Main Campus/Coastal Science Center Courses   

Using flowers as inspiration, students will learn how to compose a basic floral composition, with guidance and direction from artist and floral designer, Roberta Vittoria. From there, we will learn how to translate that composition into a basic drawing, and bring it to life with watercolors. Each drawing will reflect each individual’s unique personality, while also helping you to unwind and relax in a fun and encouraging environment.

Please click here to see inspiration for this course.

Please click here for some additional inspiration.

Required Material Fees: $15 cash or check (payable to Roberta C. Hoversten) is due to the instructor at the beginning of class for all materials needed, including: paints, brushes, paper, flowers and other related materials in order for students to create a fun and memorable art project.

Learn the foundations for studying astrology in this beginner-friendly, interactive workshop. Using the birth chart as our primary object of inquiry and practice, we’ll explore the personal planets, their relationship to the zodiac, and their manifestations in your unique birth chart. Together we will learn how the birth chart can serve as tool for self-reflection, empowered storytelling, and a bridge between your own life and the ancient myths of the cosmos. At the end of the course, students will leave with the knowledge and skills needed to interpret their own (and other) charts and the basic tools by which to deepen their own astrology practice.

Students will complete a usable trivet (for hot pots) using a wooden Tree of Life as the centerpiece. All supplies will be provided by the instructor.

Required Materials Fee: $20 cash to the instructor at the beginning of the class.

Becoming the Ballroom Dancer that you DREAM of is what the Best of Ballroom Dancing classes are all about. There is a method that you will learn to get you closer (easier and faster) to your mental image of the dancer that you could be. During this set of classes, we will study the basic dance styles that most people associate with the Ballroom scene, such as the Waltz, Tango, Rumba, Swing and Salsa, and how to achieve them with the least amount of effort - the secret is through Visualization. If you can 'See' it you can achieve it, and I will reveal to you how this can be possible, by using tried and true techniques that will give you the key to unlock your hidden dance skills.

Please click here for some course inspiration!

Required Materials: No partner is necessary and no prior experience is required. All you need to bring to class is your imagination and your dance shoes. Believe you can, and you will. Sign up today and get your dancing started off on the right foot!

Take your bourbon knowledge to the next level—no sipping required. Bourbon 201 is an engaging, science-focused course designed for curious enthusiasts who want to understand what truly shapes the flavor of bourbon, from barrel to environment to palate. This class explores the critical role of the barrel in maturation, including how different levels of char and toast influence color, aroma, and complexity. We’ll demystify the art of secondary finishing—how additional aging in specialty casks (such as wine, port, or sherry barrels) can transform a bourbon’s profile. We’ll also examine how environmental factors—temperature swings, warehouse location, and seasonal variation—impact the aging process and ultimately the character of the spirit. A dedicated segment explores how adding water or ice changes bourbon—chemically and perceptually—unlocking aromas, softening alcohol heat, and altering mouthfeel.

You’ll dive into the rise of high-proof “HazMat” bourbons (those exceeding 140 proof), exploring why they’ve surged in popularity, how they’re produced, and what makes them both thrilling and challenging for drinkers. We’ll also take a look at the current state of the bourbon industry—from booming demand and allocation culture, to innovation, sustainability efforts, and evolving consumer trends. Through guided sensory exercises (using aroma kits and everyday reference materials), you’ll begin refining your palate—learning to identify, articulate, and appreciate the nuanced notes commonly found in bourbon.

Whether you're continuing your bourbon journey or simply fascinated by the science and craftsmanship behind it, this course offers a deeper understanding of what’s in your glass—without ever lifting it.

Brain health refers to how well a person’s brain functions across many areas, like motor, emotional, and sensory functions. Importantly, it also includes cognitive health, or how well you think, remember, and learn. As we age, changes in the brain can affect cognitive health. Exercising your brain may help delay the cognitive decline that naturally comes with healthy aging. Finding ways to stimulate your brain can help it stay sharper for longer. Any activity that requires attention, focus and engagement challenges the brain. We will engage in fun brain games each week to help stimulate your brain. Prepare to find your inner child and to have fun while engaging your brain.

Take the work out of Christmas prep and start early! Participants will paint their own Christmas Ball Ornament as a keepsake, or a personalized gift for family or friends. Make new friends at OLLI while chatting and painting, and take home an ornament ready to gift.

