The University of Ghent in Belgium is set to introduce an innovative literature course that draws inspiration from the works of pop superstar Taylor Swift.

The elective course, titled “Literature (Taylor’s Version),” will delve into the themes, styles, and techniques of renowned historical literary writers through Swift’s perspective.

Taylor Swift, known for her chart-topping songs and clever lyrics, often draws inspiration from classic English literature in her work. The course aims to analyze and interpret Swift’s songs in the context of established literary classics. According to academic reports, her compositions resonate with themes found in iconic literary pieces like “Romeo and Juliet,” “Jane Eyre,” and “Alice in Wonderland.”

Shakespeare comparison

For instance, Swift’s song “Love Story” intricately weaves a narrative similar to Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” depicting a forbidden love between young protagonists. Similarly, the track “Wonderland” draws parallels between a romantic relationship and the twists and turns of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland.”

The course will be taught by British professor Elly McCausland, who will utilize Swift’s work as a catalyst to explore literature across different centuries. McCausland aims to demonstrate to students that seemingly complex texts can become more accessible when viewed from diverse perspectives.

She highlights surprising similarities between Swift’s contemporary concerns and the timeless questions posed by literary giants such as Shakespeare.

McCausland emphasizes that the course, set to commence in the upcoming autumn semester, will be academically grounded. It won’t solely focus on fan engagement but rather encourage critical thinking about Swift’s contribution to literature.

The course will be integrated into the university’s master’s degree in language and literature.

The initiative is not the first of its kind, as New York University’s Clive Davis Institute introduced a Swift-inspired course last year.

That program delved into Swift’s transformation as a music entrepreneur, exploring pop and country songwriters’ legacies, youth culture, and contemporary music’s sociopolitical dimensions.