Short Courses & Microcredentials - Study Work Grow https://studyworkgrow.com/category/study/short-courses-microcredentials/ Career Education Fri, 25 Oct 2024 03:27:13 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://studyworkgrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-Ponder_Secondary_Icon_RGB_Turquoise_Transparent-32x32.png Short Courses & Microcredentials - Study Work Grow https://studyworkgrow.com/category/study/short-courses-microcredentials/ 32 32 Unusual courses for Halloween fans https://studyworkgrow.com/unusual-courses-for-halloween-fans/ https://studyworkgrow.com/unusual-courses-for-halloween-fans/#respond Wed, 23 Oct 2024 03:00:00 +0000 https://studyworkgrow.com.au/?p=209976 Whether your passion lies in ghostly experiences, ancient mysticism, or solving mysteries, there's a course out there to suit any Halloween fan.]]>

Are you fascinated by mysteries, legends, or solving puzzles? While ghosts and skeletons might be fun around Halloween, there are actually some interesting career paths that let you explore the unexplained or investigate real-world mysteries. Let’s look at some unusual courses for fans of Halloween that could lead to fascinating careers.

Paranormal and supernatural studies

Ever wondered about the mysteries that lie beyond our comprehension? Delve into the realm of the unexplained through the study of paranormal or supernatural phenomena, where you’ll investigate hauntings, psychic experiences, and other eerie occurrences.

It might all sound a little out there, but you’ll actually be building some valuable skills during your studies, including data collection and analysis, critical thinking, and ethical considerations. This could lead you to careers in writing, media production, tourism, psychology, or cultural studies.

Witchcraft and occult studies

For those drawn to the mystical world of spells and ancient rituals, courses in witchcraft and the occult can offer a window into the practices and beliefs of both ancient and modern cultures. Dive deep into the historical, cultural, and spiritual significance of these practices as well as their relevance in contemporary society.

You’ll gain skills in research, critical thinking, analysis, and communication. These courses provide a great background for those interested in careers in anthropology, history, culture, or religion.

Gothic literature and horror studies

Want to become the next Stephen King, Alfred Hitchcock, or Mary Shelley? Delve into the world of gothic literature and horror studies, where you’ll analyse classic and modern horror tales, understanding the psychological, societal, and cultural implications of fear.

You won’t just build bone-chilling storytelling skills – you’ll also develop excellent analytical and critical thinking, cultural and historical awareness, and the ability to understand diverse perspectives. These courses are ideal for aspiring writers, entertainers, filmmakers, artists, and even game developers.

Mythological and monster studies

If you’re fascinated by all kinds of mythical tales and scary monsters, there are actually courses out there for you! Study legendary narratives and creepy beasts; investigate their origins and their scientific, cultural, and societal impacts; and better understand human nature, society, and history.

These courses will help you develop your critical analysis, interpretation, and storytelling skills, as well as deepen your understanding of symbolism, cultural awareness, and media literacy. They’re ideal for anyone interested in a career in academia, anthropology, film and media, museum curation, or education.

Dark tourism studies

Combine your love for travel and the eerie by exploring dark tourism. Explore sites associated with death, tragedy, or the supernatural, and understand the cultural and psychological aspects of visiting these places and their impact on society.

This field will help you build deep cultural sensitivity, empathy, and critical thinking skills, as well as exploring ethical questions about the commercialisation of tragedy and the boundaries between education and exploitation. Potential career fields include tourism, curation, site management, cultural research, or even ethical consulting.

Forensic science and criminology studies

If your love for the macabre is less on the supernatural spectrum and more focused on solving real-life mysteries, forensic science and criminology might be your calling. Explore the science and psychology behind crimes, learning how to analyse evidence and understand the criminal mind.

Through your studies, you’ll build skills in critical thinking, analytical reasoning, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of legal and investigative processes. These courses can lead you to a career in law enforcement, forensic analysis, psychology, legal consulting, or counselling.

Happy Halloween and happy learning

You might be surprised what kind of career your unique interests can lead to. Whether your passion lies in ghostly experiences, ancient mysticism, or solving mysteries, there’s a course out there to suit any Halloween fan.

Interested in other study pathways? We have heaps of other blogs you might like to read.

