Apiculture in the Georgics

Since we are focusing on the topic of apiculture in the Georgics it behooves us to gain and demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the rest of Virgil’s didactic poem.  What are its key themes and philosophical tenets? In what ways does the Georgics reflect the historical context of the 30s BCE? Does it agree with the prophecy of the return of the golden age inEclogue 4? To answer these questions and others you may have, you are invited to give and an oral presentation of 10 minutes and write a final paper of 5-6 pages on a section of the Georgics you have chosen.    The object of the oral presentation, which may become the basis of your written paper, is to examine an area of the Georgics that we are not translating and to observe what you learn about the fundamental processes of Virgil’s universe. You have volunteered for sections of text that range from roughly 50 to 110 lines. You are welcome to narrow down your section of text to a paragraph of 25 to 35 lines, if it forms a closed unit. You are welcome to use a translation, but you should also discuss a quotable highlights in Latin that relate to major themes in the poem.    Objectives for Oral Presentations and Paper   ·      To have read and understood a selected passage in Latin from Virgil’s Georgics with the help of commentaries, translations, and scholarly literature.   ·      To communicate to fellow readers of Latin what one can learn from the selected passage  ·      What points does it make? Or what questions does it pose and answer? ·      How does the selected passage relate to the didactic framework of the poet’s treatment of agriculture, arboriculture, viticulture, animal husbandry, or apiculture? the different branches of farming?