Sociology 341 - Seminar: How (and Why) Do We Know What We Know? Power, Knowledge and Ignorance
Sem:Power,Knowledge,Ignorance
Fall
2025
01
4.00
Leslie L. King
W 1:20 PM - 4:00 PM
Smith College
SOC-341-01-202601
Hatfield 202
lesking@smith.edu
Can you name numerous pop stars? Can you identify bird songs? Are you able to explain Einstein’s contributions to questions of general relativity? What information and ideas are in our heads and how did they get there?! In this course, we will examine knowledge production, transmission and acquisition as social processes. We will similarly consider ignorance as socially produced. As we investigate ‘western’ and science-based understandings, indigenous knowledge systems, and religious worldviews, we will ask what economic and/or cultural forces shape what is 'known' and what types of knowledge are produced and privileged. Is knowledge meant to help us better understand and perhaps improve the human condition? Is it intended to create new products and generate profits? Finally, what are the implications of new forms of knowledge production such as generative artificial intelligence? Prerequisite: SOC 101. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required.
[CE] JR/SR only; Prereq: SOC 101