Note: The availability of these courses and degrees might vary based on study level and region. We always recommend you research thoroughly and consult academic advisors for detailed information before signing up for courses.

]]>
https://studyworkgrow.com/unusual-courses-for-halloween-fans/feed/ 0
Here’s how you can boost your resume with a short course https://studyworkgrow.com/heres-how-you-can-boost-your-resume-with-a-short-course/ https://studyworkgrow.com/heres-how-you-can-boost-your-resume-with-a-short-course/#respond Thu, 17 Oct 2024 23:00:15 +0000 https://studyworkgrow.com/?p=231133 Looking for a quick and accessible way to build valuable skills? Learn about short courses you can take to give your resume a competitive edge.]]>

When you’re just starting out on your career journey, having qualifications on your resume can make all the difference. Short courses are a great way to add valuable skills and certifications to your resume without needing to commit to a full degree or diploma. They show employers that you’re proactive, willing to learn, and capable of applying your skills in real-world situations. Whether you’re looking for a part-time job, a career boost, or just want to expand your knowledge, short courses can help set you apart from the crowd.

Employers value skills that are practical and relevant, and short courses are a way to demonstrate that you have both. From First Aid to digital literacy, these qualifications not only give you knowledge but also offer you formal certifications that make you more employable. The following are examples of short courses you can take to give your resume a competitive edge.

First Aid and CPR

First Aid and CPR courses are highly regarded across many industries. Employers in areas like retail, hospitality, childcare, and even corporate offices appreciate employees who can respond calmly and appropriately in emergency situations. Having this certification shows that you’re responsible and equipped to handle unexpected health and safety incidents.

How to put this on your resume

First Aid and CPR Certified

  • Completed First Aid training (Provide First Aid and CPR) with St John Ambulance (2023)
  • Gained skills in responding to workplace and public emergencies with confidence and care

Lifesaving and water safety

If you’re interested in working at the beach, pools, or in outdoor recreation, a lifesaving qualification is a must-have. Courses in water safety and lifesaving demonstrate physical fitness, the ability to stay calm under pressure, and an awareness of public safety. It’s a great qualification for anyone looking to work in surf lifesaving clubs, camps, or aquatic centres.

How to put this on your resume

Bronze Medallion (Lifesaving and Water Safety)

  • Certified in surf and pool lifesaving techniques, including rescue and first aid
  • Developed strong swimming skills and an ability to assess and respond to dangerous water conditions

Refereeing or coaching

For those involved in sports, taking a refereeing or coaching course can open doors to paid or volunteer opportunities in community sports. These courses show that you understand the rules of the game, have leadership abilities, and can manage a group effectively. Refereeing in particular demonstrates decision-making under pressure.

How to put this on your resume

Level 1 Soccer Referee

  • Qualified to referee junior and community soccer matches through Football UK (2023)
  • Developed conflict resolution, rule enforcement, and leadership skills on the field

Barista and Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)

If you’re looking to work in hospitality, having barista training or an RSA certification can be essential. These courses teach you the practical skills to serve customers in cafés, restaurants, and bars. Employers in this industry will expect you to know the basics, so having this on your resume can give you a head start over others who need training on the job.

How to put this on your resume

Barista Skills Certificate

  • Trained in making espresso, managing coffee machines, and customer service at XYZ Coffee School
  • Developed fast-paced multitasking skills and a high standard of product presentation

Workplace safety

Workplace safety courses are applicable in nearly any industry, from construction to retail. Courses like ‘White Card’ training, which is required for construction work, show that you understand the importance of health and safety regulations and that you can identify potential hazards.

How to put this on your resume

White Card Certification (Workplace Safety)

  • Gained skills in identifying safety risks and enforcing safety protocols in the workplace
  • Certified in WHS (Workplace Health and Safety) requirements for construction and trade environments

STEM and digital skills

Short courses in areas like coding, data analysis, or even basic IT skills are highly valued across industries, not just in tech. Learning digital skills can set you apart in a world where technology is becoming central to many job roles. For example, courses in Excel, programming languages, or even graphic design show employers that you’re adaptable and tech-savvy.

