Emory students are in for a new version of sociology — Taylor’s version.
The university’s Oxford College launched a new course in its fall semester based on the career of Grammy Award-winning singer Taylor Swift.
According to Emory, “Sociology: Taylor’s Version,” plans to “examine social processes, identities and institutions through Taylor Swift’s reputation” and analyze the various stages of the music star’s career.
“As a sociologist, I’m interested in all things pop culture,” said Devon Goss, Emory assistant professor of sociology in a Sept. 6 press release. “I’m definitely a Swiftie, and I’ve been following this massive hype around Taylor. I just kept seeing Taylor Swift being tied to a lot of things that we study and think about in society.”
The educator stated that she was inspired to create the course after noticing online conversations about Swift that relate to sociology, which often focuses on communities and identities. Many of these debates centered around whether or not the singer could be labeled as a feminist or an ally to the LBGTQ+ community.
Swift’s influence on pop culture and society has become a hot topic in recent years. Just this week, her endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election made national news.
Since young people were already having conversations related to the singer’s influence, Goss said, it did not seem too far-fetched to create a course that would narrow in on the principles of sociology while relating to students.
“I am a huge fan of Taylor Swift,” said first-year student Emory student Jerry Sun in the release. “I’ve been listening to her music since I was really little, so when I saw the class, I was pumped and excited.”
He notes that he is enthusiastic for the opportunity to dive deeper into analysis of how Swift’s life and career with his classmates.
“I’m thinking of questions about how certain issues that Taylor has combatted throughout her career are under the radar in our society,” he says. “For example, the double standards for men and women — men are able to sing about their exes and not be criticized.”
The course will be offered as part of Oxford College’s Discovery Seminar series, which is comprised of classes the university states “help students become familiar with college and develop a relationship with a faculty member who will later become their advisor.”
“I hope students are excited about it,” Goss said. “I hope that they come to the class excited to talk about things — maybe things that they have already thought about themselves. Now, they have a chance to sit and debate and really dive into it.”
