Madonna The Phenomenon Becomes A College Course

AMSTERDAM - Madonna 101?

Fifty students have signed up for the latest pop-culture course at the University of Amsterdam: a 40-hour class examining just what makes pop star Madonna tick.

"As a media phenomenon, she's really intriguing," student Monique Tolk told De Telegraaf newspaper today.

The for-credit course examines Madonna's lyrics, voice and ventures into film as well as her persona as a sex symbol, her religious beliefs - and most of all her media presence.

Curious students say it's Madonna's media savvy - not her music - that has drawn them to the class. Tolk, who's doing her doctorate on the singer with the cone-shaped bra, said she prefers Sting.

Dutch television crews packed Hall 104 for yesterday's debut

lecture.