How to put this on your resume

Introduction to Coding (Python)

  • Completed a 12-week online course through Codecademy, focusing on Python programming fundamentals
  • Gained practical skills in coding, problem-solving, and logic development

Environmental care and horticulture

If you’re interested in outdoor work, environmental care, or even sustainability, taking a course in horticulture or environmental management can be a great way to show your commitment to the environment. It’s also a qualification that stands out for roles in parks, gardens, and conservation work.

How to put this on your resume

Introduction to Horticulture

  • Learned key skills in garden maintenance, plant care, and environmental sustainability
  • Developed hands-on experience in landscaping and green space management

Cooking courses

Whether you’re considering a role in hospitality or just love food, cooking courses can provide you with valuable kitchen skills. From basic cooking techniques to food safety, these courses demonstrate that you can work in a fast-paced, practical environment. Employers in the food industry will value your ability to prepare and handle food safely.

How to put this on your resume

Basic Cooking Skills Certificate

  • Gained experience in food preparation, kitchen safety, and customer service through college short course
  • Developed an understanding of safe food handling and storage practices

What to do next

First, think about which areas you’re interested in – do you want to work in hospitality, sports, technology, or the environment? Then, explore the short courses available in your area, either in-person or online. Many community centres, libraries, TAFEs, and online platforms like Coursera or Udemy offer accessible and affordable options.

Once you’ve completed a course, make sure to add it to your resume in a clear and concise way. Don’t forget to mention the skills you gained and how these can be applied to the workplace.

Never stop learning

Taking short courses is a simple and effective way to boost your resume, no matter what stage you’re at in your career. Even seasoned professionals well into their careers need to learn new things or update their skills.

Whether it’s First Aid, digital skills, or workplace safety, these qualifications will help you stand out and make you more attractive to potential employers. Short courses are a practical step you can take now to build a resume that gets you noticed.

You can read more about short courses and skills on our website here.

]]>
https://studyworkgrow.com/heres-how-you-can-boost-your-resume-with-a-short-course/feed/ 0
How to showcase microcredentials effectively on your resume https://studyworkgrow.com/how-to-showcase-microcredentials-effectively-on-your-resume/ https://studyworkgrow.com/how-to-showcase-microcredentials-effectively-on-your-resume/#respond Thu, 12 Sep 2024 23:00:00 +0000 https://studyworkgrow.com/?p=230087 In this blog, we're going to explore how you can effectively showcase your microcredentials on your resume.]]>

Microcredentials are becoming an increasingly popular way to gain new skills and knowledge quickly. But once you’ve earned these badges or certificates, how do you make sure potential employers or universities notice them? Let’s explore how to effectively showcase your microcredentials on your resume.

What are microcredentials?

Before we dive in, let’s quickly recap what microcredentials are. These are short, focused courses that teach specific skills or knowledge, often completed online. They’re a great way to show that you’re proactive about learning and keeping your skills up-to-date.

Why include microcredentials on your resume?

Including microcredentials on your resume can:

  • Demonstrate your initiative and willingness to learn
  • Highlight specific skills relevant to the job or course you’re applying for
  • Show that you’re keeping up with industry trends and technologies

Tips for showcasing microcredentials on your resume

Now that we know what microcredentials are and why they’re beneficial, let’s look at how you can showcase them on your resume.

Create a dedicated section

Consider adding a “Professional Development” or “Additional Certifications” section to your resume. This allows you to group your microcredentials together, making them easy to spot.

Be selective

While it’s tempting to list every microcredential you’ve earned, focus on those most relevant to the position you’re applying for. Quality trumps quantity here.

Include key information

For each microcredential, include:

  • The name of the credential
  • The issuing organisation
  • The date you earned it
  • A brief description of the skills you gained (if not obvious from the title)

If you’ve earned digital badges for your microcredentials, consider including links to these in the digital version of your resume. This allows potential employers to verify your credentials easily.

Don’t forget to highlight skills in your cover letter

Use your cover letter to draw attention to how the skills you’ve gained through microcredentials make you a great fit for the position.

