You can now study Eurovision at Melbourne University

Melbourne University has just announced a new breadth subject that’s likely to boost class participation. First year students can now add ‘Eurovisions’ to their second semester studies, to explore “fundamental issues important to understanding Europe, nation branding, as well as the rise of English, and the expression of cultural and social diversity in all its forms”. Basically it’s one big excuse to indulge in costumes, tacky pop music, Guy Sebastian, Måns Zelmerlöw and some Conchita Wurst in the name of study. Sign us up!

The breadth will be open to students studying Bachelor of Biomedicine, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Environments, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science… because university.

Eurovision is more than just a singing contest – it is a critical arena for competing political and cultural interests from across Europe to play themselves out. If you look closely, it is also about strategy. What voting alliances will form? Who will the Ukraine give its 12 points to this year and why? How far will competing nations go to win Eurovision? Oh yeah and then there is the music… – Melbourne University

According to the university subject handbook, at the end of this subjects students will:

– Acquire an in-depth knowledge of the history and development of Europe through the prism of the Eurovision Song contest;

– Develop a critical appreciation of how issues such as the integration of Europe and the nation branding of states are reflected in the Eurovision Song Contest;

– Acquire the ability to communicate effectively about issues relating to the Eurovision Song Contest;

 – Acquire critical thinking and analytical skills