In this seminar, we will examine Emile, which Rousseau considered to be his most important and most comprehensive work-in brief, as the reply, point to point, to Plato's Republic. Whereas Plato became famous for presenting an imaginary city, Rousseau presents an imaginary soul or person; his philosophical novel covers the education of Emile from birth until just after marriage. Our discussion will conform to the scope of the themes of the book: nature, economics, morality, religion, sexuality, aesthetics, and politics. Prerequisite: junior standing. Enrollment limited.