Arts & Humanities in Higher Education 12(4) 424–445 ! The Author(s) 2012 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/1474022212459035 ahh.sagepub.com Article The minimalist reading model: Rethinking reading lists in arts and education subjects Matthew Piscioneri and Jim Hlavac Monash University, Australia Abstract Despite reading being recognized as a core academic skill, surprisingly little research has been undertaken into university lecture reading requirements. This article reports on the trial and evaluation of a minimalist reading model developed for students in arts and education subjects. Comprising annotated extracts from full texts ‘linked’ wherever possible via hypertext mark-up language to glossaries, e-dictionaries and online translation services, the minimalist model was intended to rethink pre-lecture reading requirements and conventional approaches to designing reading lists at the tertiary level. Findings indicate that while students are generally receptive to the redesign of conventional approaches to pre-lecture reading in the disciplines sampled, several participants expressed reservations about the model. The research provides insights into the study mores of the contemporary university student and re-emphasizes the need to ensure the diversity and complexity of the student cohort is catered for by educators and university managers as far as practicable. Keywords annotations, glosses, technology, university reading Introduction Despite reading being recognized as a core academic skill (Fairburn and Fairburn, 2001; Mann, 2000; Stokes and Martin, 2008), little research – recent or otherwise – has been undertaken into university lecture reading requirements, undergraduate or postgraduate. One notable exception is Stokes and Martin’s (2008) article, ‘Reading lists: A study of tutor and student perceptions, expectations and realities’. Corresponding author: Matthew Piscioneri, Arts Academic Language and Learning Unit, Faculty of Arts, PO Box 11, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia. Email: Matthew.Piscioneri@monash.edu