The 2012 Francophonie Cultural Festival presents Occupy Rousseau: Inequality and Social Justice at the Library of Congress T U E S D A Y , M A R C H 1 3 Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712 – 1778) Dear Friends of La Maison Française, Philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau was born June 28, 1712. To celebrate the 3rd Century since his birth, the Embassy of Switzerland and La Maison Française are joining forces with the Library of Congress to present an evening dedicated to this main figure of the Age of Enlightenment. We hope that you will be able to be with us at the Library of Congress on Tuesday, March 13 for this program entitled Occupy Rousseau: Inequality and Social Justice. Rousseau believed government should be for and by the people—a concept that sparked the American and French Revolutions. During this program, an international panel will discuss how Rousseau’s principles can be applied to contemporary social issues, including the growing gap between the rich and the poor. Speakers will include: Guillaume Chenevière, former director of Télévision Suisse Romande and author of Rousseau, une histoire genevoise; Michael O’Dea of Lyon University, author of Nations and Nationalisms: France, Britain, Ireland and the Eighteenth-Century Context; and James Swenson of Rutgers University, author of On Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Considered as One of the First Authors of the Revolution. An exhibition of rarely seen objects from the Library of Congress will complement the panel discussion. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WHAT: Occupy Rousseau: Inequality and Social Justice WHEN: Tuesday, March 13 - 5:30 p.m.: Exhibition - 6:30 p.m.: Panel discussion WHERE: Library of Congress - Jefferson Building, Room LJ-119 (101 Independence Avenue, S.E.) ADMISSION: Free MORE INFO: www.francophoniedc.org -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We look forward to seeing you at the Library of Congress for this installment of the 2012 Francophonie Cultural Festival! Below you will find the complete festival schedule. Visit the official website (www.francophonieDC.org) to learn more. Warm regards, Roland Celette Cultural Attaché | Director of La Maison Française www.HouseofFranceDC.org