EDU-30064: The making of professionals: Education, Health and Social Work

The module explores the history, philosophy, and sociology of the professions, relating them to the social contexts which make them not only skilled occupations but ones with special social identities and responsibilities. It provides an introduction to the theories and empirical studies for understanding professions in modern society. Using case studies, drawn primarily from medicine, education and social work, it examines the social structure, work and expertise, career path, and historical changes of the professions from the late nineteenth century to the age of globalisation. In particular the module considers the criteria applied to distinguish professions from other occupations, the regulation and governance of professional groups and the formation of professional identities with norms and procedures of practice

Intended Learning Outcomes

Confidently apply major theories and paradigms in the study of professions and professionalism will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
Define, appy and evaluate key concepts and ideas relating to the role and status of $ùprofessions&© within modern societies will be achieved by assessments: 1
Comment critically on the development of the professional and institutional infrastructure of healthcare, education and social work in the UK, drawing on comparisons from other countries and professional groups (ie Law) will be achieved by assessments: 1
Make theoretically informed arguments about contemporary issues relating to professionals and professional identities will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
Compare and contrast the regulation and governance of the medical, education and social work professions in the UK will be achieved by assessments: 1
Evaluate written arguments about theory, policy and practice will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
Critically appraise evidence for and against different points of view will be achieved by assessments: 2, 3
Compare and contrast divergent ideas will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3
Analyse and interpret research findings will be achieved by assessments: 2, 3

Study hours

24 hours Lectures, workshops and seminars
24 hours Research project development, fieldwork and analysis
60 hours Assessment preparation for assignment, presentation and report of findings
62 hours Supplementary reading

Description of Module Assessment

01: Assignment weighted 60%

A critical review of 2,500 words that examines the nature of the public sector professions in modern society.

02: Individual Report weighted 40%

Individual report of research findings - 2,000 words
An individual report on the findings of interview material collected as part of a group. The formative presentation assessment task (below) will be structured to require individual group members to take responsibility for a specific aspect of the work. For this summative assignment individual members will write up their account of that work and their analysis of interview findings. They will be expected to relate the findings to module themes and theoretical issues raised in part 1 of the module.

Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Oct/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.