The lives and philosophies of global Pop Stars in University curricula are increasingly making their way into prestigious higher education courses.
Stanford University has launched a course exploring mental health and well-being through the lifestyle of BTS leader RM, whose real name is Kim Nam-joon. Meanwhile, the University of Southern California (USC) is introducing a business course examining Beyoncé’s success strategies.
Starting this fall semester, Stanford is running a 3-credit course titled ‘Namjooning, and other well-being inspiration from BTS,’ taught by Dr. James Jacobs from the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
‘Namjooning’ originates from RM’s given name and refers to the relaxed way he enjoys life through activities like visiting art museums, reading, bike riding, and walking in the park. This term, which began among fans, has now been adopted as an official university course name.
The course was inspired by BTS’s recent activities in the Bay Area, including three sold-out concerts at Stanford Stadium last May as part of their world tour ‘ARIRANG.’
RM also participated in the co-curation of the ‘RM x SFMOMA: Between You and Me’ exhibition, which opened last October at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) and runs through February 7 of next year.
Dr. Jacobs explained in an interview with local public broadcaster KQED that he conceptualized the course after encountering news of the BTS concerts and RM’s museum exhibition, realizing how the timing aligned with well-being education.
The class goes beyond simply imitating RM’s lifestyle, focusing instead on verifying mental health and well-being advice through scientific research and data.
Key topics include analyzing the quantitative effects of sleep, exploring themes of anxiety, self-love, self-awareness, and creative struggles often discussed by RM, alongside nutrition, exercise, and psychotherapy.
The curriculum also utilizes RM’s recommended reading materials, such as author Han Kang’s novel ‘We Do Not Part.’
Dr. Jacobs cited research from King’s College London to demonstrate that viewing art in an actual gallery creates more positive changes in heart rate and cortisol levels compared to digital screens.
The final project for the course draws inspiration from RM’s solo album ‘Indigo,’ with prerequisites including a desire for personal growth, an interest in data, and a healthy respect for BTS.
Fans have shown enthusiastic responses online, with discussions on Reddit expressing hope that the course might eventually become available on platforms like Coursera.
The trend of utilizing stars as educational subjects continues at the graduate level as well. The USC Marshall School of Business is launching ‘The Business of Beyoncé’ course for MBA students starting next January.
According to a report by the Los Angeles Times, the class analyzes brand building, social media strategies, and entertainment industry management through Beyoncé’s transition from singer to entrepreneur.
Students will research her hair care brand, beverage business, and entertainment enterprises, as well as complete assignments crafting business proposals addressed directly to Beyoncé.
Professor Shaun Harper, who designed the course, emphasized that it focuses on analyzing real business case studies rather than merely discussing the celebrity, noting that the class filled up rapidly after enrollment opened.
