400018 SE Professions and Professionalization (2016W)

In recent years the processes of individualization, pluralization and mediatization can be held responsible for what we would call a crisis of professionalism. This crisis can be traced back towards the fact that former knowledge that was strictly held within a profession is nowadays either contested from within the profession or made accessible to clients. In both of these processes the introduction of new media technology plays a significant role. On the one hand, knowledge regarding the use and outcome of specific media technology is undermining former routines of professions from the inside, whilst on the other hand due to its accessible nature, new media technology undermines former assumptions towards the professional’s stance from a client’s point of view. Therefore, we would argue that the requirements of performing professional competence are drastically changing.
This summarizes our specific interest in the field of professions and professionalization which will be one of the topics within the course. Yet, the main subject of the course will focus on providing an overall understanding on professions and professionalization as well as broaden the discussion through research topics brought up by seminar participants.