LOS ANGELES, Feb. 4 — Taylor Swift is a hot topic for New York University. The institution recently launched a course dedicated exclusively to the American singer. Students who enroll in the course can immerse themselves in the star’s musical legacy through lectures and more.
This course, at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute, is taught by American journalist Brittany Spanos. It traces Taylor Swift’s career from her early recording days in Nashville, Tennessee, to her transformation into a global pop icon. The course also examines the legacy of the country singer-songwriters it draws inspiration from, as well as the evolution of this musical genre and “the politics of race in contemporary music,” according to Variety.
The course syllabus does not mention whether it will address Taylor Swift’s recent wrangling over 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 the 10 million sales of her fifth album, 1989. More recently, she began re-recording her first six records from scratch to reclaim her work.
Either way, 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 course. New York University has reportedly invited Taylor Swift to speak at a seminar, though her attendance is yet to be confirmed.
NYU is not the only institution to offer courses specifically dedicated to the study of the big names in music. The University of Liverpool has launched a The Beatles Masters Program in October. Students taking the course will spend a year exploring the cultural and economic impact of the band on the UK city, through seminars and visits to Liverpool locations. — Studio ETX
