The course launched on 26 January running through till March 9, is the first-ever course on Taylor Swift Introduced by New York University’s Clive Davis Institute.
As per Variety, the class will cover Swift’s evolution as a creative music creator, legacy of pop and country songwriters, discourse of youth and girlhood, and more. The class will be taught by Rolling Stone’s Brittany Spanos. Swift has been requested to talk to the class but the request is unanswered yet.
The course program will be chaired by veteran music writer Jason King, the institute has included classes taught by Questlove, Q-tip, Bob Power, Author Dan Charnas.
The description for the course read: “This course proposes to deconstruct both the appeal and aversions to Taylor Swift through close readings of her music and public discourse as it relates to her own growth as an artist and a celebrity. Through readings, lectures, and more, the class delves into analyses of the culture and politics of teen girlhood in pop music, fandom, media studies, whiteness, and power as it relates to her image and the images of those who have both preceded and succeeded her. We’ll also consider topics like copyright and ownership, American nationalism, and the ongoing impact of social media on the pop music industry.
Course Objectives are:
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Students will develop an understanding and appreciation for Taylor swift as a creative music entrepreneur, students will learn to deconstruct the way her creativity and songwriting have made her a durable presence in a quickly evolving music industry.
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Students will learn about the legacy of pop and country songwriters that have influenced Swift as well as discourses around ‘prodigies’ in the pop music industry.
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Students will gain an understanding of how discourses of youth and girlhood are often exploited in the media and music industries.
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Students will learn about the politics of race in contemporary popular music, and interrogate whiteness as it relates to Swift’s politics, songwriting, worldview, and interactions with the wider cultural world around her.
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Students will develop greater sophistication in their artistic appreciation, critical thinking, research, and writing skills.”
It is an amazing opportunity for Swifties to learn and get into the intimacy of the singer’s writing process.
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