About the book
Christopher C. Langdell (1826–1906) is one of the most influential figures in the history of American professional education. As dean of Harvard Law School from 1870 to 1895, he conceived, designed, and built the educational model that leading professional schools in virtually all fields subsequently emulated. In this first full-length biography of the educator and jurist, Bruce Kimball explores Langdell’s controversial role in modern professional education and in jurisprudence.
Langdell founded his model on the idea of academic meritocracy. According to this principle, scholastic achievement should determine one’s merit in professional life. Despite fierce opposition from students, faculty, alumni, and legal professionals, he designed and instituted a formal system of innovative policies based on meritocracy. This system’s components included the admission requirement of a bachelor’s degree, the sequenced curriculum and its extension to three years, the hurdle of annual examinations for continuation and graduation, the independent career track for professional faculty, the transformation of the professional library into a scholarly resource, the inductive pedagogy of teaching from cases, the organization of alumni to support the school, and a new, highly successful financial strategy.
Langdell’s model was subsequently adopted by leading law schools, medical schools, business schools, and the schools of other professions. By the time of his retirement as dean at Harvard, Langdell’s reforms had shaped the future model for professional education throughout the United States.
Editions of The Inception of Modern Professional Education
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807832578
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469614816
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807889961
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469605623
- EBook
- ISBN 9798893132854
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890882066
Read an Excerpt
Christopher C. Langdell (1826–1906) is one of the most influential figures in the history of American professional education. As dean of Harvard Law School from 1870 to 1895, he conceived, designed, and built the educational model that leading professional schools in virtually all fields subsequently emulated. In this first full-length biography of the educator and jurist, Bruce Kimball explores Langdell’s controversial role in modern professional education and in jurisprudence.
Langdell founded his model on the idea of academic meritocracy. According to this principle, scholastic achievement should determine one’s merit in professional life. Despite fierce opposition from students, faculty, alumni, and legal professionals, he designed and instituted a formal system of innovative policies based on meritocracy. This system’s components included the admission requirement of a bachelor’s degree, the sequenced curriculum and its extension to three years, the hurdle of annual examinations for continuation and graduation, the independent career track for professional faculty, the transformation of the professional library into a scholarly resource, the inductive pedagogy of teaching from cases, the organization of alumni to support the school, and a new, highly successful financial strategy.
Langdell’s model was subsequently adopted by leading law schools, medical schools, business schools, and the schools of other professions. By the time of his retirement as dean at Harvard, Langdell’s reforms had shaped the future model for professional education throughout the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Inception of Modern Professional Education about?
Christopher C. Langdell (1826–1906) is one of the most influential figures in the history of American professional education. As dean of Harvard Law School from 1870 to 1895, he conceived, designed, and built the educational model that leading professional schools in virtually all fields subsequently emulated. In this first full-length biography of the educator and jurist, Bruce Kimball explores Langdell’s controversial role in modern professional education and in jurisprudence.
Langdell founded his model on the idea of academic meritocracy. According to this principle, scholastic achievement should determine one’s merit in professional life. Despite fierce opposition from students, faculty, alumni, and legal professionals, he designed and instituted a formal system of innovative policies based on meritocracy. This system’s components included the admission requirement of a bachelor’s degree, the sequenced curriculum and its extension to three years, the hurdle of annual examinations for continuation and graduation, the independent career track for professional faculty, the transformation of the professional library into a scholarly resource, the inductive pedagogy of teaching from cases, the organization of alumni to support the school, and a new, highly successful financial strategy.
Langdell’s model was subsequently adopted by leading law schools, medical schools, business schools, and the schools of other professions. By the time of his retirement as dean at Harvard, Langdell’s reforms had shaped the future model for professional education throughout the United States.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Inception of Modern Professional Education?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Biography and non-fiction prose > Biography: general
Where can I read a sample of The Inception of Modern Professional Education?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807832578
How long is The Inception of Modern Professional Education and how many pages does it have?
The Inception of Modern Professional Education has 448 page(s)
Is The Inception of Modern Professional Education part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Studies in Legal History
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Inception of Modern Professional Education?
Bruce A. Kimball
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Inception of Modern Professional Education is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807832578) and paperback(ISBN 9781469614816) and ebook(ISBN 9780807889961) and ebook(ISBN 9781469605623) and ebook(ISBN 9798893132854) and pdf(ISBN 9798890882066)
Where can I buy The Inception of Modern Professional Education online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Inception of Modern Professional Education from below
Where can I buy The Inception of Modern Professional Education?