Please click here to see some inspiration for this course!

Required Materials Fee: $10 cash paid to instructor at the start of class, for these materials provided by the instructor: clear gifting box, ball ornament, templates to choose from (Christmas themed, state outlines, family trees), paintbrushes and a limited selection of acrylic paints.

Required Materials: The instructor will provide a limited set of paints. If you prefer, you may bring your own paints, or purchase 5 acrylic paint colors of your choice. Must-haves for Christmas are: red, gold, silver, green and blue. 

This course will focus on the history of the CCU baseball program, from 1963 to the present. Like the larger institution it represents, Coastal baseball started small (in 1963) but quickly grew. Students will learn about four distinct eras in the program's history: 1. The early years (1963-1973), when Coastal baseball fielded a club-level team that competed against other two-year schools and local high schools as part of the Carolina League and the Palmetto Conference; 2. The NAIA years (1974-1984), when the Chanticleers competed successfully against other four-year schools and qualified for the NAIA World Series three times; 3. The Big South Years (1985-2016), when the Chants successfully moved up to the NCAA Division 1 level and ultimately won a College World Series (CWS) championship in 2016; 4. The Sun Belt Years (2017-Present), during which Coastal baseball has enjoyed a strong record of success in a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) conference, including a run to the CWS championship series in 2025.

Recommended Reading Prior to Course: Before the course meets, students are encouraged (but of course, not required) to read "Tenacious and True: Coastal Carolina's 2016 Championship and the Rise of a Baseball Power," which is available from these retailers: University of South Carolina Press or Amazon.

This course is designed to support ease of movement, breath awareness, and gentle strength. Using a chair for support, we’ll stretch, strengthen, and breathe our way toward improved mobility, balance, and relaxation. Each session includes seated postures, optional standing movements, breathwork, and guided relaxation—all offered with clear instruction and adaptable options to meet a wide range of physical abilities. Whether you’re new to yoga or returning after a break, this practice invites you to move at your own pace and discover a sense of flow and steadiness.

Please click here for course inspiration!

Required Materials: A yoga mat (optional for standing poses), and a water bottle. Wear comfortable clothing that allows free movement. 

This class is designed to help older adults stay safe online and avoid common internet scams. Tailored specifically for individuals over the age of 50 who manage their own finances and regularly use the internet, the course provides essential tools for protecting personal information and financial well-being. Participants will learn practical tips and techniques for staying secure online, how to minimize unwanted spam, and best practices for creating strong, secure passwords. The course also covers common tactics used by scammers and introduces the concept of building a buddy system to provide mutual support in safeguarding personal finances.

This genealogy class will assist beginning genealogists in finding their ancestors. Participants will learn basic strategies to search for their family. Students will also learn how to access genealogical forms to record their data, as well as how to access HeritageQuest Online (a free database) from home, to begin filling out those genealogical forms.

A fleece tie blanket is one of the easiest no-sew crafts for adults. It's a simple, inexpensive project made by cutting, tying and knotting together two pieces of fleece. Fleece tie blanket templates will be provided to all students.

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Required Materials: Two coordinating pieces of fleece (1 yard each for class; consider one print and a matching solid)* Ruler Fabric Scissors Yardstick *The fleece can be purchased at Hobby Lobby or online. I suggest making a 1-yard child's blanket as your first project, due to the size needed for 2 yards. Heavy fleece may be too thick for this project.

Students will learn how to make their own leather medicine bag, and what the cultural importance is. They will also learn the meaning behind the bag and how it is used.

Materials Fee: $15.00 cash to instructor at the beginning of class.

Students will work along with the instructor to complete an easy project, while practicing color blending on canvas, using only blue, black, white and yellow to create a simple moon-lit seascape.

Required Materials: Acrylic paint (blue, black, white and yellow), brushes, water container, plastic table cover, and palette. An easel is recommended, but not required.

Join us on a fascinating journey to explore the rich culture, history, and language of South Korea! In this dynamic session, students will immerse themselves in key aspects of South Korean life, language, and traditions. We will explore the history of South Korea, Korea's positioning in the East and the world. You will leave the session with a greater understanding of Korea as a rising global country and even be able to read some Korean characters! Whether you’re a curious traveler, a parent/grandparent trying to relate to a child in your life that is obsessed with K-dramas or K-pop, or simply interested in expanding your cultural horizons and learning the language, this class is for you.

