Auckland University of Technology launches a course on Taylor Swift

This course will allow students to learn and apply communications theory to Swift’s body of work. From analysing her visual and audio content to critiquing her branding strategies, the course offers students a unique opportunity to understand communication principles through the lens of a globally dominant figure in pop culture.

The course will run from November 18 to December 13, coinciding with Taylor Swift’s 35th birthday, and will be held three days a week at AUT’s City Campus. If there is enough interest, AUT may also offer the course online to cater to students who are unable to attend in-person.

There are several universities such as Harvard, University of California, University of Florida, and more that have courses on Taylor Swift. (Representative image/ Source: @taylorswift13)

The new course has been launched a little after Swiftposium, an academic conference held in February 2024 to critically examine Swift’s global impact, received an ‘overwhelming’ response. The conference, co-funded by AUT and partner universities in Australia, drew immense attention from both high-school students and fans alike, reflecting the singer’s widespread influence, an official release by Education New Zealand stated.

Throughout her career, Taylor Swift has demonstrated excellence in lyrics, music, and a curated image of a pop culture phenomenon,” said senior lecturer Rebecca Trelease (Te Āti Haunui a Pāpārangi). “What must also be examined is Swift’s prowess as a communications professional, the backbone to curating and maintaining her career in the media.”