Famous Figures with College Courses Dedicated to Them: Exploring Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, and Others
Celebrities like Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, and more have become subjects of college courses, inspiring students to delve into their lives and impact on society From Nicki Minaj to Elvis, this article explores the fascinating phenomenon of celebrity-focused curriculums
Over time, some celebrities have made a lasting impact on their industry, leading to the creation of a course dedicated to their influence by professors. Brittany Spanos was inspired by Taylor Swift's discography and went on to develop a class specifically focused on the singer at New York University's Clive Davis Institute.
The course offered a detailed analysis of both the allure and criticisms of Taylor Swift, focusing on her music and public image in relation to her development as an artist and public figure. Topics covered included Swift's music, business savvy, longevity, and her impact on the music industry. Spanos expressed that leading a course on her favorite artist was a long-awaited opportunity.
Later that year, Texas State University announced they would be starting a class in spring 2023 that focused around Harry Styles.
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Associate professor of digital history Dr. Louie Dean Valencia expressed his desire to teach a history class that is both fun and relevant to students' lives in an interview with NBC in July 2022. He believes that studying the art, activism, consumerism, and fandom around Harry Styles will enable students to delve into contemporary issues that are important to them. Valencia emphasized the importance of reflecting students' interests in the curriculum.
Scroll down to see what other celebrities inspired a class to be taught about them:
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Celebrities Who Have Had College Courses Taught About Them Through the Years: Taylor Swift, Harry Styles and More
Over time, some celebrities have made a lasting impact on their industry, leading professors to develop courses focused on their influence.
Brittany Spanos was inspired by Taylor Swift's discography and went on to create a course about the singer at New York University's Clive Davis Institute.
In February 2022, the course description stated that it aimed to analyze the reasons for both the attraction and repulsion towards Taylor Swift through in-depth analysis of her music and public discussions relating to her evolution as a musician and public figure.
The course covered various subjects such as Swift's music, business acumen, lasting impact, and the influence she had on the music industry. Spanos expressed that leading a course on her favorite artist was a long-held aspiration at that time.
Later in the year, Texas State University announced that they would be launching a class in the spring of 2023 focused on Harry Styles.
"I've always wanted to teach a history class that is engaging yet still explores a period that students have experienced and connect with," shared Dr. Louie Dean Valencia, an associate professor of digital history, in an interview with NBC in July of 2022. "Through examining the art, activism, consumerism, and fandom surrounding Harry Styles, I believe we can delve into pertinent contemporary issues. It's crucial for young people to see their interests reflected in their academic studies."
Scroll down to see what other celebrities inspired a class to be taught about them:
Credit: Shutterstock (3)
Celebrities Who Have Had College Courses Taught About Them Through the Years: Taylor Swift, Harry Styles and More
Throughout the years, specific celebrities have made a lasting impact on their industry, prompting educators to develop courses focused on their influence. One example is Brittany Spanos, who developed a class at New York University's Clive Davis Institute inspired by Taylor Swift's discography.
In February 2022, the course description stated that the class aimed to analyze the reasons for both the attraction and repulsion towards Taylor Swift by closely examining her music and public image in relation to her development as an artist and public figure. The course covered various topics such as Swift's music, business ventures, long-lasting impact, and her significance in the music industry. Spanos expressed her excitement at the opportunity to lead a course on her favorite artist.
In July 2022, associate professor of digital history Dr. Louie Dean Valencia shared with NBC his plans to teach a history class at Texas State University beginning in spring 2023. The class will center around Harry Styles and aims to engage students in studying relevant contemporary issues through the exploration of art, activism, consumerism, and fandom related to the musician. Valencia expressed the importance of reflecting students' interests in the curriculum and creating a fun yet meaningful learning experience.
Scroll down to see what other celebrities inspired a class to be taught about them:
Credit: Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
Nicki Minaj
School: UC Berkeley
Course: Black Barbie Femmecee & Hip Hop Feminisms
Credit: Scott Kirkland/National Geograph/Shutterstock
Lana Del Rey
School: New York University’s Clive Davis Institute
Course: Topics in Recorded Music: Lana Del Rey
Credit: Andrew H. Walker/Shutterstock
Taylor Swift
School: New York University's Clive Davis Institute
Course: Untitled
School: Belgium's Ghent University
Course: Literature: Taylor’s Version
School: Arizona State University
Course: Psychology of Taylor Swift — Advanced Topics of Social Psychology
School: Australia's University of Melbourne
Course: Swiftposium
School: Harvard University
Course: Taylor Swift and Her World
Credit: Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock
Harry Styles
School: Texas State University
Course: Harry Styles and the Cult of Celebrity: Identity, the Internet and European Pop Culture
Credit: Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
Kanye West
School: Georgia State University
Course: Kanye Versus Everybody
Credit: Richard Young/Shutterstock
Beyonce
School: Rutgers University
Course: Politicizing Beyoncé Statements
Credit: John Salangsang/Shutterstock
Jay-Z
School: Texas Georgetown University
Course: Sociology of Hip-Hop: JAY-Z
Credit: Rob Latour/Shutterstock
Miley Cyrus
School: Skidmore College
Course: The Sociology of Miley Cyrus: Race, Class, Gender and Media
Credit: Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock for BAFTA
Lady Gaga
School: University of South Carolina
Course: Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame
Credit: Marion Curtis/StarPix for HBO/Shutterstock
James Franco
School: Columbia College Hollywood
Course: Master Class: Editing James Franco … With James Franco
Credit: Matt Baron/Shutterstock
Madonna
School: University of Amsterdam
Course: Madonna the Phenomenon
Credit: Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock
Sean Combs
School: New York University
Course: Sean Combs and Urban Culture
Credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
Bruce Springsteen
School: Rutgers University
Course: Bruce Springsteen's Theology
Credit: Globe Photos/Mediapunch/Shutterstock
Michael Jackson
School: Clark Atlanta University
Course: Michael Jackson: The Business of Music
Credit: Moviestore/Shutterstock
Elvis
School: University of Iowa
Course: American Popular Arts: Elvis as Anthology
