American University Launches Swiftonomics: A Taylor Swift Economics Course

In a trend that mirrors the ever-expanding influence of Taylor Swift herself, American University recently announced the addition of an economics course centred around the pop star’s financial impact. Named ‘Swiftonomics,’ the course is set to debut in the upcoming fall semester, joining the ranks of academic institutions like Harvard and Stanford that have delved into Swiftian studies.

The proposal for ‘Swiftonomics’ stemmed from econ students Megan Wysocki and Mackenzie Shultz, both avid fans of Taylor Swift. Under the guidance of department chair Kara Reynolds, scholars in the course will delve into various facets of Swift’s business footprint. 

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This includes analysing her earnings from the nearly billion-dollar Eras Tour, examining her influence on debates surrounding the Ticketmaster monopoly and exploring broader economic themes embedded within her career trajectory.

Enrollment for ‘Swiftonomics’ is open to interested students who have completed a Principles of Microeconomics prerequisite. Megan Wysocki highlighted the unique nature of the course, noting that while other universities have offered Taylor Swift-themed classes in sociology or literature, ‘Swiftonomics’ aims to capture attention by merging popular culture with economic analysis.

Kara Reynolds emphasised the importance of aligning academic offerings with student interests, acknowledging that economic issues impacting society often resonate strongly with students. 

The introduction of ‘Swiftonomics’ reflects a broader trend across universities, with institutions like New York University, UT Austin, and UC Berkeley incorporating Swift-focused courses that examine her songwriting prowess, cultural impact, and business strategies.

Meanwhile, Taylor Swift herself is gearing up for the release of her highly anticipated 11th studio album, ‘The Tortured Poets Department’. Set to follow her chart-topping record ‘Midnights’, the album features collaborations with artists like Post Malone and Florence + the Machine.

-Sushmita Sarkar