As (Freshman) English I & II may be the last required course for many students on their way of learning English, this class is designed with the main purpose of cultivating students` future capability of independent study and use of the language, particularly with respect to reading. Thus various types of reading materials-such as the latest news reports, argumentative essays (on all kinds of subjects) and literary works (mostly short stories)-will be covered in the class, always with emphasis on developing essential reading skills. As all the reading materials will be in handout form, the class is devoid of a standard textbook; however, every student will need to possess a dictionary equipped with English definitions and complete-sentence examples.