"Nice Lady" Teaches Children's Books Course to University of Texas Athletes

In the Chronicle of Higher Education's thorough investigation into the conflict between academic standards and athletic success at the University of Texas, Brad Wolverton notes that one of the courses "popular with players" is the three-credit course INF 322T: Children's Literature.

Sadly, this is exactly what it sounds like. "Extensive reading of children's books" will be done, the syllabus explains. Mother Goose, Wheels On The Bus, and Old MacDonald Had A Farm are just a few of the books on the syllabus. The reading list also features challenging topics such as "ABC Books," "Counting Books," and "Wordless Books." The longest reading list by far is the "Picture Story Books" reading list.

Students will be tested on the course material during three exams—matching or multiple choice questions. The final is "optional."

This is a college course at the 17th-best ranked public university in the country.

The course was taught for several years by Amanda Williams. Her RateMyProfessor.com page features two reviews. One said: "Made an A in this class without having to do much… Plenty of notes and old tests online and she rarely changes either….Nice Lady." The other review says she's "really passionate about children's literature." Neither reviewer gave her a red pepper to indicate "hotness."

On another professor rating site, Koofers, students sounded less enthused about the impact of children's literature on society. "Take her in spring. She cancel class alot because it is cold…," one reviewer advises.

Should a student-athlete find him/herself struggling with these difficult texts, CourseHero has plenty of study guides, resources, and test copies to peruse. Be sure to give yourself plenty of studying time, though. Memorizing "Hush Little Baby" doesn't happen overnight.

Christine A. Plonsky, a senior athletics official at Texas, told the Chronicle that she believes, "given proper academic support and motivation" any student can get A's or B's in college. "For anyone to say that an underprepared individual cannot do their best work and shoot high," she said, "that is a slap."