Academic Catalog

ALTW 218B: INTERMEDIATE CURRENT EVENTS

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2026
Units: 2
Hours: 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter)
Degree & Credit Status: Non-Degree-Applicable Credit Course
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 create and present an individualized strategy for incorporating creative practices into daily routines to support emotional well-being.
  • Students will identify and practice a self-chosen creative outlet--such as drawing, journaling, or role-play--to manage stress or emotional intensity.
  • 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. This course is part of the Tools for Transition & Work cohort-based program for neurodivergent learners pursuing independent success in college, career, and adult life.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

  1. Critically analyze current events for bias, framing, and social impact.
  2. Identify historical patterns of media manipulation and misinformation.
  3. Evaluate the ethical dimensions of how news is shared and consumed.
  4. Construct a clear, persuasive argument related to a current issue.
  5. Facilitate a structured, respectful discussion around a complex topic.
  6. Demonstrate leadership in engaging peers through questions and dialogue.

Course Content

  1. Critically analyze current events for bias, framing, and social impact
    1. Quick review: the structure of a news article and types of news
    2. Framing and word choice: how language shapes interpretation
    3. Loaded questions, cherry-picked data, and misleading visuals
    4. How to identify social and political implications of reporting choices
    5. Introduction to media analysis tools and checklists
  2. Identify historical patterns of media manipulation and misinformation
    1. Historical review of journalism (recap of ALTW F218A key concepts)
    2. Propaganda in history: from wartime messaging to political campaigns
    3. Modern misinformation: clickbait, bots, and algorithmic echo chambers
    4. Comparing historical manipulation to current trends
    5. Case studies: identifying manipulation in real-world stories
  3. Evaluate the ethical dimensions of how news is shared and consumed
    1. What does it mean to consume media ethically
    2. The responsibilities of sharing news online
    3. Reposting and reaction culture: what gets amplified and why
    4. Personal values and public responsibility
    5. Discussion of ethical dilemmas in recent news cycles
  4. Construct a clear, persuasive argument related to a current issue
    1. From opinion to persuasion: building a clear thesis
    2. Supporting evidence: how to cite sources without misrepresenting them
    3. Structuring persuasive speech: claim, support, counterargument, conclusion
    4. Avoiding common fallacies in argument
    5. Preparing talking points for peer-facing communication
  5. Facilitate a structured, respectful discussion around a complex topic
    1. Leading vs. dominating a conversation
    2. Asking open-ended vs. closed questions
    3. Encouraging peer participation: managing silence and strong opinions
    4. Strategies for redirecting or defusing tension
    5. Practicing facilitation through mock discussions
  6. Demonstrate leadership in engaging peers through questions and dialogue
    1. Students present a current event and lead a 5-10 minute discussion
    2. Presentation includes: summary, source credibility evaluation, and a key issue
    3. Discussion includes: at least one open-ended question and peer response strategy
    4. Peer and instructor feedback
    5. Reflection on leadership and communication growth

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