Are you a Swiftie? Curious about the intersection of music, entertainment, and social justice? Or, just looking for a good excuse to explore Seattle for a weekend? Then this is the right course for you!

In this class, we will analyze Taylor Swift's music and her evolution as an artist as you learn about the influence she has had as a global pop cultural icon, songwriter, and advocate for social justice. Through the lens of her career, music, and activism, and with the city of Seattle as a dynamic backdrop, you will gain insights into the intersection of entertainment, the arts, and social change.

Drawing on Seattle's rich history of music, activism, and progressive politics, you will explore the city's role as a hub for social change and artistic innovation, from the Grunge movement of the 1990s to contemporary grassroots activism of today. You will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the complex relationship between music, the arts, and activism as well as ways in which artists and entertainers like Taylor Swift can reflect, influence, and inspire the world around them.

Along the way, you'll encounter many famous sights, navigating the city on foot and by public transit, embracing the full Seattle experience.

What’s the class schedule?
June 1 - June 9, 2024 course
Live Online Zoom classes
- Saturday, June 1, 2024: Class begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
- Sunday, June 2, 2024: Class begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
In-person city tour experience
- Friday, June 7, 2024: In-person city experience begins at 12:15 p.m. and ends at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, June 8, 2024: In-person city experience begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 7 p.m.
- Sunday, June 9, 2024: In-person city experience begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m.
Please note:
- All class dates listed above are mandatory
- All times reflect Pacific Time

Important: Students will receive a pre-assignment as well as a post-assignment. The pre-assignment will be sent to students at least one week before the start of class.

Please also note that as the start of classes draws near, we will send each student a link to a WhatsApp group that will allow us to communicate with students and students to communicate with one another about their plans in regard to travel, accommodations and more.

What are the highlights of the in-person experience?
The highlights of the in-person experience include the following: Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture, Bainbridge Island ferry, radio station KEXP, Pike Place Market, Seattle Center, Kerry Park, Pioneer Square, Fremont neighborhood, Capitol Hill and the University District.

Please keep in mind that plans are subject to change in light of factors such as the weather, time constraints, road closures and events taking place in the city during the time of your visit.

Where will classes meet in Seattle?
- Friday, June 7, 2024: University Heights Center (5031 University Way)
- Saturday, June 8, 2024: KEXP Gathering Space (421 1st Avenue North)
- Sunday, June 9, 2024: Seattle Center (400 Broad Street)

What should I know about accommodations?
Here are three hostels in Seattle you may wish to consider:
- Green Tortoise Hostel (105 Pike Street)
- Hosteling International - Seattle (520 South King Street)
- Hotel Hotel Hostel (3515 Fremont Avenue North)

How much is tuition and what does it include?
The tuition price is $649 and includes the following:
- admission to the Space Needle
- admission to the Museum of Pop Culture
- welcome dinner
- public transportation, as needed, while you’re with your teacher
- all costs associated with the class (there are no additional material or activity fees!)

Please note that neither the cost of airfare to/from Seattle nor overnight accommodations is included.

To make sure the course you’ve chosen is not already full, first sign up for the course and receive the enrollment confirmation we’ll email you.  Once that’s done, you may then book your air travel and accommodations.

What are the online (Zoom) classes like?
The online (Zoom) classes take place live with your participation as well as that of your teacher and fellow students.  Classes are not recorded for later playback.  Classes require each student to take an active role in group discussions, activities, projects, etc.  In other words, your full attention and participation are required.

What is the attendance policy?
Since each Learning Across America course consists of a limited number of class sessions, Towson University requires you to attend – and actively participate in – each class and tour day from its start time to its end time.  If you fail to do so, you will not be eligible to receive a certificate of completion.  Towson University carefully monitors class attendance.

What else should I know about the course before I enroll?
Before you sign up for any course, double check class times (both online (Zoom) and in-person) as well as the time zone according to which the class will be taught.  Make certain that the class times do not conflict with your work commitment to your host family.  If the times conflict, this is not the course for you.

How many credit hours will I earn?
Once you successfully complete this course, you’ll earn 72 hours of credit.

If you have additional questions regarding credit hours, please contact your au pair organization.

How soon will I receive my educational certificate?
Students will be given 3 weeks to complete their post-assignment and turn it into their teacher. Once you submit your post-assignment, you will receive your certificate of completion directly from Towson University within 10 days, assuming you have satisfactorily completed all course work. Feel free to turn your assignment in as soon as you complete it, as this will allow us to get your certificate to you sooner.

What is the cancellation policy?
Please click here to review our cancellation policy.