East Lansing, Michigan, October 7, 2025
News Summary
Michigan State University has introduced a new course titled ‘Society and the Individual: The Taylor Swift Phenomenon,’ enrolling 215 students. Led by Assistant Professor Emily Muhich, the course will explore Taylor Swift’s impact from diverse perspectives such as economic, political, and gender studies. Students will engage in a final project analyzing a Swift music video through an interdisciplinary lens, enhancing their critical thinking skills. The course’s launch coincides with Swift’s engagement announcement and her upcoming album, generating additional interest among students.
East Lansing, Michigan – Michigan State University has introduced a course titled “Society and the Individual: The Taylor Swift Phenomenon” for the semester, attracting an enrollment of 215 students. The course will delve into Taylor Swift’s impact across various perspectives, including economic, political, environmental, historical, and gender-based viewpoints.
The course is being taught by Assistant Professor Emily Muhich from the College of Social Science. This course launch comes on the heels of Swift’s recent announcement of her engagement to NFL star Travis Kelce, generating further interest in the course topics.
Course Overview
Initially inspired by a student request, the course was developed after a discussion with the program’s director. The curriculum will not only explore Swift’s musical evolution but also her profound influence on American pop music. Key topics will include a comparison of Swift’s extensive fandom to historical phenomena like Beatlemania.
Gender studies feature prominently within the course, with two weeks dedicated to examining gender dynamics. The curriculum draws upon Gloria Steinem’s work on gendered film terminology and includes surveys focused on perceptions of male Swift fans. Assignments will challenge students to debate issues surrounding celebrity social responsibility and the expectations of fans.
Final Project and Assignments
Students will engage in a final project requiring them to analyze a Taylor Swift music video through the format of an interdisciplinary podcast episode. This hands-on project aims to bolster critical thinking and analytical skills while connecting students with contemporary pop culture phenomena.
Diverse Student Body and Current Events
The student demographic in the course is notably diverse. Half of the enrolled students sought out the class specifically due to its Taylor Swift theme, with around 15 students interested in the subject matter learning about the course on the very first day of class. The timing of the course coincides with the upcoming release of Swift’s new album, “Life of a Showgirl,” which offers fresh discussion material for the students.
Educational Objectives
Professor Muhich aims to equip students with a model to engage critically with pop culture throughout their lives. The course exemplifies Michigan State University’s innovative teaching methodologies and affirmative commitment to interdisciplinary studies.
Background on Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is an accomplished musician, known for her evolution across different music genres, from country to pop, and her engagement with her fan community. Over the years, she has made significant contributions to discussions surrounding gender and fame, garnering a vast and passionate following. By examining her impact through various academic lenses, students in this course will gain insights into the societal ramifications of a contemporary cultural icon.
FAQs
What is the name of the course being offered at Michigan State University?
The course is titled “Society and the Individual: The Taylor Swift Phenomenon.”
How many students are enrolled in the course?
The class has an enrollment of 215 students.
What unique perspectives does the course examine regarding Taylor Swift?
The course examines Taylor Swift’s impact across economic, political, environmental, historical, and gender-based perspectives.
Who is teaching the course?
The course is taught by Assistant Professor Emily Muhich from the College of Social Science.
What type of final project are students required to complete?
The final project requires students to analyze a Swift music video through an interdisciplinary podcast episode.
Chart: Key Features of the Course
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Society and the Individual: The Taylor Swift Phenomenon |
| Enrollment | 215 students |
| Instructor | Assistant Professor Emily Muhich |
| Key Themes | Economic, political, environmental, historical, and gender perspectives |
| Final Project | Interdisciplinary podcast analysis of a music video |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WILX: Taylor Swift Course Hits Classroom at Michigan State University
- WZZM: Michigan State University Taylor Swift Class
- Fox47: East Lansing Record Store Planning for Taylor Swift’s Upcoming Album Release
- Wikipedia: Taylor Swift
- Google Search: Taylor Swift new album
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