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This is a relaxed, beginner-friendly class exploring the basics of color theory. Learn to mix colors, create a color wheel, and paint a simple project in a comfortable, supportive environment. No experience needed.

Required Materials: Watercolors or Acrylic paint, Multi-medium paper, brushes, water container, palette, ruler, pencil or pen, small plastic table cover, paper towels or rags.

Have you ever wished you knew more about the medications your doctor prescribes? How do they get approved? What do all those side effects mean? In this course, students will be introduced to the process of conducting clinical trials for drug approval and gain a high level understanding of how a product label is developed. We will explore clinical data and learn what label information means to you, the consumer.

Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, TikTok, X, Youtube: You've heard of these social media platforms, but what's the difference? Which platform does what and how do you use them? Regardless if you've had an account for years, recently made one, or are considering one, this class is for you! We will explore the unique functions and features of each of these platforms, what they are best used for, and how to create profiles and navigate them safely.

Please click here for course inspiration.

Important Note: Personal devices are not required. This course will be a demonstration of how to use social media platforms. You may want to bring pen and paper to take notes. If you have specific questions, or a topic you would like to be covered in class, please email ahead of time.

This course will be a continuation of the community band called Panning For Gold. We welcome former and new students willing to learn how to play the steel drums, AKA "steelpan," the Caribbean instruments from Trinidad and Tobago. This course does not require any prior musical knowledge and is open to any level of musicianship, even if you haven't played an instrument before. You will learn the history of steelpan, basic music theory, and how to play in an ensemble setting.

Required Materials: Sticks will be provided by the instructor. Students will need to bring a binder or folder to hold their music, and a writing implement.

Have you ever wondered about the name “Waccamaw” that you see all around Horry County? There is the Waccamaw Community Foundation, Waccamaw High School, Waccamaw Publishers Inc., just to name a few. I want to tell you about my people, the Waccamaw Indian People, who are also from Horry County. You will learn about our history and culture, where we are located, what we are doing and some of our plans for the future.

Medicare. We are bombarded each year with phone calls, mailings, and commercials about Medicare. It is all so confusing, right? How do I know what coverage is best for me? Which plan will cost me the least money? When can I sign up? Help!

It is our goal to answer all your questions and dispel the misinformation that causes the confusion most people feel concerning Medicare.

This course, Medicare 101, is designed to provide participants with the basics of Medicare. We will break down Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, and what each part covers. Students will learn about Medicare health insurance coverage options, like "original" Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Supplement. We will discuss prescription drug coverage. By the end of the workshop, students will have a better understanding of Medicare and all of its' parts as they apply to their situation, and will be prepared to evaluate plan choices during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 - December 7.

Learn how to grow an antioxidant rich Superfood in 8-10 days, ready to eat! This course enables you to grow your own Microgreens. Learn why Microgreens are a Superfood and may increase your health exponentially! You will become knowledgeable in the following areas:

• The mental and physical benefits

• Superfood, immune boosters and antioxidants in your Microgreens

• Why boosting your immune system is important

• Your gut health and the gut-brain connection

• Tasting the difference between your Microgreens

• Incorporating Microgreens into the foods you currently eat

• The vitamins, minerals and nutrients in your Microgreens

• Tray preparation and seeding of your own Microgreens tray.

You will take home a tray of Microgreens that you have seeded and be empowered to grow your own food in 10 days or less!

Please click here for course inspiration!

Required Materials Fee: $25 payable to the instructor (cash or Venmo) at the beginning of class for all the supplies you will need.

Learn to play the classic game of Mah Jongg while building friendships and boosting your brainpower. This interactive course introduces the fundamentals of gameplay, strategy and etiquette, all in a relaxed social setting. Perfect for beginners and anyone interested in sharpening memory, pattern recognition and mental agility. Let the tiles fall where they may - you'll still win with new friends and sharper thinking.

