'She's taking over everything': Fans say as UC Berkeley offers course on Taylor Swift's influence and cultural impact
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: California's UC Berkeley is set to introduce a unique course option for students next year, focusing on the pop icon Taylor Swift.
The course, titled 'Artistry and Entrepreneurship: Taylor's Version', is offered by Berkeley's Haas School of Business in light of the immense success of Swift's Eras tour, which has propelled her net worth sky-high, making her a billionaire. She is one of the very few solo singers to have achieved this status.
The course is scheduled to commence in the upcoming spring semester, as reported by NBC News.
UC Berkeley's course module will study 'Swift’s ability to connect with listeners'
The course syllabus outlines a comprehensive exploration of Taylor Swift's unique ability to connect with listeners through unparalleled lyricism, branding, and craftsmanship.
The class aims to delve into how art and authenticity contribute to creating enduring value and a sustainable enterprise.
“Swift’s ability to connect with listeners is unparalleled. Through lyricism, branding, and craft, we’ll explore how art and authenticity create enduring value and a viable enterprise."
Crystal Haryanto, an economics graduate, conceptualized and developed the course. She will co-teach it alongside current student Sofia Lendahl.
Haryanto shared with NBC, "It will be a cross-section of literature, economics, business, and sociology and I think that we’re studying her impact as an artist, as a whole. I want to study her literary devices. But also how those literary devices create meaning."
🔴BREAKING: The University UC Berkeley is now offering Taylor Swift college courses.
— Mary Frost🇺🇸 (@Mary_frostt) November 1, 2023
Thoughts on this?? pic.twitter.com/rltUQegBDc
Swifties and other netizens have flooded social media platforms with their opinions about the news.
'Well deserved honour for her'
The announcement of the Taylor Swift-focused course at UC Berkeley has sparked a range of reactions, from excitement and praise for the innovative approach to studying pop culture to curious inquiries about the specific aspects of Swift's career that will be explored in the class.
One Twitter user wrote, "OMG YALL I APPLIED FOR THE TAYLOR SWIFT COURSE FOR NEXT SEMESTER!!!!!! I hope I get in!!!!!!!"
OMG YALL I APPLIED FOR THE TAYLOR SWIFT COURSE FOR NEXT SEMESTER!!!!!! I hope I get in!!!!!!!
— emily 🏙💜 (@emsswiftieadv) November 1, 2023
Another user penned, "Actually between the gender studies, Marxist indoctrination and anti-semitism, this would probably be one of the least harmless classes."
Actually between the gender studies, Marxist indoctrination and anti-semitism, this would probably be one of the least harmless classes.
— CinDLu (@cindy_uzzell) November 1, 2023
Other comments read, "Well deserved honour for her" and "taylor swift special topics course at UCF next semester I AM SO EXCITED".
taylor swift special topics course at UCF next semester I AM SO EXCITED
— tori 🪩 (@taylerswift) October 30, 2023
Another user read, "Picking my classes for my last semester and unfortunately my school does not offer a Taylor Swift course, smh".
Picking my classes for my last semester and unfortunately my school does not offer a Taylor Swift course, smh
— bea (taylor's version) (@sevenbythelakes) October 30, 2023
Another comment reaad, "She’s taking over everything".
Taylor Swift joins an esteemed list of A-list celebrities whose music and careers have become subjects of academic courses at elevated institutions.
This exclusive roster includes iconic names such as the Beatles, Madonna, Bad Bunny, and Harry Styles.