Learning nine to five! Open University launches Dolly Parton studies course - with students charged £125 to dive into the star's 'performance of gender and sexuality through her music'
Country music fans can now study Dolly Parton in a university course, but they will have to fork out £125 for the standalone module.
The Dolly Parton: music, identity and culture module has been launched at Open University and lasts six weeks, with eight hours of study recommended per week.
However, students won't receive any credits that will be counted towards a qualification, but they can put it on their CV for further learning.
Country music fans can now study Dolly Parton in a university course, but they will have to fork out £125 for the standalone module
Students won't receive any credits that will be counted towards a qualification, but they can put it on their CV for further learning
During week one, students will dive into the 77-year-old singer's life, career and music.
They will 'explore Parton's relationship to musical authenticity, gender, and poor, white communities in the Southern United States'.
The following week they will research Dolly Parton's 'southern identity.'
During week three, students will discuss the crossover between pop and country music.
They will 'examine Parton as not only a country musician but also a pop musician with widespread appeal.'
Students can discover how sounds, lyrics and sentiment can convey a sense of musical style.
The course lasts six weeks with eight hours of recommended study per week
For the fourth week - they will study the country singers hyper-feminine image.
The module description reads: 'You'll explore Parton's performance of gender and sexuality through her music, image and reception.
'You'll consider different interpretations of her gender identity, including as a 'real fake woman', an astute businesswoman and an LGBTQ+ ally.'
Undergraduates will then study the singer's hit, 9-5, examining the relationship between country music, work and leisure.
Students will 'explore Parton's relationship to musical authenticity, gender, and poor, white communities in the Southern United States' in week one
Students can discover how sounds, lyrics and sentiment can convey a sense of musical style
For the final week of the module, participants will 'focus on two songs that take different approaches to reproducing aspects of Parton's music - Whitney Houston's I will always love you, and Pras' Ghetto Supastar (that is what you are).'
They are expected to 'identify musical similarities and differences between Parton's music and these songs.
After 50 hours of learning, students will not need to participate in a test at the end of the module.
But 'there will be three 'review and reflect' points built into the course which you'll use to reflect on your understanding.'
After 50 hours of learning, students will not need to participate in a test at the end of the module
The module costs £125 and is part of Open University's offerings
The course description reads: 'You'll explore the relationship between music, identity, and culture through the work of country musician and songwriter Dolly Parton.
'You'll learn about Parton's appeal to different audiences, her paradoxical artistic persona and the connections between her music and music by other artists.
'The course situates Parton's music in relation to country music, examining the genre's associations with place, race and gender.
'You'll be introduced to the key concepts and terminology relevant to studying music.
'The course will help you to develop your analytical listening skills by engaging with a range of music examples.'