DavidsonLearns has begun filling up seats in its first three classes that begin later this month, as part of a new “lifelong learning” program in the Lake Norman area. Registration is still open for the five-session courses in 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.

Instructors for the first round of courses are local veteran educators: Davidson College political science professor Susan Roberts, poet and Davidson English professor emeritus Anthony S. Abbott, and former Davidson mayor and Queens University economist Randy Kincaid.

Amy Diamond

DavidsonLearns Executive director Amy Diamond said the courses were more than half full with two weeks until they start. She said she has been getting “phenomenal support” from the community for the program. “We are really delighted they are half full,” she said.

She said she’s already hearing interest and getting ideas for future classes. She said she expects the fledgling program eventually to become “part of the fiber of the town,” as it becomes established.

Mr. Kincaid said he’s eager to teach in Davidson. “I”m cutting back on my teaching, but I don’t want to quit teaching,” he said.

“This is ideal,” he said, joking that he won’t have papers to grade. He’ll be teaching a course on the Federal Reserve, a topic many people have heard of, but few may understand.

That’s the idea behind DavidsonLearns: Creating an environment for adults to learn from others in the community who are willing to share their expertise.

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.

Here are descriptions of the initial course offerings:

Randy Kincaid

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

Tony Abbott

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.

Susan Roberts

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

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.

RELATED COVERAGE

Sept. 6, 2012, “DavidsonLearns offers poetry, politics & economics classes”

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