This English course focuses on reading and discussion; its main objective consists in cultivating students’ sophisticated and critical thinking on cultural topics. A set of instructions and training on writing will also be offered. The course will be run mostly in the 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 occasions: when complex concepts need to be clarified, and when writing instructions and reviews are proffered. The reading material pertains to various genres, including fiction, poetry, critical essay, and film. The subjects to be explored include (1) language and identity, (2) limitations and possibilities of life, (3) thinking, (4) environmentalism, and (5) religion. Students are required to commit themselves to (1) close reading to acquire deeper understandings of the texts, (2) continuous collaborations through teamwork and group discussion in order to test their understandings and interpretations, and (3) writing practice to enhance their written expression.