Example of how to list microcredentials

Here’s a quick example of how you might list microcredentials on your resume:

Professional Development

  • Introduction to Python Programming (Coursera, May 2024)
  • Digital Marketing Fundamentals (Google Digital Garage, August 2024)
  • Effective Communication in the Workplace (LinkedIn Learning, October 2024)

Keep learning and growing

Remember, earning microcredentials is just the first step. The real value comes from applying what you’ve learned and continuing to grow your skills. Keep seeking out new learning opportunities and updating your resume as you go.

Want to learn more about microcredentials or find opportunities to earn them? Check out our other blogs on short courses and microcredentials here.

]]>
https://studyworkgrow.com/how-to-showcase-microcredentials-effectively-on-your-resume/feed/ 0
All about microcredentials https://studyworkgrow.com/what-are-microcredentials/ https://studyworkgrow.com/what-are-microcredentials/#respond Thu, 09 May 2024 23:41:00 +0000 https://studyworkgrow.com.au/?p=140194 They've exploded in popularity over the last few years, but what exactly are microcredentials? Take a look at our blog to find out.]]>

In the future world of work, your transferable skills will be more important than ever. Gone are the days of getting one qualification and being done for good – today, jobs are constantly evolving, which means our knowledge and skills need to as well. The popularity of microcredentials has exploded over the last few years to fill this need. They’re a new take on learning; instead of a course taking you months or even years, microcredentials are designed to teach you something new in no time at all.

What is a microcredential?

Microcredentials are highly-tailored short courses, typically taught over the course of a few days or weeks, that teach skills and knowledge in specific areas. They are a great way to quickly learn new skills or refresh existing ones.

They’re most commonly used as a way for employees to upskill if they’re looking for a promotion or to pivot into a new role. But they’re becoming more common in the wider education space as well, particularly as a way for students to learn valuable skills for their first job.

The National Microcredentials Framework

In Australia, the Department of Education, Skills and Employment has developed a National Microcredentials Framework, which you can read more about here. Essentially, it means that providers and courses are regulated, so you can take a course without the risk of investing time, energy and money into a something that may or may not be recognised down the track.

The benefits of microcredentials

Wondering what the benefits of microcredentials are? Here are just a few.

They’re short

One of the most obvious benefits of microcredentials is that they’re short. You don’t need to disrupt your work or social commitments to finish one. Employers love them too because it means they can upskill their employees without having to take time off.

They’re cheap

Another benefit is that they’re often low-cost. If you can’t afford the fees for a vocational or university qualification just yet, microcredentials could be an affordable alternative that will get you into the jobs you’d like to do, even if they are starting positions for now.

They’re a great way to update your skills and knowledge

Most importantly, microcredentials allow you to keep your skills and knowledge up to date in a rapidly changing world. Technology is advancing so fast that what you learn over a two- or three-year course might be obsolete by the time you finish. But with microcredentials, you can learn quickly and stay up to date.

They’re industry-driven

Lots of microcredentials are industry-driven, which means that if they’re not designed by professionals in the roles, they’ll be approved by industry bodies and will therefore be recognised by lots of employers.

They can be used as a stepping stone to further study

Recognised as a stand alone qualification, some mircocredentials may be “stacked” so that you’ll end up with a higher-level outcome, and some courses might even count as credit towards other tertiary courses.

What does a microcredential involve?

Just like other courses, each microcredential is structured differently, so you’ll need to do some research before signing up.

Typically, they will consist of learning through live or pre-recorded seminars and other resources, and usually involve some sort of assessment or test to ensure you’ve taken the course content on board.

Once you’re finished, you’ll receive a digital badge or certificate to show you’ve successfully completed the course. You can add this to your digital portfolio, resume, or even show it off on platforms like LinkedIn.

There are different levels of courses, all the way from novice to expert, so you’ll need to pay attention to the criteria to make sure you have any pre-existing knowledge that’s required.

Want to know more?

It’s easy to take microcredentials online. Here are some places you might be interested in looking at:

Or you can read more about your study options on our website here.

