DavidsonLearns, a new “lifelong learning” program in the Lake Norman area, is now accepting registrations for its first first three courses beginning in October, focusing on the topics of poetry, politics and economics.

DavidsonLearns was founded this summer by a group of residents seeking to tap the town’s status as an “academic hub” to offer classes for adults of all ages. In June, the steering committee recently picked Davidson resident Amy Diamond as its executive director, and conducted a survey that showed interest in the idea. (The survey is still open at www.davidsonlearns.org.)

“Our mission statement is simple. DavidsonLearns seeks to enhance the intellectual life of adults by providing a selection of challenging, diverse and relevant courses and, in so doing, form a community of learners,” Ms. Diamond said in a press release this week.

“Our vision is to become a premier adult learning institute serving as a regional resource for any adult who wants to maintain an active mind and demonstrates a love of learning. It is our belief that educational experiences provide a common ground where people come together with shared goals, expectations and vulnerabilities,” she said.

The first three courses will be held evenings in October and November, running 1½ hours to 2½ hours. They will be held at venues in Davidson that offer adequate parking and are handicapped accessible. Registrants will be contacted prior to class with the specified location. Ms. Diamond said organizers hope one of the classes can meet at the historic Copeland House on North Main Street, across from Davidson College.

Here are descriptions of the initial course offerings:

INTRODUCTION TO THE WRITING OF POETRY, Wednesdays 7-9:30 p.m. Oct. 17, 24, 31, Nov. 7 and 14, location TBA – Taught by Tony Abbott, English professor emeritus at Davidson College, the class will study the critical elements of poetry: imagery and metaphor; form – both traditional form and free verse; the sound, music and rhythm of verse; and the process of revision. Students may bring a poem to be critiqued to each session. We will divide our time between the study of poetry and the analysis of your poems. Limited to 10 students. Fee: $60. Register on the Town of Davidson Parks & Recreation website.

POLITICS, POLICY AND ELECTION 2012, Wednesdays Oct. 17, 24, 31, Nov. 7 and 14, location TBA – Prof. Susan Roberts of Davidson College’s political science department will teach this class looking at the presidential election of 2012, which provides an opportunity to analyze both the political context and the policy challenges facing Americans. In addition to pre- and post-election analysis, this course will include sessions concerning economic policy in Election 2012, constitutional questions with health care reform, and environmental issues in presidential elections. Limited to 25 students. Fee: $60. Town of Davidson Parks & Recreation website

THE FEDERAL RESERVE, Thursdays 7-8:30 p.m., Oct 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8 and 15, location TBA – Taught by Randall Kincaid, professor at Queens University’s McColl School of Business in Charlotte and retired Davidson mayor. How does the Federal Reserve work in creating and destroying money, in raising and lowering interest rates, and in influencing employment, prices, and economic growth? We’ll read the NY Times bestselling book “In Fed We Trust” by David Wessel (economics editor of the Wall Street Journal) for a look at the current financial meltdown and the role monetary policy plays in the economy. Limited to 25 students. Fee: $60. Town of Davidson Parks & Recreation website

YOU CAN HELP

DavidsonLearns continues to cultivate interested future presenters. Those looking to present course ideas to the board should contact Curriculum Chair Ruth Ault at ruault@davidson.edu.

For those who have not yet participated in DavidsonLearns’ community survey, it is still available at our web site www.davidsonlearns.org under “DavidsonLearns Survey.” Interested adults are encouraged to offer their opinions about this learning initiative.

RELATED COVERAGE

June 4, 2012, “DavidsonLearns names Diamond as director, seeks input”