Rousseau 300: Nature, Self, and State

2012 sees the tercentenary of the birth of Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778), one of the most influential, best known, but perhaps little understood European authors of all times. Champion of the Enlightenment and beacon of Romanticism, an ancestor of radical revolutionaries and totalitarian dictators alike, inventor of modern notions of the self and advocate of ancient republicanism: Rousseau has been cast in all these roles and many more. Under the title Rousseau 300: Nature, Self, and State, the UCL History Department has organised a series of events aimed at a comprehensive re-evaluation of Rousseau's enduring legacy after 300 years. These include an exhibition at the UCL Art Museum (9 January – 27 April 2012), an international conference (19-21 April 2012), and rare performances of an opera written and composed by Rousseau’s, Le Devin du Village (20 January and 20 April 2012).