University of Liege | Version française
Study programmes 2011-2012Last update : 14/06/2012
SOCI0081-1  Seminar on sociology of the professions

Duration :  15h SEM
Number of credits :  
Master in Labour Sciences, Professional Focus, 2nd yearFirst semester3
Lecturer :  Aude Lejeune, Jean‑François Orianne
Language(s) of instruction :  
French language
Course contents :  
This seminar is divided in two parts: 1) an introduction to the theoretical and methodological tools of the sociology of professions; 2) a presentation of case studies.
The first part consists of interactive presentation and discussion, based on articles, major paradigms of the sociology of professions: the structural-functionalist approach, interactionist approach, new theories of professions (neo-Marxist and neo-Weberian approaches).Three general topics are the core of this theoretical and methodological reflection on the dynamics of occupational groups: professional legitimacy, professional autonomy, and competition between professions.
The second part is based on the presentation of various case studies: medical professions and legal professions. We expect to welcome guest lecturers (researchers, teachers, working professionals) to illustrate the different trends and paradigms through the presentation of case studies and experiences in various professions.
Learning outcomes of the course :  
The sociology of professions class aims to train students analyzing professions and occupational groups sociologically.

By the end of the course, students will be able to :
  • Identify the controversies in the literature
  • Understand the concepts, methodological principles and the many trends of research.
  • Apply these concepts and principles to the analysis of empirical cases
  • Establish links between different theoretical, methodological and empirical data
  • Criticize or compare theoretical and/or normative positions
  • Produce an argument on a theoretical question
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :  
1) Introduction 2) Functionalist approach (Parsons, Wilensky) 3) Interactionism (Hughes, Strauss) 4) New approaches (Larson, Abbott) 5) Case study 1: medical professions 6) Case study 2: legal professions
7) Synthesis
Recommended or required readings :  
Two readings are compulsory for the class: a readings file and the book C. Dubar, P. Tripier, V. Boussard, Sociologie des professions (Armand Colin, 2011).
Assessment methods and criteria :  
The student may choose to write a personal piece of work (such as a critical review of the literature concerning a professional group or a profession), or to take an oral examination based on the course.
Contacts :  
Jean-François Orianne Sociologie de l'action publique et des problèmes du travail Boulevard du Rectorat 7 4000 Liège Bâtiment B31 / Bureau: 1.99 Tél: 04/366.30.49 jforianne@ulg.ac.be

Aude Lejeune
Sociologie des organisations et des institutions
Boulevard du Rectorat 7 4000 Liège Bâtiment B31 / Bureau: 1.96 Tél: 04/366.31.12
Aude.Lejeune@ulg.ac.be


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