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.

Through classroom reading activities, tasks and group projects, students will be able to apply reading skills into practice. They will also learn how to synthesize information from various sources, including written texts and online videos, and activate critical thinking skills. On completion of this course, students will not only develop effective critical reading skills, but also gain a better awareness of global issues.