Sorbonne Abu Dhabi hosts exciting multidisciplinary roundtable on Rousseau

The roundtable comprised of a multidisciplinary panel of teachers in various Sorbonne Abu Dhabi academic departments such as Department of French and comparative Literature; French Intensive Language; History of Art and Archeology; History; Geography; Law; Applied Foreign Languages and Philosophy and Sociology.

The programme included the analysis of Rousseau's work from a literary and linguistic angle, followed by his role in arts, international relations and geography, then presented his work drafting the (1763) Corsiga Constitution, and finalized with an introspective regarding social science.

The roundtable featured a series of short presentations followed by a dialogue with the audience members, including teachers and students from Terminal, the Lycée Louis Massignon and Georges Pompidou.

Invitations were extended to all schools where French is taught as a second language to be a part of this enriching discussion dedicated to Rousseau as well as to form exchanges so high school students discover more about the Bachelor programmes available at Sorbonne Abu Dhabi.

Prof. Dr. Eric Fouache, Vice-Chancellor of Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi said, "The aim of this multidisciplinary roundtable is to engage our students and the audience by exploring some of Rousseau's compelling works. As a leading writer, philosopher, and historian, he influenced political and moral thinking into new directions that had a significant impact on the lives of the French people. As a French academic institution in the Middle East renowned for critical thinking, we strive to create events for our students and potential students that are intellectually stimulating and help elevate their appreciation of historical and cultural developments."

Sorbonne Abu Dhabi is an Emirati university featuring a spectrum of disciplines including Humanities, Arts, Social Science and Economics. Embodying excellence in education, Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is committed to delivering world-class education throughout its extensive programmes for its students to excel in a knowledge-based economy.

In order to enhance knowledge and spark an interest in research, Sorbonne Abu Dhabi regularly organizes lectures, debates and conferences that enhance knowledge and promotes healthy debates on crucial subjects. Most of these events are open to public and simultaneous translation into Arabic and English is provided at the venue.

Born in 1712, Jean-Jacques Rousseau renewed literature and paved the way for Romanticism. He was too an eminent political philosopher, educationist and essayist. His ideas about education greatly influenced modern educational theory and he advocated the importance of learning by experience rather than learning by the book. Among his numerous published works, 'The Social Contract' (1762) remains a highly influential book on the relationship of man with society and 'Émile' (1762) is widely acknowledged as a definitive statement of education.