Join the Taylor Swift and Literature Course at Queen Mary University
- Queen Mary University will launch a course in June and July 2024 focusing on Taylor Swift's lyrics and their literary qualities.
- The program will explore formal elements and contextual analyses, drawing comparisons to classical literature and historical figures.
- This initiative reflects an increasing tendency within academia to recognize and study the literary significance of modern popular music.
In June and July 2024, Queen Mary University in London will offer a short course that explores the literary aspects of Taylor Swift's lyrics, drawing comparisons to Shakespeare and potentially to Charles Dickens. This 150-hour program promises an in-depth examination of Swift's work through critical theory and contextual discussions, emphasizing the significance of her rhyme and word choice. Students will have the option to enroll in one or two modules, contributing to the burgeoning interest in analyzing popular music as a serious field of study. This course is part of a broader trend in higher education where institutions recognize the cultural impact of modern artists, with similar courses having been launched in the past at universities in Belgium and Warwick. The course will provide a fresh academic lens to Swift’s songs, inviting enthusiasts of both literature and music to engage with her artistry on a deeper level, while also requiring students to manage their accommodation costs independent of the course fees.