Taylor Swift, a firebrand in the United States music industry, has inspired a university in Belgium to introduce a course based on her songs. Interestingly, Ghent University in Belgium is all set to launch an engrossing course named 'Literature: Taylor’s Version.' The course will be available for all master's students and will begin in autumn.
How did Taylor Swift inspire Ghent University to introduce the course?
Elly McCausland, who will be teaching the course, said that there are various similarities between Taylor's music and the themes and techniques of English literary writers and poets when crafting a poem. The professor stated that the course will provide insights to students on how Swift employs her lyrics as metaphors, which run parallel to the expressions of great writers and poets.
Taylor Swift, a chart-topping singer-songwriter known for her clever lyrics, often draws inspiration from classic English literature. A new course at the University of Ghent will explore how Swift's songs resonate with themes found in iconic literary pieces such as "Romeo and Juliet," "Jane Eyre," and "Alice in Wonderland."
Meanwhile, the main aim of the professor is to demonstrate that seemingly complex literary texts can become more accessible when viewed from different perspectives. She emphasises that the course, beginning in the autumn term, will be academically rigorous and not solely focused on fan engagement. Instead, it will promote an analysis of Swift's literary legacy.
"Swifties” will now not only enjoy the lyrics of Taylor's songs but will also be able to comprehend the inspiration the singer has drawn from specific poets or historical English writers.
Ghent University will integrate the course into the language and literature curriculum. The focus of the course will remain on Swift's musical career and how she has influenced the youth. So far, Taylor Swift has been the subject of two university courses, one at New York University's Clive Davis Institute and another at Stanford University.
