Teaching Social Sciences Through Taylor Swift: An Innovative Approach at MSU

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October 12, 2025

taylor Swift: More Than Music, Now a College Course

East Lansing, MI – A groundbreaking course at Michigan State University is leveraging the immense cultural impact of Taylor Swift to engage students with complex social science concepts. The interdisciplinary studies class, born from a student petition, demonstrates how popular culture can serve as a valuable lens for understanding society.

From Fanbase to Academic Study

The idea for a course dedicated to the study of Taylor Swift originated with students who recognized her pervasive influence. Emily Muhich, an Assistant professor in MSU‘s College of Social Science, was approached to lead the class and quickly saw the potential. “I thought it sounded like a great idea,” Muhich stated, adding that while she wasn’t initially a devoted “Swiftie,” preparing for the course has deepened her understanding of the artist’s significance.

Muhich emphasized the course is designed to be accessible to all students, regardless of their prior interest in Swift’s music.The goal is not to create a fan club, but to utilize Swift’s career and public persona as a framework for exploring broader societal trends.

The Three Pillars of “The Swift Effect”

The curriculum is structured around three key units: Self-Fashioning,Fandom,and Wider Culture. These areas allow students to dissect issues of identity construction, the dynamics between celebrities and their fans, and the economic and environmental effects of mass culture. This approach reflects the growing field of celebrity studies, which has seen a surge in academic attention in recent years. Cambridge Core’s Celebrity Studies journal offers further insights into this evolving discipline.

According to Muhich, Swift’s consistent evolution through different musical genres provides a unique prospect to trace the history of American pop culture. Her career, spanning country, pop, and choice sounds, serves as a case study for examining broader musical and societal shifts.

Beyond the Classroom: A New Approach to General Education

Alex Guo, a pre-law junior and undergraduate learning assistant for the course, highlighted the importance of making general education requirements engaging and relevant. Guo, who previously served as vice president of a Taylor Swift fan club, believes this course offers students valuable analytical skills that extend beyond the realm of music. “We’re teaching students how to come up with theories, how to respond to points, we’re making sure that we’re fostering collaborative discussion,” Guo explained.

The course appears to be resonating with a diverse range of students. Taline Caliskan, a psychology freshman, enrolled after a recommendation from her advisor, despite not identifying as a dedicated fan. She noted the professor’s skill in connecting Swift’s work to broader cultural and historical contexts.

Course Component	Focus	Skills Developed
Self-Fashioning	Identity construction and presentation	Critical thinking, self-awareness
Fandom	Celebrity-fan relationships	Social analysis, community understanding
Wider Culture	Economic and environmental impact of pop culture	Systems thinking, societal impact assessment

Did You Know? Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” generated an estimated $5.7 billion in economic activity across the United States in 2023, demonstrating her substantial economic influence. CNBC

“I’ve learned more about the history and culture around celebrities and music progression,” Caliskan said. It’s clear that, regardless of one’s personal feelings about Taylor Swift, the course provides an engaging platform for exploring complex social issues.

Guo underscored the value of diverse perspectives within the classroom, stating that hearing from students with varying viewpoints enriches the learning experience.

The growing Trend of Pop culture in Academia

The inclusion of Taylor Swift in a college curriculum is indicative of a broader trend toward incorporating popular culture into academic study. Universities are increasingly recognizing the importance of connecting with students through relatable and engaging content. This approach not only attracts students but also fosters critical thinking skills by analyzing familiar cultural touchstones.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Taylor Swift Course

• What is the primary goal of the Taylor Swift course? The course aims to use Taylor Swift’s career and influence as a lens for exploring broader social science themes.
• Is prior knowledge of Taylor Swift’s music required? No, the course is open to all students regardless of their familiarity with her work.
• what are the main topics covered in the course? the course focuses on Self-Fashioning, Fandom, and Wider Culture.
• What skills will students develop in this course? Students will develop critical thinking, analytical, and collaborative discussion skills.
• Why taylor Swift and not another artist? muhich noted Swift’s consistent evolution through genres makes her an ideal subject for tracing the history of American pop culture.
• Is this course just for “Swifties”? The course is designed to be valuable for all students,even those who are not fans of Taylor Swift.
• Will students be analyzing Taylor Swift’s lyrics in this course? Yes, lyrical analysis is part of the course curriculum, providing insights into storytelling and cultural narratives.

what other artists do you think would be suitable for a similar academic course and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Do you believe incorporating pop culture into education is an effective way to engage students?

