In the ever-evolving world of academia, institutions continually seek innovative ways to engage students and provide real-world applications for theoretical concepts. One such initiative has been introduced by the Arizona State University, where the illustrious career of American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift serves as a lens through which students can delve into intricate facets of social psychology.
The course, titled “Taylor Swift’s Psychology: Advanced Topics in Social Psychology,” is not merely a dissection of Swift’s life or her music. Instead, it offers a comprehensive exploration of advanced social psychology themes evident in her work, her personal experiences, and even her fan base. Topics such as romantic relationships, escapism, revenge, and social development are intricately woven into the curriculum, providing students with a unique perspective on these subjects.
A Semester with Taylor Swift: More than Just Music
Alexandra Wormley, a doctoral student, will be at the helm of this course. She emphasizes that the course is not a mere fan seminar. Instead, it uses Swift’s career as a semester-long example of various phenomena, from gossip and relationships to the very nature of revenge. Wormley cites Swift’s 2017 album, “Reputation,” as a prime example. This album marked Swift’s return to the limelight after a hiatus due to conflicts with celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. Swift’s portrayal of revenge against her detractors and the media landscape, culminating in a massively successful album and stadium tour, becomes a case study. While students may be familiar with the narrative, the course challenges them to understand the underlying psychological reasons for our attraction to concepts like revenge.
Swift’s Academic Resonance
This isn’t the first time Taylor Swift has been the subject of academic scrutiny. The Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at New York University introduced a class centered around the superstar in February 2022, led by Rolling Stone writer Brittany Spanos. Similarly, the University of Texas at Austin unveiled a liberal arts course titled “Contests and Literary Contexts: The Songbook of Taylor Swift.” This course juxtaposed Swift’s work with that of literary giants like Chaucer, Shakespeare, Wyatt, Coleridge, Keats, Dickinson, and Plath, with a curriculum that included four of her most recent albums. Furthermore, Stanford University recently announced a winter quarter course, “All Too Well (10-week version),” promising an in-depth look at Swift’s lyrical prowess.
Open your account on Disney+ and you will have access to movies like Spiderman, Lightyear, Cruella and Pinocchio. You can also watch Star Wars series like The Mandalorian, Andor and The Book of Boba Fett.
