Lyrical Legacy of Taylor Swift: From Country Ballads to Pop Poetry
This ongoing course dives deep into the music of Taylor Swift, analyzing lyrics, exploring easter eggs, and uncovering literary references. Students will dissect storytelling, evolution, and cultural impact, gaining a new understanding.
What's included
1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
*Coupon code for $10 off your first class until September 24, 2024: KENNAH202410* Have you ever dissected a Taylor lyric until it sparkled? Unraveled the hidden threads in a music video? Witnessed the evolution of an artist who's redefined pop music? This ongoing course for ages 14-18 is your chance to do all that and more. We'll dive into the heart of Taylor's music, exploring the themes that resonate with so many: love, loss, growth, and empowerment. We'll analyze her storytelling techniques, poetic devices, and the magic that makes a Taylor song hit right in the feels. Get ready for a treasure hunt through music videos, album art, and social media, uncovering hidden messages, literary references, and the intricate web that connects Taylor's "eras." Witness Taylor's journey from country darling to pop icon, examining genre shifts, influences, and the cultural forces that shaped her sound. Delve into the passionate world of Swifties, analyzing fan culture, online communities, and Taylor's undeniable influence on fashion and beyond. Week of Jan 22: Taylor Swift (Album): Country Beginnings & Storytelling Gems Week of Jan 29: Fearless (Album): Heartbreak & Rising Above Week of Feb 5: Speak Now (Album): Secrets & Confessions Week of Feb 12: Red (Album): Burning Passions & Unbreakable Bonds Week of Feb 19: 1989 (Album): Pop Reinvention & Global Domination Week of Feb 26: Reputation (Album): Darkness & Redemption Week of Mar 4: Lover (Album): Celebrating Life & Self-Love Week of Mar 11: Folklore (Album): Mythological Storytelling & Facing Uncertainty Week of Mar 18: Evermore (Album): Mythological Storytelling & Facing Uncertainty Week of Mar 25: Taylor Swift's Musical Evolution & Influences Week of April 1: Midnights (Album): Midnight Confessions & 3am Version Week of April 8: The Swiftie Fandom & Online Communities Week of April 15: Taylor Swift's Impact on Fashion & Social Justice Week of April 22: Taylor Swift's Business Acumen & Collaborations Week of April 29: Taylor Swift's Legacy & Future Week of May 6: Literary References (Future topics to be announced) Discuss Taylor's impact on the music industry, predict her future directions and collaborations This class is a dynamic mix of discussions, lecturing, listening to music, and watching video clips. Taylor's music is our compass, but we'll also explore music videos, documentaries, live performances, and even fan theories to get a 360° view. My love for Taylor's music and storytelling is limitless. I believe learning should be fun and interactive, not a one-way street. And there are no wrong answers here! We'll explore different interpretations, celebrate diverse perspectives, and encourage respectful discourse. Join the Class, Join the Conversation This class isn't just about learning about Taylor Swift, it's about using her music as a springboard to explore themes, ideas, and creative expressions that resonate with you. Whether you're a seasoned Swiftie or just discovering her magic, come ready to discuss, analyze, and celebrate the artist who redefined pop music and continues to inspire millions. Don't miss your chance to dive into Taylor's world and find your own voice along the way!
Learning Goals
1. Deepen your understanding of Taylor Swift's artistic evolution and the themes, techniques, and influences that shape her music. This goal goes beyond simply listening to the songs and delves into analyzing lyrics, exploring literary references, and examining musical choices. Students will build critical thinking skills and gain a nuanced appreciation for Taylor's artistry.
2. Embrace the vibrant world of the Swiftie fandom and critically engage with Taylor's impact on contemporary culture. This goal encourages students to explore fan theories, online communities, and the broader cultural conversations surrounding Taylor Swift. They will develop media literacy skills, learn to analyze online discourse, and appreciate the power of music to spark social justice discussions and foster community.
3. Express your own creativity and find your voice through Taylor Swift's music. This goal goes beyond passively consuming content and encourages students to actively engage with Taylor's work. They can participate in songwriting workshops, analyze music videos, design themed projects, or create their own artistic interpretations inspired by Taylor's music. This fosters self-expression, collaboration, and personal growth.
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Albums:
Swift, Taylor. Taylor Swift. Big Machine Records, 2006.
Swift, Taylor. Fearless (Taylor's Version). Republic Records, 2021.
Swift, Taylor. Speak Now (Taylor's Version). Republic Records, 2023.
Swift, Taylor. Red (Taylor's Version). Republic Records, 2021.
Swift, Taylor. 1989 (Taylor's Version). Republic Records, 2023.
Swift, Taylor. Reputation. Big Machine Records, 2017.
Swift, Taylor. Lover. Republic Records, 2019.
Swift, Taylor. Folklore. Republic Records, 2020.
Swift, Taylor. Evermore. Republic Records, 2020.
Swift, Taylor. Midnights. Republic Records, 2023.
Literary References:
Brontë, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. Smith, Elder & Co., 1847.
Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Charles Scribner's Sons, 1925.
Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. Ticknor and Fields, 1850.
Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. First published in 1597.
Mythology:
Hesiod. Theogony and Works and Days. Translated by Evelyn-White, H. G. Oxford University Press, 1963.
Kerenyi, Karl. Greek Mythology: The Gods and Heroes. Routledge, 2014.
Ovid. Metamorphoses. Translated by Rolfe Humphries. Indiana University Press, 1955.
Additional Resources:
Graham, Alison. Taylor Swift: How One Woman Changed Pop Music. HarperCollins, 2019.
Lipshutz, Jason. Taylor Swift: All the Songs: The Stories Behind Every Track. Touchstone, 2013.
Menze, Kristen. Taylor Swift: The Story of Us. HarperCollins, 2017.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Hello there! My name is Miss Kennah, and I am delighted to be here to inspire and nurture the imaginations of children. As an advocate of creativity and a firm believer in the power of imagination, I am dedicated to fostering a love for fantasy worlds, mythological creatures, and folklore in young minds.
My academic background includes a bachelor's degree in Anthropology and Thanatology from the esteemed University of Rhode Island, and I am currently pursuing a master's degree in Anthropology from Harvard University. These educational pursuits have deepened my understanding of cultures, traditions, and the significance of storytelling across different societies.
With over a decade of experience working closely with elementary school children, my journey has taken me through various roles, such as a tutor, art teacher, chess instructor, camp counselor, after-school teacher, and babysitter. These diverse experiences have equipped me with a holistic approach to education, emphasizing both academic growth and personal development.
One of the most memorable chapters of my life was the year I spent studying in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Immersed in a vibrant cultural tapestry, I was fortunate to embrace the rich heritage and traditions of this incredible country.
My classes will be a platform for children to explore the realms of their imagination, where they can embark on thrilling adventures through storytelling, engage in artistic expressions, and delve into the captivating world of mythical creatures. Encouraging a sense of wonder, curiosity, and open-mindedness, I aim to provide a nurturing environment that supports the holistic growth of each child.
I am thrilled to embark on this journey with your children, to nurture their creativity, and to ignite the spark of imagination within them. Together, let's unlock the magical potential that lies within each child and empower them to become confident, curious, and compassionate individuals.
Thank you for considering me as a guide on this extraordinary adventure!
Reviews
Live Group Class
$18
weekly1x per week
50 min
Completed by 5 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
1-18 learners per class