]]>
https://studyworkgrow.com/what-are-microcredentials/feed/ 0
Top online course providers https://studyworkgrow.com/top-online-course-providers/ https://studyworkgrow.com/top-online-course-providers/#respond Wed, 06 Mar 2024 01:41:26 +0000 https://studyworkgrow.com/top-online-course-providers/ Keen to learn something new? These top online course providers might have something to tickle your fancy - take a look and find out.]]>

If you’re keen to learn something new, or are just looking for something different than watching Netflix all day, have you ever considered taking a short course? There are heaps of online providers that offer short courses in almost any subject you can think of, and many of them are free as well. Here are some of the top online course providers – take a look and see if there’s one that’s right for you.

edX

edX hosts over 3000 short courses online, in almost any subject imaginable. You can learn from real universities and global business leaders from around the world. They offer standalone courses, pathways to university, as well as boot camps, professional certificates, and more.

Check them out here.

TED-Ed

TED-Ed is packed with fun, bite-sized lessons. Learn about a topic through video, then delve deeper with mini quizzes, guided discussions, and access to further resources.

Take a look here.

FutureLearn

Similar to edX, FutureLearn offers a variety of online short courses and microcredentials. They have lots of courses available for free, and you can study at your own pace.

Find out more here.

OpenLearn

OpenLearn is a totally free learning platform, packed with tons of online courses. They don’t just offer subject-based courses either, but handy life courses, teaching you about skills for work, money matters, and more.

See more here.

Coursera

Coursera is another online course provider that offers both free and paid short courses. And if you really don’t want the learning to stop, you can even study full degrees from universities around the world.

Learn more here.

Khan Academy

Khan Academy offers free online resources and tools for students from ages 2 to 18. They work as a great supplement to your existing schoolwork, or something extra to learn if you’re feeling curious.

Find out more here.

Want more?

If this list leaves you wanting more, you might also like to check out the other blogs and articles on our website on study, courses, and learning here.

]]>
https://studyworkgrow.com/top-online-course-providers/feed/ 0
Learn for free with Skill Finder https://studyworkgrow.com/learn-for-free-with-skill-finder/ https://studyworkgrow.com/learn-for-free-with-skill-finder/#respond Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:25:52 +0000 https://studyworkgrow.com/?p=221865 Skill Finder is an online course marketplace that features over 3,000 free courses provided by some of the world's leading tech companies. ]]>

Looking to explore a potential career pathway, boost your skills, or just learn something new? Skill Finder is an online course marketplace that features over 3,000 free courses provided by some of the world’s leading tech companies. They offer courses in a wide variety of categories, including computing, design, business, and more.

You don’t need any previous knowledge to jump into a course – they’re available to anyone at any time. There are heaps of different course levels, from complete beginners to pros looking to refine their skills.

They also have a Career Pathways tool where you can explore the skills and knowledge you’ll need for your dream job, then find suggested courses to get you started on your journey.

Learn online, at your own pace, and at no cost.

Take a look at the courses on offer and find out more here.

]]>
https://studyworkgrow.com/learn-for-free-with-skill-finder/feed/ 0
Future Leaders Academy – Student Leaders Programme https://studyworkgrow.com/future-leaders-academy-student-leaders-programme/ https://studyworkgrow.com/future-leaders-academy-student-leaders-programme/#respond Mon, 12 Feb 2024 03:47:41 +0000 https://studyworkgrow.com/?p=221794 Join other young leaders, from all ethnicities, on a week long advanced leadership course hosted at different locations across the Pacific, having an adventure with new life-long friends.]]>

Are you a:

  • Prefect
  • School Captain
  • Peer Leader
  • Community Leader
  • Another type of leader
  • …Or aspiring to be?

Join other young leaders, from all ethnicities, on a week long advanced leadership course hosted at different locations across the Pacific, having an adventure with new life-long friends.

Each course is open to 40 New Zealand and Australian senior high school students, joined by 15 local Pacific Nation equivalent students.

There are four courses available in 2024, with some applications open now and others opening soon.

You can find out more about the programme and apply here.

]]>
https://studyworkgrow.com/future-leaders-academy-student-leaders-programme/feed/ 0
Have you heard of lifelong learning? https://studyworkgrow.com/have-you-heard-of-lifelong-learning/ https://studyworkgrow.com/have-you-heard-of-lifelong-learning/#respond Mon, 15 Jan 2024 23:00:00 +0000 https://studyworkgrow.com/have-you-heard-of-lifelong-learning/ You don't stop learning once you leave school - lifelong learning is important for your future job opportunities and success.]]>

If you haven’t heard of lifelong learning by now, then you may have been living under a rock.

