def METHOD_NAME(self, index, content=None, course=None, user=None, date=None, deleted=None):
    """Edits a course update item. Only changes explicitly provided parameters."""
    user = user or self.user
    course = course or self.course
    updates_usage_key = get_course_info_usage_key(course, 'updates')
    course_updates = modulestore().get_item(updates_usage_key)
    for item in course_updates.items:
        if item['id'] == index:
            if date is not None:
                item['date'] = date
            if content is not None:
                item['content'] = content
            if deleted is not None:
                item['status'] = 'deleted' if deleted else 'visible'
            break
    modulestore().update_item(course_updates, user.id)