In this class we will read extensive selections from all four books of Vergil’s strangely compelling poem about farming. Influenced by both Hesiod and Lucretius, the poem is deeply emotional at times and often probes the connections between humans and the natural world, while also reflecting on philosophy, mythology, and contemporary history. The focus will be on reading the Latin text, but we will also read and discuss modern scholarship. There will be a short writing assignment early on, and a longer paper near the end of the semester, plus regular quizzes, a midterm, and a final exam.