The thing is that we know the world of work is changing – on average, people are changing jobs every three years, which is a huge shift from 10 or 20 years ago. People work in the gig economy, they work flexible shifts, and they work for multiple employers.

All this means that in order to keep up and remain employable, we’ll need to keep our skills and knowledge current. And we do this through lifelong learning

Will I be expected to learn all the time?

No. But you may need to increase or refresh your skills and knowledge from time to time.

Sometimes this can be as simple as taking a short course to learn how to use a new piece of equipment, or going on a weekend intensive to learn a new skill.

Lifelong learning is more about changing how you think about learning – rather than expecting to move away from education as soon as school is over, young people will need to be prepared to keep learning throughout their lives.

What does lifelong learning look like?

You’re definitely not expected to go back to school, or even to spend half your life at university. Lifelong learning means that you’ll deliberately pick up new information and skills all the time, through ongoing learning that can be both formal and informal.

You could learn something directly related to your career, or you could expand your skillset and learn something totally unrelated. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking:

  • Learn a language on your phone with Duolingo.
  • Read articles on Medium.
  • Listen to podcasts from the ABC.
  • Find local networking opportunities on Eventbrite.
  • Take a short online course via edX.
  • Take a vocational course to learn to run your own business.
  • Start a degree and learn over months or years.

Lifelong learning is about changing your mindset

One of the things that school is supposed to teach you is how to learn. Sometimes this can get a bit lost in standardised testing, but it’s really important that you leave school with the skills you need to identify when you need to learn something new, and the drive to go out and learn it.

Don’t connect lifelong, post-school learning with the experience you’re going through right now – they’re not the same thing. Lifelong learning gives you power over your future, the chance to change the types of jobs you are able to access, and you control what you learn and how you learn it.

This gives you a lot more flexibility than you get while you’re at school.

If you prefer to learn online at your own pace, then that’s totally OK. If you’re someone who reads voraciously, then you may want to pick up new knowledge that way. Short courses are usually heaps of fun, and adult education specialists know how to link your learning with your career, which makes the experience all the more meaningful.

All you need to do right now is open your mind to the idea of learning throughout your life, and you’ll be on the right track.

Find out more

We have heaps of resources on learning, skills, and courses on our website here.

]]>
https://studyworkgrow.com/have-you-heard-of-lifelong-learning/feed/ 0
Courses for Swifties and music lovers https://studyworkgrow.com/courses-for-swifties-and-music-lovers/ https://studyworkgrow.com/courses-for-swifties-and-music-lovers/#respond Tue, 05 Dec 2023 01:49:08 +0000 https://studyworkgrow.com/?p=211897 If you're a dedicated Swiftie, or just a passionate music lover, explore these courses in everything from songwriting to history.]]>

People often advise you to follow your passion. Whether you’re a dedicated Swiftie or just a huge music lover, you might be interested to know there are actually courses dedicated to Taylor and her work. Even if they’re not open for enrolments, you could be inspired to find similar courses that also spark your passion. Ready for it? Check these out:

Musical storytelling with Taylor Swift

The University of Florida are offering an (un)common 13-week honours course in Spring 2024 discussing Taylor Swift’s discography. You’ll need to focus on her evergreen style of songwriting and draw parallels with the work of other renowned female artists.

You’ll listen, reflect, discuss, and write about song themes. Annotate lyrics, participate in discussions, write 2 online discussions posts, then at the end of the semester, you’ll work with a partner to create a final project of their choosing.

Psychology of Taylor Swift

Arizona State University are also offering a Taylor Swift course. “The course is basically using Taylor Swift as a semester-long example of different phenomena — gossip, relationships, revenge,” according to the teacher of the semester long class Alexandra Wormley. You’ll take a deep dive into specific topics, connecting themes from Taylor’s songs (such as family, friends, and fame) to topics in social psychology.

Literature: Taylor’s Version

Ghent university in Belgium has also launched a Taylor Swift literature course. “Literature: Taylor’s Version was launched this year to emphasise themes used by famous historical literary writers and their styles and techniques through the perspective of US pop superstars. It’s offered by British professor Elly McCausland to Masters students.

