The Importance of Being Historical: Civil Engineers and Their History
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Volume 120, Issue 4
Abstract
Should civil engineers be interested in the history of their profession? The paper affirms this question as it examines different approaches to the history of civil engineering. Biographical or “heroic” studies of famous engineers or artifacts attract young people to the profession. Historical knowledge provides designers or managers with new perspectives on contemporary design problems, or problems within the organization for which they work. Historical case studies instill a sense of professional identity, values, and responsibility in students, as well as broaden their technical experience. Knowledge of history and of methods of historical research also helps the profession deal with its burden of history, old infrastructure.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 120 • Issue 4 • October 1994
Pages: 419 - 428
Copyright
Copyright © 1994 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 30, 1993
Published online: Oct 1, 1994
Published in print: Oct 1994
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