By Fernanda Mauro
On November 30th, 2023, the English Department of the esteemed school in Cambridge, Harvard University, will launch a course in the upcoming semester entirely devoted to the iconic songs of superstar Taylor Swift, as revealed by the university’s newspaper, The Harvard Crimson.
Taylor Swift, the 33-year-old American singer and songwriter, has left an indelible mark on the world of music and entertainment as one of the top singers since October 2006 with the release of her first self-titled studio album under the Big Machine Records label. The album’s track, “Tim McGraw”, marked her inaugural entry to the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Subsequently, in 2008, her second studio album, Fearless produced two international hit singles— “Love Story” and “You Belong with Me”. With an impressive tally of 12 Grammy Awards, Taylor Swift stands as one of the most acclaimed and recognized figures in the global music scene. “Today she’s the most recognizable country–or formerly country? Or pop? – artist in North America, if not the world: her songwriting takes in half a dozen genres, and her economic impact changes cities,” the course description for “English 183ts. Taylor Swift and Her World” states.
Currently captivating audiences worldwide with her Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, the singer achieved billionaire status following the release of her re-recorded 1989 album and the accompanying tour movie in October.
The course instructor, Stephanie Burt, emphasized that the curriculum of the class that will be imparted in the spring of 2024 extends far beyond merely analyzing Taylor Swift’s chart-topping hits. “We are lucky enough to be living in a time when one of our greatest artists is also one of the most famous people on the planet. Why wouldn’t you have a course on that?” Burt told the Crimson, where she was described as Swift’s “Mastermind” and a “diehard Swiftie.”
Instructor Stephanie Burt outlined the diverse topics students will explore, encompassing “fan culture, celebrity culture, adolescence, adulthood and appropriation; how to think about white texts, Southern texts, transatlantic texts, and queer subtexts,” Harvard’s website says. The course also delves into the musical influences of music predecessors, such as Dolly Parton, the famous singer-songwriter, and how to read literary works that she considers important. In an interview with the student newspaper, Burt said the singer’s transition from country to pop music will also be studied as it relates to broader political changes in the country. Approximately 300 Harvard students have eagerly enrolled with this new English class.
The great fame that Taylor Swift has earned has led her to be one of the most famous and recognized singers worldwide. This is evident in the recent addition of a new course at one of the world’s most prestigious and renowned universities, not only in the United States but globally. Notably, Harvard is not the first university to add a course dedicated to the singer and recognizing Swift’s impact, as Boston’s Berklee College of Music already features a class focused on Taylor’s songwriting techniques, created to assist aspiring artists in crafting their own material.
The remarkable achievements of Taylor Swift not only resonate in her musical prowess but also in her ability to captivate hearts globally, making her a source of immense pride for her country.
