Taylor Swift isn’t just one of the world’s most successful songwriters—she’s also a master storyteller. In this 12-week live course, students will explore her lyrics as literature, studying poetic devices, storytelling techniques, symbolism, imagery, characterization, theme, and more.
Together, we’ll examine songs from across Taylor’s career and discuss what makes them resonate so deeply with listeners. Along the way, learners will strengthen reading comprehension, critical thinking, literary analysis, and discussion skills while exploring music they already love.
This semester-length version goes far beyond our drop-in version of the class, giving students opportunities to build a deeper understanding of poetry and literary analysis while creating their own portfolio of written responses and creative projects.
In addition to our weekly lyric analysis discussions, students will receive:
Weekly Literary Challenges
Each week includes an optional extension activity such as:
- Rewrite a verse from another point of view
- Find literary parallels between songs
- Analyze recurring symbols
- Create visual symbolism maps
- Compare songs from different eras
- Write an original poem inspired by a song
Deep-Dive Poetry Lessons
We’ll explore literary concepts including:
- Metaphor
- Simile
- Symbolism
- Imagery
- Allusion
- Theme
- Characterization
- Narrative voice
- Foreshadowing
- Motif
- Word choice and tone
Semester Showcase Project
During the final weeks, students will complete a capstone project of their choice:
- Literary analysis essay
- Creative poetry collection
- Visual symbolism project
- Lyric-inspired short story
- Taylor Swift “Era Analysis” presentation
Students will have the opportunity to share their work with classmates during our final celebration class.
Weekly Topics
Week 1: What Makes a Lyric Poetry?
Introduction to poetic devices and close reading.
Week 2: Imagery
How writers create vivid pictures using language.
Week 3: Metaphor & Simile
Finding deeper meaning beneath the surface.
Week 4: Theme
What is the song really trying to say?
Week 5: Storytelling Through Song
Beginning, middle, climax, and resolution.
Week 6: Characterization
How songwriters create memorable characters.
Week 7: Symbolism
Objects, colors, and recurring images.
Week 8: Narrative Voice
Who is telling the story—and why?
Week 9: Allusion & Literary References
Connections to literature, history, and culture.
Week 10: Tone & Mood
How language creates emotional impact.
Week 11: Motifs Across Eras
Finding recurring ideas throughout Taylor’s work.
Week 12: Showcase & Celebration
Students present their final projects and reflect on what they’ve learned.
Learning Goals
Students will:
- Identify major literary and poetic devices
- Strengthen reading comprehension skills
- Practice literary analysis
- Discuss texts using evidence
- Explore theme and symbolism
- Develop confidence expressing ideas
- Apply literary techniques to their own writing
- Build a portfolio of creative and analytical work
Come join us as we explore the stories, symbols, and poetry hidden within Taylor Swift’s lyrics—one era at a time.
