Introduction to Media Literacy

Students will learn to decide responsibly whether and how to share a news claim by distinguishing journalism from other forms of information.

They will examine how audience, ownership, revenue, platform design, and format can shape emphasis and reach without treating these influences as proof that a claim is false. By reading laterally, tracing evidence and visuals to their origins, and comparing independent sources, students will assess what the evidence supports, what can reasonably be established about an article’s intent, and what remains uncertain. They will use these findings to make informed sharing decisions and publish a concise verification brief that corrects or contextualizes a claim without amplifying harm or overstating certainty.