Freshman English is a first-year required course. The goal of the course is primarily to improve the proficiency of students in communicative language skills with an emphasis on speaking and writing. A functional, notional approach is taken to planning objectives to help students gain confidence in using English in social interactions. Therefore, active participation in the class is a prerequisite for successful completion. A variety of activities are used throughout the year including dialogues, role-plays, pair work, small group projects and whole class discussions. The syllabus includes a general review of grammar and many class activities attempt to integrate these grammar components. Therefore, students are given the opportunity to apply the rules to real-life situations that they might encounter in an English-speaking country. Teachers encourage students to monitor their grammar usage while improving their level of fluency.

On completion of the FENM course, students should be able to: use English in daily life; think independently, logically, analytically, synthetically, and creatively in English; understand and enhance one’s own interest and motivation in learning English; use English to acquire and understand knowledge of various disciplines; use various English language learning strategies; use various English language learning resources; and use English to explore and understand various cultures in the world.

1. Q: Skills for Success Reading and Writing 2, by Joe McVeigh and Jennifer Bixby, 2011, Oxford University Press
2. Sounds Good 3, by Ken Beatty and Peter Tinkler, 2010, Pearson Longman Asia ELT: Hong Kong
3. Oxford BookwormsSimplified Readers (SR):
The Love of a King, by Peter Dainty, 2008, Oxford University Press (SR1)
A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, 2008, Oxford University Press (SR2)
Mr. Midshipman Hornblower, by C.S. Forester, 2008, Oxford University Press (SR3)