Unverified or past courses to inspire you

These courses are mentioned in multiple articles online, but we haven’t been able to find all the details with the providers to verify them. However, if you’re keen to find out what’s possible or you’re committed to tracking down Taylor Swift courses, here’s some starting points for you.

Topics in Recorded Music Class

Last year New York University’s Clive Davis Institute began offering its first ever course on Taylor Swift. Taught by Rolling Stones writer Brittany Spanos, the class covers “Swift’s evolution as a creative music entrepreneur, the legacy of pop and country songwriters, discourses of youth and girlhood, and the politics of race in contemporary popular music.” We weren’t able to pin down details of the course and apparently there’s a long waitlist, but the Institute offers tonnes of other interesting music-centred courses too.

Stanford’s Literature course featuring Taylor

Reported earlier this year, Stanford University are offering a spring class called The Last Great American Songwriter: Storytelling with Taylor Swift Through the Eras. The course was developed by Ava Jeffs, a student at Stanford, as part of the school’s Student Initiated Course program.

“The whole goal of the class is to dive into the art of songwriting, exploring the interplay between literary references and lyricism and storytelling in Taylor Swift’s entire discography, taking it one album at a time and trying to look at the evolution of using songwriting as a narrative form,” Jeffs said. “It will draw parallels to classic works of literature and poetry in each album and gain a deeper understanding of the narrative power of music.”

Earlier in the year they offered a course titled “All Too Well (Ten Week Version)”, which was popular too.

Songwriting at Berklee

Berklee College of Music are also set to offer a songwriting course tracking Swift’s evolution, too. Titled Songs of Taylor Swift, you’d be analysing the Grammy-winning artist’s lyrical and compositional choices. We couldn’t find details on their website, but they do have some other really interesting sounding courses you might like to have a look at.

Artistry and Entrepreneurship

UC Berkeley are offering a course next spring titled Artistry & Entrepreneurship: Taylor’s Version. Creator Crystal Haryanto says “It will be a cross section of literature, economics, business and sociology and I think that we’re studying her impact as an artist, as a whole.” The course includes interactive lectures, readings, and listening assignments, and runs for 13 weeks.

Linking Swift songs with Western Literature

The University of Texas offered an undergraduate course in 2022: The Taylor Swift Songbook. Taught by Professor of English Elizabeth Scala, students studied Swift’s songs alongside the traditional canon of Western literature: Shakespeare, Keats, and Frost. They were asked to analyse and contextualise common practices and problems across the centuries.

Inspiring history and literary lovers

The University of Missouri claim to have offered the first ever Taylor course: Taylor Swiftory: History & Literature Through Taylor Swift. It was delivered by Dr. Thomas Kane and Jordan Pellerito as an Honors tutorial class. It was designed to explore a wide range of historical and literary topics using Taylor Swift’s music as a primary source to guide learning and class discussions.

Find more courses

You probably won’t receive full credits for most of the courses listed above; they’re offered alongside existing programs and designed to generate engagement and discussion. Either way, these courses can be a great way for Swifties and music lovers alike to share in their passion and learn something new.

If you’re looking for more study inspiration, take a look at our website.

]]>
https://studyworkgrow.com/courses-for-swifties-and-music-lovers/feed/ 0
Rise Challenge https://studyworkgrow.com/rise-challenge/ https://studyworkgrow.com/rise-challenge/#respond Mon, 23 Oct 2023 13:30:40 +0000 https://studyworkgrow.com/rise-challenge/ Rise is a program that finds promising young people and provides them with opportunities that allow them to work together to serve others over their lifetimes.

The program seeks young people ages 15 to 17 and encourages a lifetime of service and learning by providing support that may include need-based scholarships, mentorship, networking, access to career development opportunities, and the potential for additional funding as Rise Global Winners work toward solving humanity’s most pressing problems.

It does not matter what part of the globe you come from, or academic experience you have. Whether you are interested in science, innovation, technology, art, policy, community organizing, or any other discipline—we want to hear from you.

Applications for the 2024 program are open now and close 17 January 2024.

Find out more and apply here.

]]>
https://studyworkgrow.com/rise-challenge/feed/ 0