INTEG 221The Social Nature of Knowledge
- Units
- 0.50
- Faculty
- Environment
- Subject
- Knowledge Integration
- Cross-listed
- PHIL 291
When it runs
- F24
- W25
- S25
- F25
- W26
- S26
- F26
- W27
- S27
Ran in 2 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 2 lecture sections. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.
This course examines social aspects of knowledge, including ways that characteristics of individual knowers and their communities affect the acquisition, interpretation, production, and transfer of knowledge. In addition, we analyze the consequences this has for the objectivity of knowledge. The course features significant input from researchers in the humanities and social sciences in the form of guest lectures.
Prerequisites
- Students must be in level 2A or higher
Antirequisites
None listed.
Leads to
Winter 2027 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 001 | 5317 | 0 / 35 | TTh 14:30–15:50 |
| LEC 701 | 2103 | 9 / 9999 | Online or by arrangement |
Reviewed on UW Flow
96% liked it54% easy88% useful
From 25 ratings and 6 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.
While not an easy course, Katie definitely makes the course interesting, engaging, and easy to understand. The readings and course discussions take up the bulk of the lecture time, which is nice for sharing ideas and understanding different perspectives of things, which is key in this course. The assignments were also fairly straightforward, very reflective in nature and personalized. I feel this course goes nicely with INTEG120: The Art and Science of Learning. Both great courses, highly reccomend!
Feb 2026 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
Many of the terms covered in this course are some of the most useful terms I have learned in the KI degree. Many concepts from this course were relavent to MANY breadth courses required for KI but the concepts were not explained as well or in as much detail in other courses. I have also found these concepts to be highly relavent to required skills in job postings.
May 2025 · didn’t like itOn UW FlowRemove this
REALLY interesting course, if you have a chance to take it (especially with Katie) do it!! It does get a bit theory-heavy and intense with the readings sometimes, but even the craziest readings get explained pretty well in the lectures. If you have any interest in philosophy, social justice, learning about knowledge, etc (or even if you don't) it's a great course!
Apr 2025 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
A very interesting course with advanced level readings. After taking this course I think everyone should take a social epistemology class.
Apr 2023 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
It is useful in that social identity has a huge impact on how we perceive and present knowledge and being aware of this is good common knowledge, it is useless in that since I took this course as an elective I didn't (conciously) use this course content through the remainder of my undergrad.
May 2022 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
Discussed on r/uwaterloo
3 posts and comments in 3 threads mention INTEG 221, November 2019 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.
Winter 2022
Some “useful” arts or STEM faculty courses to take? 6 points, 12 comments
“Edit: you all have been incredibly helpful, thank you ╰(´︶)╯♡ I’m currently a 2nd yr Legal Studies and English (RMPC) student who’s about to take some courses for the first time irl this spring …”
u/zeph-yr: “… Also I'm a bit biased but INTEG 220/221 are really useful courses on learning about how knowledge is created and obtained, 220 in particular has some really relevant content on vaccine hesitancy, manufactured scientific controversies, etc. …”
Spring 2020
Has anyone taken a Cognitive Science/Urban Studies minor? 3 points, 7 comments
“Basically what the question says. I'm interested to see whether the degrees would be a good fit for me. …”
[deleted]: [deleted]
u/zeph-yr: “No, I haven't. The most I've taken would be sociology and self-studying psychology, although I'll be taking a taste of all of that in my program with INTEG 120, INTEG 220 and INTEG 221.”
Fall 2019
Winter 2020 Courses with No Exam 5 points, 1 comment
“Looking for any winter 2020 courses with no exams!! Any suggestions?”
u/alexnafnlaus: “INTEG221 usually has no exam, but it's being taught by a different prof than normal this year so no guarantee”
Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026
- Undergraduate Calendar, 2026–27The official entry
- Requirements for Fall 2026Waterloo’s requisite checker
- Schedule of Classes, Fall 2026Instructors, rooms, live seats
- Quest Class SearchWhere you enrol
- Course outlinesSyllabi from past terms (UW login)
- UW FlowStudent ratings and reviews
- WClassesPast sections back to 2004, and who taught them