In this course we aim to provide you with an insight into how recent societal and technological developments have changed the work of professionals in a variety of professional domains and how this in turn affects professionalism. The course highlights core themes, discusses main insights and theories, raises questions and presents cases, and links insights to practical challenges in various professional domains. It provides a state of the art assessment of professionalism in transition, by looking back and looking forward. It supports target audiences in dealing with professional services and professionals.
The programme has an interdisciplinary approach and will focus on different levels:
At macro level the course presents a historical and sociological view on past and future changes in professions, focused on:
• how do professional fields develop?
• how is professionalism promoted and encouraged among professionals?
• how do professional fields control and empower their members?
At meso level the course presents an organisational view on changes within professional partnerships and institutions, focused on the following questions:
• how do norms and routines affect professionals and professional work?
• how do professionals organise and lead professional work?
At micro level a psychological perspective on changing work and a changing work environment of professionals is presented. This part focuses on the following questions:
• how do professionals deal with work pressure and remain motivated?
• which competencies do professionals require to be able and capable to deliver?
We invite you to join us and increase your understanding of the topics addressed in this course through lectures, interviews, animations, readings and peer interaction.
Professionalism in an era of change
Offered By
Utrecht University
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
15 hours to complete
Professions in transition
4 videos (Total 36 min), 7 readings, 3 quizzes
4 videos
1.2.2 How to identify a professional8m
1.2.5 Interprofessional competition15m
1.3.2 Patterns of societal change9m
7 readings
1.1.2 An introduction to the MOOC 'Professionalism in an era of change'4m
1.1.3 Week 1: Professionals in transition3m
1.2.1 Introduction3m
1.2.4 The rise of professionalism30m
1.3.1 Introduction3m
1.3.3 Consequences of societal change20m
1.4.3 Wrapping it Up5m
2 practice exercises
1.2.3 Identifying the professional10m
1.2.6 The professionalisation of everyone?15m
Week
25 hours to complete
Control and empowerment of professionals
4 videos (Total 26 min), 6 readings, 4 quizzes
4 videos
2.2.2 Inclusion and exclusion3m
2.2.3 Loyalty and identity6m
2.3.3 Bureaucracy and professional autonomy9m
6 readings
2.1.1 Week 2: Control and empowerment of professionals3m
2.2.1 Introduction3m
2.3.1 Introduction3m
2.3.2 Understanding paradoxess
2.4.1 Reflection on case study – meet the professional – Merel Langelaar - Veterinarian10m
2.4.4 Wrapping it up5m
2 practice exercises
2.2.4 Becoming a professional10m
2.3.4 Bureaucracy and professional autonomy30m
Week
35 hours to complete
Quality control and competence
3 videos (Total 20 min), 6 readings, 3 quizzes
3 videos
3.2.3 Transfer of tacit knowledge1m
3.3.2 Professional norms and work routines9m
6 readings
3.1.1 This week3m
3.2.1 Introduction3m
3.2.4 Embracing dualities by rethinking information processing30m
3.3.1 Introduction3m
3.3.4 Incompatibilities between managerial principles, policies and professional norms and routines - some examples15m
3.4.3 Wrapping it up5m
1 practice exercise
3.2.5 Expertise development and knowledge dialectics15m
Week
44 hours to complete
Organisation and leadership of professional work
6 videos (Total 43 min), 6 readings, 4 quizzes
6 videos
4.2.4 The clash between organisational and occupational logics: a practical example6m
4.2.5 Balancing conflicting demands11m
4.3.2 Towards a new model of professionalism8m
4.3.4 Hybridisation of professional work3m
4.3.5 The benefits of active coping behaviour7m
6 readings
4.1.1 Week 4: Organisation and leadership of professional work3m
4.2.1 Introduction3m
4.2.2. About managers and professionals when times are changing15m
4.3.1 Introduction3m
4.4.1 Reflection on case study - meet the professional - Koen Hoonder - Teacher8m
4.4.4 Wrapping it up5m
2 practice exercises
4.2.3 New ways of organising professional work10m
4.3.3 Towards a new model of professionalism8m
About Utrecht University
Utrecht University is a research university comprising seven faculties which collectively span the entire academic spectrum in teaching and research. Founded in 1636, the University is now a modern, leading institute enjoying a growing international reputation. In the Shanghai Ranking, Utrecht University ranks 1st in the Netherlands, 17th in Europe and 56th worldwide. The research focuses on four main strategic themes: Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability. Our motto is: Bright minds, better future.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
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