Academic institutions globally, including Harvard, Stanford and Berkeley, are now offering courses on pop icon Taylor Swift, examining her copyright battles, economic influence, and ascent to legendary status in pop culture. Such electives are similarly available in academic centers across the UK, Philippines, and Belgium.
Yet, not all have embraced the trend of incorporating pop stars into university curriculum. The Citizen Free Press account’s video post on the social platform X, showcasing a CNN report about Harvard’s course dedicated to Swift, elicited mixed reactions. The post highlights the high tuition fees accompanying such courses.
Detractors questioned the legitimacy of Ivy League institutions, voicing concerns over what they perceive as a deviation from traditional educational values. Some social media users scornfully disregarded Ivy League students engaged in these classes as lacking seriousness, with one commentator mockingly dismissing the significance of these academic pursuits.
Contrasting these viewpoints, other individuals endorsed the inclusion of Taylor Swift-centric studies in academic contexts. A user on X articulated support for Swift’s cultural and political stance, suggesting that her influence merits scholarly attention.
Understanding the importance of Taylor Swift’s impact prompted Berkeley’s elective conception by Crystal Haryanto in collaboration with the Haas Business School. In an interview with Newsweek, Haryanto noted the significance of Swift’s complex roles in society and her usefulness as an educational subject, citing her commercial triumph and artistic evolution. Haryanto highlighted that Swift’s marketing strategies and relationship-building skills offer valuable insights for students across various disciplines.
Additionally, college admissions specialist Eric Eng commented on the benefit these courses might offer for future career paths. Eng acknowledged that while pop culture-related subjects might seem light-hearted, the broader educational implications they harbor cannot be ignored. Eng emphasized the growing opportunities for students to engage in non-traditional studies that cater to personal interests and the potential career advantages they may yield.
