Economics is a social science, comparable in methodology to other social sciences such as political science, sociology, anthropology and psychology. The Economic Way of Thinking (EWOT) refers to concepts and forms of analysis involved in the study of economics. Economics is not the study of business or how to engage in personal investment, however valuable that might be. What we will try to do in the four 2-hour classes is to examine some key concepts such as opportunity cost, economize, optimize, positive vs. normative, rational ignorance, etc. Small group discussions will be used to find ways to illustrate such concepts through personal experience.

Dr. Hugh Himan holds a B.A.and M.A. in Economics from Miami University and a Ph.D. in International Trade from the University of Illinois. Since his retirement in 2001, he and his wife, Sarah, live in the Reems Creek development with, their 4-year old Cairn Terrier, Archie. Hugh and Sarah have 4 children and 7 grandchildren, most of whom live in Asheville.

Men’s Lounge, Fountain Building – 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Gardening-Peter Loewer

Interactive lectures will be given on the following topics: Gardening in Containers, Native Plants of the Southeast, Shade Gardening in the Southeast, and The New International Garden.

Peter Loewer is a well-known writer and botanical artist who has written and illustrated over twenty-five books on gardening and natural history over the past thirty years. His botanical illustrations are in the permanent collection of the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation at Carnegie-Mellon in Pittsburgh. Mr. Loewer is the author of two books and has a monthly call-in garden show on Public Radio in Asheville. He and his wife, Jean, write and illustrate, gardening on an acre of land in Asheville, NC .

Wednesdays-Montreat College Campus

Montreat Presbyterian Church Henry Building-4^TH FLOOR-9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

The History of Asheville and Buncombe County-Mitzi Tessier

Asheville is not Southern, mountain, or Northern. It’s Asheville, a regional center nestled in the foothills of the Appalachians. In the days when consumptive ailments and malaria was the scourge of the world, Asheville attracted the rich and famous for the cure. She is still attracting the rich and famous for her beautiful surroundings, her music and art. Yet, Asheville’s traditions often stand in the way of progress. We will explore these traditions as we look at the history of this unique city and the county she dominates.

Mitzi Tessier has been a rapt student of Asheville and Buncombe County history ever since she was asked by Donning and Company Publishers to write two pictorial histories of the area. She considers herself to be a social historian since she teaches by story-telling and involving the lives of those who made a difference. Mitzi has a BA in Journalism from LSU and has done graduate work at WCU and UNC-A.

Montreat Presbyterian Church Henry Building – 4^TH FLOOR-9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

James Fenimore Cooper: The Five Leatherstocking Tales-Patrick Killough

We will read together and see film clips of the five historical novels Cooper wrote about Nathaniel “Natty” Bumppo, the original American illiterate, nonconformist backwoodsman –libertarian, conscience-following outsider, and his struggle with the earliest pioneers pressing west. The novels are THE PIONEER, THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS, THE PRAIRIE, THE PATHFINDER, and THE DEERSLAYER. Cooper lived from 1789 to 1851 and wrote the LEATHERSTOCKING series between 1823 and 1841.

Patrick Killough is a retired American diplomat and no stranger to McCall. Coming off two years immersion in the works of Sir Walter Scott, Patrick will introduce Cooper as “the American Scott,” emphasizing the American’s many links to the great Scottish poet and novelist.

Join us at noon on Wednesdays for lunch in the Howerton Cafeteria private dining room.

Montreat Presbyterian Church Henry Building - 4^th FLOOR-1 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

Ethical Thinking-Douglas W. Johnson, Ph.D.

We all think about what we consider to be right or wrong. This course will consider what are acceptable reasons for what we or others do. We will discuss, agree, and disagree. We will also look at what some of the great thinkers, both ancient and modern, have said about this, and apply their ideas to such present day ethical questions as capital punishment, homosexuality, euthanasia, abortion, politics, and others. Hopefully, we can learn from each other.

Dr. Douglas Johnson holds degrees from the University of Chicago, The Lutheran School of Theology, Harvard Divinity School, and a Ph.D. (with honors on the dissertation and defense) from S.M. U. He has served as a college professor and V.P. for Academic Affairs. He is an ordained Lutheran minister. He is married with two children and two grandchildren. Dr. Johnson’s book, The Great Jesus Debates, is published by Concordia Press.

Montreat Presbyterian Church Henry Building - 4^th FLOOR-1 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

Presbyterian History-Ron Vinson (Classes will be April 9, 16, 23, and 30)

From communion tokens to Cherokee, Choctaw and Chickasaw missions; from 18^th century great awakenings to professional baseball star and America’s evangelist Billy; from the first life insurance company in America to the first religious broadcast station, from log cabin schools to leading American colleges and universities – this will be the fascinating and little-told story of Presbyterians in America and their impact on Appalachia, the U.S. and other countries.

Ron Vinson will lead this four-class session, with participation from experts in various areas of Presbyterian history. Ron is coordinating the opening of the new Presbyterian Heritage Center in Montreat on Memorial weekend, which will feature museum exhibits, a research library and online educational services. He runs a marketing communications firm serving national and regional clients, including numerous museums.

SPECIAL EVENT – MONTREAT HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR-Fred Holder or Mary Standaert

April 19, 2008 - Meet by the fireplace in the upper lobby of Assembly Inn.

There will be two different times for a guided walking tour of Montreat highlighting the history, architecture, and landscape of the Conference Center, Montreat College and the Town. Stories will be shared of early residents to present day personalities. For an opportunity to learn the answer to the riddle “What do Montreat, Daniel Boone, and the Spanish-American War have in common?,” join us on April 19^th for an exciting, fun-filled tour. Sign-ups are required as group size will be limited to 15. There are two different tour times available (10 a.m. to 12 noon or 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.)

McCall Continuing Ed