Oxford, Mississippi, August 22, 2025
News Summary
The University of Mississippi has introduced an interdisciplinary program focused on the music of Bob Dylan. The initiative involves a course, research opportunities, and a summer tour that connects students and faculty to Dylan’s cultural impact. Taught by R.J. Morgan, the course incorporates a study abroad component in Italy, allowing participants to engage in various artistic activities related to Dylan’s legacy. With significant student interest, the program is set to continue in the future, demonstrating Ole Miss’s commitment to innovative interdisciplinary education.
Oxford, Mississippi – The University of Mississippi, commonly known as Ole Miss, has launched an interdisciplinary program celebrating the music of Bob Dylan. What began as a passion project has evolved into a research initiative, a course offering, and a summer tour that aims to engage students and faculty with Dylan’s influences on music and culture.
The course, titled “Bob Dylan and the South,” is being taught by R.J. Morgan, an associate instructional professor of journalism at Ole Miss. It has drawn considerable interest, with packed classrooms and enthusiastic participation from students. The program has not only expanded learning opportunities but has also provided a platform for students and faculty to present their findings and engage with international audiences.
As part of the curriculum, Morgan, inspired by an advertisement for Bob Dylan’s Week festival in Florence, Italy, organized a study abroad trip. Collaborating with festival organizer Guisseppe Acquaraggia, he arranged for American professors and students to contribute to the event. This activity included a trip to Italy with 45 participating students and classes on various interdisciplinary topics such as travel writing, global branding, and music branding.
The Italy tour culminated in a month-long celebration called Bob Dylan’s Week featuring a rich array of activities. The festival included live art exhibitions, lectures on Dylan’s impact, musical tributes, and theatrical performances, offering students a chance to immerse themselves in Italian culture. Students also engaged in cooking classes and cultural tours while attending three live performances to experience the vibrant local nightlife and artistic expressions.
During his lectures in Florence and Naples, Morgan discussed Dylan’s contributions to civil rights music, which resonated with the local audience that demonstrated a solid understanding of Mississippi’s musical heritage. The program encouraged students to explore their creative expression as they analyzed Dylan’s writing style, focusing on storytelling and quality over quantity in their compositions.
Sophomore integrated marketing communication major Lilly Ross utilized her experience from the program to create a documentary about the inaugural class, underlining the significant impact of the course on student growth. Following their successful journey to Italy, the program’s next major event was the World of Bob Dylan conference held at the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma, where Ole Miss professors presented related research to approximately 300 attendees.
The future of the Dylan-themed course looks promising, with plans to offer it again in the spring of 2026. Additionally, regional festivals centered around Dylan’s work are being proposed for Starkville and Tupelo, further promoting the themes of student learning, self-discovery, and creative expression inspired by Bob Dylan’s music.
The Ole Miss initiative highlights the university’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary education through music and storytelling, equipping students with unique opportunities to connect with a global audience. As they delve into Dylan’s teachings, students are not only learning about music but are also discovering profound avenues for personal and professional growth.
FAQs
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What is the focus of the Bob Dylan program at Ole Miss?
The program focuses on the music and cultural impact of Bob Dylan through interdisciplinary learning, including music, writing, and branding.
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Who teaches the course?
The course is taught by R.J. Morgan, an associate instructional professor of journalism.
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Where did the student tour take place?
The student tour took place in Florence, Italy, as part of Bob Dylan’s Week festival.
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What activities were included in the Italy tour?
Activities included lectures, musical tributes, live performances, cooking classes, and local cultural tours.
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When will the course be offered again?
The course is planned to be offered again in the spring of 2026.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | Bob Dylan and the South |
| Instructor | R.J. Morgan |
| Total Students in Italy Tour | 45 |
| Next Major Event | World of Bob Dylan Conference at University of Tulsa |
| Planned Re-offering | Spring 2026 |
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Additional Resources
- 1819 News: Bob Dylan Movie Releases in Alabama
- The Guardian: Bob Dylan Adds Dates to UK Tour
- Esquire: Bob Dylan Interview on Current Issues
- Los Angeles Times: Ignorance of History
- NME: Bob Dylan Adds New UK Tour Dates
- Wikipedia: Bob Dylan
- Google Search: Bob Dylan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bob Dylan
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