Students will paint and decorate a wooden birdhouse with different embellishments, for a whimsical and creative summer look! The instructor will provide a 6” high unfinished wooden birdhouse, Spanish moss (green and regular), mushroom birds, wood hearts, wood flowers, mod podge, wood stars, bird and bee assortment, ribbon, bows, hot glue guns and glue sticks.

Please click here to see birdhouse inspiration!

Required Materials: Students, please bring with you a variety of acrylic paint colors you wish to work with for your birdhouse, along with a paintbrush for fine details, and a wider brush for the actual birdhouse structure.

Required Materials Fee: $15 due to instructor at the beginning of class.

Do you wish you could take more creative photographs? Mastering Composition will greatly improve your images. Composition is about arranging elements in a scene so that there is harmony, balance and a clear path for the eye to follow. You will learn how to frame your subjects, use leading lines, find the right viewpoint, learn the popular rule of thirds and so much more. We will also delve into how composition plays a major part in taking family portraits for displaying the memories you’ve captured.

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Required Materials: You will need your camera or cellphone to practice with after the presentation.

Let's get together to talk and listen to alternative music. Let's go back to the 70's and to Punk Rock, the 80's College music and 90's Alternative music. If you like David Bowie or The Clash in the 70's, or R.E.M., The Smiths, the Cult, Joy Division, New Order, Drivin' and Cryin' in the 80's of or Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and the Seattle Grunge in the 90s, this is the class for you. Enlighten me to bands I don't know.

Are you nearing retirement or already enjoying the freedom of it? Either way, this interactive class is designed to help you feel more confident and in control of your financial future. We’ll walk you through essential steps to make sure your money lasts as long as you do. Whether that’s understanding when to tap into your retirement funds, exploring the different types of accounts and how they’re taxed, or discovering smart ways to pass on your wealth and leave a lasting legacy.

With simple tips and a relaxed atmosphere, this class is all about giving you the tools you need to make informed decisions about your retirement without the overwhelm. You’ll leave feeling empowered, knowing how to retire on your terms and enjoy the lifestyle you’ve worked hard for. Plus, you’ll meet others who are on the same journey, so it’s a great chance to connect and learn together!

Discover the gentle, yet powerful world of aromatherapy in this relaxing, one-day workshop. Essential oils have been used for centuries to support emotional balance, mental clarity, and overall well-being. In this class, participants will learn how natural plant scents can influence mood, reduce stress, and create a peaceful environment.

Students will explore the basics of aromatherapy, including what essential oils are, how they are safely used, and simple ways to incorporate them into daily life. Participants will experience a variety of essential oils, learn which scents resonate most with them, and discover practical ways to use aromatherapy for relaxation, meditation, or emotional support.

The workshop includes a hands-on activity where participants create a personal aromatherapy blend to take home in a roller bottle. No prior experience with essential oils is necessary.

Please click here for course inspiration.

Required Materials Fee: $10 payable to instructor at the beginning of class to cover supplies and aromatherapy rollers.

This class offers students an anthropologically informed look at the nuclear legacy of U.S. weapons testing in the Marshall Islands, with a strong emphasis on Marshallese voices and lived experiences. Drawing on ethnographic insights, oral histories, and contemporary examples of Marshallese advocacy, this session highlights how Marshall Islanders continue to navigate the long-term consequences of Cold War era nuclear weapons testing on their ancestral islands. We will combine lecture, short documentaries, and open discussions to help participants deepen their understanding of this period of American History in the Pacific, as well as expand their appreciation of Pacific Islander resilience in the face of cultural disruption and forced relocation. No prior background is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to engage with history through human stories.

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Have you ever noticed how certain thoughts seem to attract similar experiences into your life? In this uplifting and thought-provoking course, we will explore the powerful connection between our thoughts, emotions, and the reality we create.

Through engaging discussion and simple spiritual practices, students will learn how positive thinking, intention, and awareness can influence the energy we bring into the world. We will explore the principles of the Law of Attraction and how focusing on gratitude, possibility, and abundance can help shift our outlook and open the door to new opportunities.

Throughout the course, participants will be introduced to practical tools such as affirmations, visualization, and mindful awareness to help cultivate a more positive and empowered mindset. We will also discuss how limiting beliefs can shape our experiences, and how small changes in perspective can lead to meaningful shifts in daily life.

