This English course focuses on reading and discussion; its main objective consists in cultivating students’ sophisticated and critical thinking on cultural topics. This course will be run mostly in all-English way, with the aim to engage students in intellectual, critical discussions in English. Therefore, students who expect and need concentrated training on practical skills, such as real-life conversation, are not recommended to take this course. Mandarin will be used in two situations exclusively: when complex concepts need to be clarified, and when writing instruction is proffered. The reading material pertains to various genres, including poetry, fiction, critical essay, and film. The subjects to be explored include (1) language and identity, (2) thinking, (3) the limitations and possibilities of life, (4) domination and the Holocaust, and (5) life and death. Students are required to commit themselves to (1) close reading to acquire a deeper understanding of the text, (2) continuous collaboration through teamwork and group discussion in order to test and substantiate their grasp of the issue concerned, and (3) writing to enhance their written expression.