As universities prepare students to become professionals of the 21st-century increasing numbers of occupations claim to be ‘professionalised’ and greater ‘professionalism’ is desired from employers. These trends pertain to what has been called the professionalization “of everyone” (Wilensky 1964) and “of everything” (Neal and Morgan 2000) and it is amidst such enthusiasm that this course takes stock to make sense of all things professional.
Inherently multi-disciplinary in scope and application, the course introduces key concepts of professionalization and professionalism using examples drawn from established (e.g. medicine, law, engineering), new (e.g. accountancy, social work) and emerging (e.g. information technology, human resource management) professions. The course offers a general overview of professional work that is grounded in historical and cultural perspectives and suitable for students from all disciplines.
Combining theoretical, practical, empirical and reflective insights, the course will require students to apply the basic principles of professions to chosen subject areas and for the purposes of career and academic planning. Whatever profession students pursue after graduation understanding the theory and skills about professionalism is critical to career development. Accordingly, this course will enhance students’ whole person development through the knowledge, skills and attitudes of professions, without losing sight of broader issues.
* This GE course will be discontinued with effect from Semester A 2018/19