Academic Catalog

ALTW 218B: INTERMEDIATE CURRENT EVENTS FOR STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DIFFERENCES

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Summer 2025
Units: 2
Hours: 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter)
Degree & Credit Status: Non-Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Basic Skills
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: None
Grade Type: Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass)
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will complete a visual, written, dramatic, or musical work that communicates a personal emotion or experience.
  • Students will identify and practice a self-chosen creative outletÑsuch as drawing, journaling, or role-playÑto manage stress or emotional intensity.
  • Students will create and present an individualized strategy for incorporating creative practices into daily routines to support emotional well-being.
  • Through guided discussions or short reflections, students will describe how specific creative activities influence their emotions and self-understanding.

Description

Building on foundational knowledge from the introductory course on media literacy and presentation skills in current events, this intermediate continuation course dives deeper into the art of persuasive communication and debate. Students will learn to analyze news sources, identify biases, and understand the influence of media on public perception. Emphasis is placed on developing skills to discern credible information, foster critical thinking, and navigate the complexities of the media landscape. The course aims to enhance students' confidence in interacting with media and each other. Students will focus on enhancing their presentation skills with an emphasis on constructing compelling arguments and engaging in informed, respectful disagreement.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

  1. Practice critical analysis
  2. Understand media influence
  3. Communicate effectively
  4. Consume media ethically
  5. Practice persuasive communication
  6. Respectfully debate and disagree

Course Content

  1. Introduction to media literacy and critical analysis
    1. Overview of course objectives and expectations
    2. Introduction to key concepts: credibility, bias, reliability
    3. Techniques for evaluating media sources
    4. Initial exercises in identifying credible sources
  2. Understanding media influence
    1. Examination of media's role in shaping public opinion and societal norms
    2. Discussion on historical and contemporary examples
    3. Case studies on media credibility and bias
    4. Group discussions and analysis of selected news articles
  3. Ethical media consumption
    1. Exploration of ethical considerations in media consumption
    2. Case studies on misinformation and its impact
    3. Student-led discussions on ethical dilemmas in media
  4. Effective, persuasive, and respectful dialogue
    1. Student-led presentations and discussion

Lab Content

Not applicable.

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

1. An accessible classroom with projector and internet access.
2. When taught online/virtual: students and faculty need internet access with Zoom-capable computer, monitor, and speakers.

Method(s) of Evaluation

Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:

Class participation
Oral presentations
Homework assignments
Group projects

Method(s) of Instruction

Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:

Lecture
Discussion
Oral presentations
Use of the internet
Group projects

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

No materials are required for this course.

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments

  1. Students read news media articles and provide report in an oral presentation to the class
  2. Students read news media articles and perform written analysis of content and bias/truthfulness

Discipline(s)

Developmental Disabilities: Disabled Students Programs and Services