is set to introduce an exceptional course examining the cultural influence of pop superstar Taylor Swift beginning in January 2025. Part of the university's 'Icons of Music' op-ed program, the course will engage 600 students in an in-depth exploration of how pop music intersects with art, literature, sexuality, and religion.

Alyssa Woods, an Associate Professor and co-designer of the course, noted that Swift's significant presence in popular culture over recent years inspired the initiative. "Using Swift as a lens through which to explore larger issues presents a unique opportunity," Woods explained.

Unlike other academic offerings that focus solely on Swift's career, this course will take a broader perspective. Students will analyse critical issues in pop music while developing analytical skills that can be applied across various disciplines.

Robert Michael Edwards, another co-designer of the course, emphasised Swift's extensive influence on pop culture. He pointed out her role in shaping fan culture, influencing fashion trends, and boosting local economies through her concert tours. "It's impossible to deny her impact," Edwards stated, referencing Swift's record-breaking ticket sales and innovative marketing strategies.

The curriculum will include discussions about the Canadian leg of Swift’s The Eras Tour, particularly her performances in Toronto and Vancouver, highlighting how the artist shapes trends and economic landscapes in each city she visits.

The course, which runs from January to April, has already reached full capacity for its virtual format, with plans for a summer term currently under consideration.

Woods reassured potential students that there is much to gain from the course, regardless of their familiarity with Swift. "The skills learned in this 12-week course can be applied in various analytical contexts," he said.

Looking to the future, Woods hinted that subsequent iterations of the course may focus on other prominent artists as trends evolve.

The trend of incorporating music icons into academic curricula is gaining traction, with institutions like Harvard, the University of South Carolina, Ohio State University, and Yale University offering courses centred on artists such as Lady Gaga, The Beatles, and Beyoncé.