Who knew your favourite pop star could become part of your university syllabus? From BTS' RM inspiring a course on mental well-being to Beyoncé, Madonna and Taylor Swift becoming subjects of academic study, universities are finding some rather interesting ways to bring pop culture into the classroom. Here are some celebrity-inspired courses that might make you wish you could go back to college!
Stanford University’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences is offering an introductory course on mental health and well-being inspired by BTS leader RM, called ‘Namjooning’. The term 'Namjooning', popularised by the singer's fans, refers to taking time for oneself through activities such as exploring nature, visiting art galleries, reading and cycling. The course explores topics such as sleep, anxiety, self-awareness, diet and exercise, drawing on interests associated with the singer.
The Queen of Pop has inspired an entire field of academic study known as 'Madonnology' or 'Madonna Studies'. Emerging in the mid 1980s, the field examines the singer's cultural, social and artistic influence, including her impact on discussions around gender, sexuality and identity.
Duke University
Duke University offered a course titled 'Madonna Trouble' through its English department. The course helps students to critically examine multimedia, with discussions covering themes such as race, religion and gender.
Other universities
Prestigious universities such as Harvard, Yale and UCLA also explore courses influenced by the pop star. These courses examine her as a postmodern cultural and feminist icon, drawing on disciplines such as the humanities, musicology and English.
Clark Atlanta University offers a master's-level MBA course titled 'Michael Jackson: The Business of Music' as part of its Sports and Entertainment Management specialisation. The course examines how the King of Pop built his billion-dollar music empire, exploring the business strategies behind his success.
Harvard University
Harvard University's English department offers a course titled 'Taylor Swift and Her World' . The course examines Swift's song writing as a form of literature, analysing her lyrics alongside works by celebrated poets and writers. It also explores themes of celebrity culture, adolescence, adulthood and fan culture.
Stanford University
Stanford introduced student-led courses on Swift, including 'The Last Great American Songwriter: Storytelling with Taylor Swift Through the Eras'. The course used literary analysis to examine her songwriting, storytelling techniques, symbolism and references to literature across her albums.
Yale University
The Ivy League university introduced a course titled 'Beyoncé Makes History: Black Radical Tradition, Culture, Theory and Politics Through Music'. Taught by professor Daphne Brooks, the course examines the singer's music and performances as a gateway to study Black feminist thought, history, and political theory.
Cornell University
Cornell University's course titled 'Beyoncé Nation: The Decennium' examines the singer's journey from the girl group Destiny's Child to global superstardom by exploring her influence on Black womanhood, feminism, politics and popular culture through music, fashion and activism.
Texas State University offers a course titled 'Harry Styles and the Cult of Celebrity: Identity, the Internet, and European Pop Culture'. It examines the singer's rise to fame while exploring celebrity culture, fandom, fashion, digital media, consumerism and changing ideas of masculinity and public identity.
In 2010, the University of Carolina introduced a course module titled 'Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame'. The course explored the singer's rise to stardom through the lens of sociology, examining celebrity culture and the social significance of fame.