The objectives and teaching program of the present course are based on a survey of the English learning needs, particularly academic English learning needs, of master degree candidates in Tongji University. Composed of three parts -- exploration of academic themes, listening and speaking skills, and workshops, this course is devoted to improving students’ competence in English activities for academic purposes.

1. To develop students’ English listening and speaking abilities for general purposes;
2. To develop students’ ability to retrieve information in academic lectures;
3. To develop students’ ability to speak at international conferences;
4. To develop critical thinking.