Alex McCurthy
Ghent University in Belgium is making waves with a distinctive literature course that centers around the music of Taylor Swift and its intriguing connection to classic English literature. Taylor Swift has consistently demonstrated her global influence as one of the foremost artists of our time. With every album topping charts and her blockbuster tours propelling her into the realm of billionaires, her impact is undeniable.
Expanding her legacy, Taylor Swift’s profound lyricism and poetic prowess have served as the foundation for a groundbreaking course introduced by a distinguished Belgium University.
Ghent University proudly presents an innovative literature course dedicated to Taylor Swift’s musical journey, aptly titled “Literature: Taylor’s Version” in a nod to her re-recorded albums. Guided by the expertise of Assistant Professor Elly McCausland, this enriching course is slated to be available for students in the upcoming autumn semester, as reported by The Guardian.
The reception to this unique offering has been overwhelmingly positive, with a surge of enthusiastic students and even non-students expressing their eagerness to participate.
Professor McCausland boldly asserts that this course marks a pioneering initiative in Europe, weaving intricate connections between Swift’s evocative lyrics and the timeless tapestry of classic English literature. By delving into these texts from a fresh perspective, the course endeavors to demystify intricate literature, revealing its accessibility. An unexpected parallel is drawn between the literary realm of Shakespeare and the contemporary brilliance of Taylor Swift, both addressing profound questions through their own distinct artistic lenses.
According to CNN, Taylor Swift frequently incorporates references to renowned literary works within her music, a facet seamlessly mirrored in the course’s comprehensive syllabus.
The course will span an array of compelling topics, encompassing literary feminism, ecocriticism, fan studies, and an exploration of thematic elements like the enigmatic anti-hero. The syllabus eloquently notes, “Using Swift’s work as a springboard, we will explore, among other topics, literary feminism, ecocriticism, fan studies, and tropes such as the anti-hero. Swift’s enduring popularity stems, at least in part, from the heavily intertextual aspect of her work, and this course will dig deeper to explore its literary roots.”
The invitation to register for this captivating course extends to all, irrespective of their familiarity with the singer’s body of work.