This class offers a welcoming space for reflection, connection, and personal insight. Whether you are curious about the Law of Attraction or looking for ways to bring more positivity, joy, and intention into your life, this course will provide inspiration and practical techniques you can begin using right away.

Please click here for course inspiration.

Required Materials Fee: $8 payable to the instructor at the beginning of class, to cover class materials and activity costs.

Summer 2026 may prove to be one of the most consequential periods in modern history. Multiple crises are converging, great-power tensions are intensifying, and decisions made in real time could reshape the international order for years to come. This course places you at the center of it all—tracking breaking developments as they unfold, unpacking their significance, and examining where they may lead, week after week. Engaging, fast-paced, and sharply analytical, it offers a front-row seat to a potentially historic moment in world affairs.

This workshop gives an overview of the waves of feminism, from early struggles for suffrage to contemporary movements, addressing its legacy in U.S. society today. Students will examine key milestones, influential thinkers, and ongoing debates, gaining a deeper understanding of how feminist ideas have evolved, and continue to shape society, policy, and everyday life in the U.S.

Please click here for course inspiration!

Come make this wall hanging basket, sized to hold incoming or outgoing mail, or dog leashes, or whatever you like! This 9- inch wide, 4-inch tall, and 3-inch deep basket will have a whimsical wire hanger attached to the back so it can hang on the wall. Students will learn how to lay out a base, weave the sides, and attach a rim with the wire hanger. Choices of color to enhance your basket, along with all other materials, will be provided by the instructor.

Please click here for course inspiration!

Required Materials Fee: $20 cash to instructor at the beginning of the class.

Come learn to weave a tote out of reed. Students will learn to lay out a base, weave the sides, and add a rim to your own personal tote basket. The sample basket is woven in tones from dark to light, but students will have the chance to personalize their own basket.

Please click here for course inspiration!

Required Materials Fee: $20 payable to instructor at the beginning of class.

Learn how to capture a masterpiece with your cellphone. We will discuss: how to get the exposure right on your cell phone camera, composition rules, how to use all the fancy settings, how to enhance the color of your photos, and how to manipulate your photos using free Apps for editing.

Please click here to see some inspiration for this course.

Required Materials: iPhones are preferred for this class, but Android is also welcome.
 

Students will make a chunky blanket lap throw with hand knitting. Scissors and other equipment will be provided by the instructor.

Required Materials: Students need to bring their own yarn, available at Hobby Lobby or Walmart. You will need 3 skeins of the CHUNKY CHENILLE YARN. Hobby Lobby has the most variety of colors.

 

We all have a story to tell! Join us and start telling yours. Whether you have been writing all your life or want to start now, this class is for you. Come experience an intimate workshop setting where you will share your stories with others, who also have stories to tell. You will be given weekly assignments incorporating specific writing strategies to help you get started. As you write and share your stories, you will receive feedback that will hopefully inspire you further. You may want to write a book or just compile written memories to pass on to your children or grandchildren. No matter the reason, come and write with us! Find your voice and share your story.

Please click here for course inspiration!

Required Materials: All you really need for this class is your memories, a pen, some paper, and if you choose, a laptop.

In this workshop you will create an original piece of art using authentic sea glass. Learn how sea glass is created, how it's found and why it's there. We'll create one 4 x 6 framed art piece. You may bring shells, beads, dried flowers, shark teeth, stones, and other goodies to add to your picture. These make great gifts!

Please click here to see example: Beach Scene

Please click here to see example: Sea Shell Flower Bouquet

Please click here to see example: Girls with Flowers

Please click here to see example: Mermaid

Please click here to see example: Hummingbird

Please click here to see example: Turtles

Required Materials Fee: $25 payable to the instructor on the first day of class. If you would like to upgrade to a larger 5 x 7 frame, please add an additional $5. You may make more than one art piece at the cost of $25 each.

Don't wait until a fall injures more than your pride! Build confidence in your ability to manage your falls risk through:

• Identification and removal of fall hazards from your home

• Strength and balance exercise

• Understanding how medications play a role in your risk of falls

• Understanding how vision and hearing affect your risk of falling

You are a perfect fit for this 7-week workshop if you are:

• 60+ years of age

• Have fallen in the last year or have a fear of falling

• Live at home or in an independent apartment

Required Materials: All materials will be provided in this FREE class.