Rudolph: Chapter 16

Chapter 16: Flowering of the University Movement

Defining the American university in the 19th century was difficult because of the diversity across the country. Colleges were moving to be accredited as universities to gain greater prestige. Some considered themselves a university for having graduate programs, but others considered themselves a university if they offered all possibly types of education that the student would desire. The university would gain credibility once diplomas were awarded as “certificates of proficiency” rather than mere “certificates of residency.” This way, one had to actually demonstrate that one deserved the degree and go on to pursue their chosen career.

The greatest change in the university was the redefinition of the profession versus the vocation. Now that the gamut of professions included more varied careers, they required extended study. The specialization of careers may have spurned the development of more expert driven fields. This continues the idea that every man doesn’t need to know the same thing to succeed. Conversely, if one specializes in a particular field, it will be better in turn for the society. Most noted was the need for teachers that was met by the formation of teacher colleges.

The debate between professions and vocations reminded me of the negative connotation that vocational schools seem to have in the present day. There may be a psychological connotation of a vocation as belonging to the lower class and a profession to the well educated. As university study is becoming a requirement for most professions, so too some vocations such as service professionals are requiring more expert knowledge.