This course investigates how societies define, classify, and produce knowledge. Along with an analysis of concepts such as ideology, worldview, and common sense, it offers insights on how particular forms of knowledge become institutionalized and authoritative while others are marginalized. Based on these insights, it then focuses specifically on science and provides an overview of sociological approaches to science as a social institution, the production of scientific knowledge, expertise, trust, and credibility. The public understanding of science and the relations between science and other institutions such as religion and politics are also discussed. (Group I)