In an innovative academic venture, the University of the Philippines (UP) is set to introduce an elective course dedicated to the life and career of American pop sensation Taylor Swift. This course, a brainchild of Cherish Aileen Brillon, a faculty member of the UP College of Mass Communication, will be part of the BA Broadcast Media Arts and Studies program and is slated for the second semester of the academic year 2023-2024.
The course aims to provide an in-depth analysis of Taylor Swift’s persona, examining the construction and performance of her celebrity status. By focusing on Swift, the course will explore a multitude of societal aspects such as class, politics, gender, and race, along with the concepts of success and social mobility as portrayed by the media. Brillon explains that the course will use the lens of celebrity studies to understand the relationship between the public, fans, and media, delving into issues of gender, class, and the fantasy of success and mobility.
This innovative course is not just an examination of Swift’s career but also a study of media representations and their role in shaping identities, reinforcing stereotypes, and exploring personal and collective fantasies. Brillon, drawing from her experience in local political campaigns, emphasizes the impact of fandom-driven movements, including those influenced by Taylor Swift, on societal and political dynamics.
Professor Alwin Aguirre, chair of the UP Department of Broadcast Communication, shared that the department aims to expand its offerings to include more celebrity-centric courses, highlighting the significant influence of celebrities like Taylor Swift in the Philippines and globally. The course on Taylor Swift marks the beginning of a series, with future plans to study other prominent figures like the Pinoy pop group SB19.
The announcement of this course has sparked considerable excitement among UP students and pop culture enthusiasts, eager to delve into the nuances of Swift’s fame and its broader implications on contemporary society.