This report examines the nature of the expertise needed in most professions and higher level occupations based on findings of the Project on Liberal Learning Study. It is noted that all professions commonly hold that effective practice requires more than narrow technical specialization. The report argues that the competent practitioner needs both technical expertise and contextual understanding so that the practitioner possesses the ability to: (1) understand how the physical, social, economic, and political context in which the professional works affects and is affected by the activity; (2) communicate and often collaborate with both clients and colleagues of different backgrounds and expertise; and (3) deal with complexity and ambiguity and recognize the existence of alternatives and trade-offs. It stresses that these elements must be combined into a coherent curriculum is then both liberal and career oriented. Development of such curricula should constitute a top priority for all who are interested in furthering liberal learning within the professions. Contains a 13-item bibliography. (GLR)