Journal Entry 5

The Problem of Specialization

When it comes to the topic of Specialization, most of us will readily agree that specialization, no matter what field of study you are involved in, plays as a pillar in that field’s model of hierarchy. John Higham explains, “Initially, disciplinary specialization ran counter to American ideals; there was no place for a Renaissance man or woman in the newly de (com)-partmentalized university. Soon after the turn of the century, however, specialization became more and more accepted as a way to advance knowledge beyond a kind of general application.” Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of, is specialization helpful in some scenarios? Whereas some are convinced that specialization is what creates that advantage. For example, for those people in the medical field, they can specialize in their fields. In scenarios like that specialization is of great importance. In the case of the English Language, specialization has revolutionized its dimensions and its outlooks. However, others maintain that specialization is really not as important as general knowledge. They feel as though the ‘general’ advantage or ‘general’ perspective of things is what creates that advantage.