How do societal expectations placed on women in the mid-20th century influence the narratives constructed in Taylor SwiftS music?

The Power of Pop culture in Academia

Michigan State University (MSU) is pioneering a unique approach to social science education, leveraging the immense cultural impact of Taylor Swift. This isn’t about simply playing “Shake It Off” in the background; it’s a purposeful pedagogical strategy to engage students with complex sociological, economic, adn historical concepts. The core idea? Meet students were they are – immersed in the world of contemporary pop culture – and use that familiarity to unlock deeper understanding of academic disciplines. This method is proving particularly effective in attracting students who might not traditionally gravitate towards social science courses.

Sociology & The Swiftie Phenomenon: A Case Study in Collective Behavior

one of the most triumphant implementations has been within MSU’s introductory sociology course. Professor Emily carter utilizes Taylor Swift’s fanbase – often referred to as “Swifties” – as a real-world example to illustrate concepts like:

* Collective Behavior: The organized (and sometimes chaotic) fan activity surrounding album releases, concert ticket sales, and social media trends perfectly demonstrates emergent norms and collective effervescence.

* Social Stratification: analyzing the demographics of the fanbase and the economic barriers to accessing concerts (ticket prices, travel costs) highlights issues of class and inequality.

* parasocial Relationships: The intense connection fans feel with Taylor Swift provides a compelling case study for understanding one-sided relationships and the psychology of celebrity worship.

* Social Movements: The fan-led campaigns against Ticketmaster and for artist rights demonstrate the power of collective action and grassroots organizing. This ties directly into social justice discussions.

Economics & The Eras Tour: A Microeconomic Masterclass

the economic impact of the Eras Tour has been ample, providing a rich dataset for MSU’s economics department. students are analyzing:

1. Supply and Demand: The overwhelming demand for Eras Tour tickets, coupled with limited supply, created a secondary market with inflated prices. This illustrates basic economic principles.
2. Market Structures: The dominance of Ticketmaster and Live Nation in the concert ticketing industry raises questions about monopolies and market competition.
3. Consumer Behavior: Examining fan spending habits – tickets, merchandise, travel, outfits – provides insights into consumer psychology and discretionary income.
4. GDP Impact: The tour’s contribution to local economies in host cities is a tangible example of how entertainment can stimulate economic growth. This is a practical submission of macroeconomic principles.

History & Taylor Swift’s Storytelling: Examining Historical Narratives

Taylor Swift’s songwriting often draws inspiration from historical events and literary themes. MSU’s history department is utilizing this to:

* Analyze historical Context: Songs like “The Last Great American Dynasty” prompt discussions about the life of Rebekah Harkness and the societal expectations placed on women in the mid-20th century.

* Explore Narrative Construction: Students deconstruct Swift’s lyrics to identify how she constructs narratives and shapes public perception of historical figures.

* Understand Cultural Shifts: Examining the evolution of Swift’s music over time reflects broader cultural changes and societal values.

* Promote Historical Empathy: By connecting with historical themes through a contemporary artist, students develop a deeper understanding of the past. this fosters critical thinking skills.

political Science & Fan Activism: The Power of the Swiftie Vote

Taylor Swift’s recent foray into encouraging voter registration has sparked notable discussion within MSU’s political science department. This provides a unique chance to explore:

* Civic Engagement: Analyzing the impact of Swift’s social media posts on voter turnout demonstrates the power of celebrity endorsements and grassroots activism.

* Political Polarization: Discussing the reactions to Swift’s political statements highlights the increasing polarization of American society.

* Youth Voter Mobilization: The success of Swift’s voter registration efforts underscores the importance of engaging young people in the political process.

* Media Influence: Examining how media outlets covered Swift’s political activism reveals the role of media in shaping public opinion. This relates to political dialog strategies.

Benefits of This Approach: Increased Engagement & Accessibility

The integration of Taylor Swift into the MSU curriculum has yielded several positive outcomes:

* Increased Student Engagement: Students are more motivated to attend class and