This reading course is designed to help undergraduate and graduate students develop fundamental strategies for reading English academic texts more effectively and critically. The texts will cover topics related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to address a wide range of social and global issues ranging from poverty to climate change. Reading assignments, practice and activities will explore a variety of English language materials, such as news articles, academic articles, opinions and commentaries across disciplines. Topics covered will include comprehension, vocabulary enrichment, close-reading analysis and critical reflection.

All the activities and group projects are intended to foster students’ metacognitive awareness of reading and analytical skills. On completion of this course, students will not only develop effective reading skills, but more importantly, grow as proficient and critical readers, while also gaining a better awareness of global issues.