What's happened
U.S. colleges are increasingly adopting courses that require reading only one big book per semester, reflecting a shift towards accommodating shorter attention spans. Meanwhile, some institutions are introducing remedial math classes, raising concerns about the impact on academic rigor and student potential. Today's date: Fri, 02 Jan 2026 20:15:07 +0000.
What's behind the headline?
The shift towards simplified coursework at colleges reflects a broader societal trend of coddling students and lowering academic standards. Institutions are increasingly offering courses that require minimal reading, such as UNC's 'One Big Book,' which suggests a recognition that students struggle with traditional reading loads. This trend is compounded by the expansion of remedial classes, even at prestigious universities like Harvard, indicating a systemic decline in college-level skills.
This approach risks diluting the value of higher education, as it prioritizes ease over intellectual challenge. Critics like Stuart Rojstaczer argue that colleges have long accommodated students who do not take learning seriously, with a significant portion of students barely engaging with coursework yet still earning degrees.
The move to reduce academic rigor may have short-term benefits, such as increased retention, but it ultimately undermines the purpose of college as a space for intellectual growth. If students are not challenged, their critical thinking and analytical skills will suffer, impacting their readiness for the workforce and civic life.
Furthermore, the trend raises questions about the future of higher education standards. Will colleges continue to lower expectations, or will there be a push to restore rigorous curricula? The current trajectory suggests a risk of devaluing college degrees and diminishing their societal importance, which could have long-term consequences for the economy and democracy.
What the papers say
The New York Times highlights the shift in college coursework, noting that institutions like UNC and Smith College are offering courses that focus on reading a single, substantial book to improve close reading skills. Anemona Hartocollis discusses the broader implications of these changes, especially in the context of conservative efforts to reshape higher education, such as at New College Florida, where a Western canon-based curriculum has been introduced. Meanwhile, the NY Post emphasizes that remedial classes are expanding even at top universities like Harvard, reflecting concerns about declining student preparedness. Critics like Stuart Rojstaczer argue that colleges have long tolerated minimal effort from students, which now manifests in reduced academic demands. These contrasting perspectives underscore a debate about whether these changes are necessary adaptations or signs of a decline in educational standards.
How we got here
Recent years have seen a decline in the depth of college coursework, with institutions adjusting standards to match perceived student attention spans. Courses like UNC's 'One Big Book' aim to improve close reading, but critics argue this signals a broader trend of lowering academic expectations. Simultaneously, remedial classes are becoming more common, even at elite schools like Harvard, highlighting ongoing concerns about college preparedness and rigor.
Go deeper
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Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Established in 1636 and named for its first benefactor, clergyman John Harvard, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States