In modern media, the influence celebrities and public figures have on the general public is controversial. Some emphasize the risks of idolizing influencers, while others focus on the positive messages celebrities can spread through activism.

Regardless of your perspective, celebrities have a firm grasp on people and the media these days, but what can actually be done with that influence? At modern universities in the United States, professors and faculty alike are using these influential figures to spearhead entire courses for students to enjoy. 

In October 2024, the School of Journalism and New Media at the University of Mississippi announced its new course, “Bob Dylan and the South.” As a Dylan fan, I was excited to see an entire class focusing on his influence. Then, I thought: Why do we not have more courses focused on influential figures at MSU? 

In recent years, Taylor Swift has experienced a significant, if not terrifying, wave of popularity. Her influence seems boundless, with fans even taking on a new football team solely because of her relationship with one of the players. It only makes sense that college courses about Swift have sprung up around the U.S. These classes range from a variety of center topics, such as “Spanish for Swiftie Purposes (Taylor’s Version)” taught at Colorado State University to “Sociology: Taylor’s Version,” at Oxford College.

Online feedback about these courses has varied on forums such as Reddit, from students exclaiming their excitement and interest in a course focusing on one of their favorite artists, to other students expressing their distaste for the course idea, complaining that these courses have no value and are a waste of time. 

However, these courses pose a great way to get people interested in things they might not have considered before. When people decide to take these classes, it is safe to assume that for many, their decision is fueled by love or admiration for the celebrity at the focus. For example, my main motivation behind wanting to take a course similar to “Bob Dylan and the South” is due to my long appreciation of Bob Dylan as an artist, rather than a general interest in southern journalism.

Classes focusing on celebrities alongside another topic use these influencers as a catalyst to a much deeper and concise discussion about language, literature, gender, racial studies or even economics — American University’s “Swiftonomics: Economics of Taylor Swift” class, for example.

In an article by US Weekly showcasing the many different celebrity-based college courses, a professor teaching a class called “Harry Styles and the Cult of Celebrity: Identity, the Internet and European Pop Culture” touched on the importance of these classes and the impact they make.

“By studying the art, activism, consumerism and fandom around Harry Styles, I think we’ll be able to get to some very relevant contemporary issues. I think it’s so important for young people to see what is important to them reflected in their curriculum,” Texas State University associate professor Louie Dean Valencia told NBC when the class was announced.

“Black Barbie Femmeccee & Hip Hop Feminisms,” “Topics in Recorded Music: Lana Del Ray,” “Bruce Springsteen’s Theology” and “Politicizing Beyoncé Statements” are only some of the many classes offered around the country that focus on celebrities to dig deep into a larger issue. 

These classes not only introduce new topics to students but they foster a community and environment in which students are more open to connecting and discussing these topics with each other. For example, if students take a class focusing on the songwriting of Miley Cyrus, they are more likely to easily connect than if they were in a normal songwriting class.

While they have shown much controversy online, these celebrity-based classes are a great way to get students interested in topics they might not look into otherwise. Not only are you increasing the number of students who want to go out and take classes outside their major, but you are also allowing them to learn and discuss in an environment that connects with them more than standard classes.

Although some dislike the idea of taking a class that pushes learning through a modern celebrity, every university should have at least one of these classes implemented to push those to learn outside of their box.