Main Campus/Coastal Science Center Courses   

The AARP Smart Driver™ Course is a refresher course specifically designed for drivers 50 years and better. This course features the most current state regulations and the latest driver safety and technology information. Your insurance company in South Carolina may provide a discount to those who complete this course. And you will learn something new along the way. In fact, an evaluation of the course found that 97% of participants changed at least one driving habit because of what they learned.

The AARP Smart Driver™ Course will help you: refresh your driving skills and your knowledge of the rules — and hazards — of the road, and reduce your chances of receiving a traffic violation or getting into an accident.

The AARP Smart Driver™ Course covers: • Research-based safe driving strategies. • Information on the effects of medication on driving. • Preventative measures to reduce driver distractions. • Proper use of safety belts, air bags, anti-lock brakes, and modern technology found in cars today. • Techniques for handling left turns, right-of-way, and roundabouts. • State-specific rules and regulations in nineteen key areas, including construction zones, child safety seats, school buses, cellphone use and more.

Required Materials: Bring your Driver’s License. In addition, bring your AARP membership card, and your AARP United HealthCare Medicare Supplement Card, if applicable. Also, due to the length of this course, please feel free to bring a drink and a snack, and perhaps a sweater, if needed.

Required Materials Fee: $20 (AARP member) or $25 (non-member) is due to the instructor on the day of class for the AARP Workbook. Payment should be made by check, payable to AARP.

Imagine your home filled with blooming African violets that you have cultured, and even propagated yourself from a single leaf or bloom. Creating and caring for these beautiful plants is a deeply rewarding experience—one that becomes even more enjoyable with the right knowledge, hands-on practice, and a little patience. By the end of the workshop, participants will have the knowledge and practical skills to confidently grow and propagate African violets successfully on their own.

As an extension of the Violet Virtuoso Beginner Course in the Art and Science of Growing African Violets, this skill-building workshop provides guided practice with the techniques listed below, allowing participants to gain confidence as they learn by doing themselves during the workshop.

• Repotting and Wick-Watering – Practice repotting and setting up a wick-watered plant with guidance. Participants will take home their freshly repotted African violet to care for and enjoy.

• Propagation and Handling Plantlets – Learn hands-on techniques for propagating African violets and starting new plantlets successfully. Participants will take home a bin of their propagated African violet leaves to care for and can anticipate the emergence of several new plants.

Please click here for course inspiration from your instructor's plant collection!

Recommended Prerequisite: The OLLI course The Violet Virtuoso Beginner Course in the Art and Science of Growing African Violets is recommended as a prerequisite because it provides the foundational knowledge that will help participants to get the most from the workshop and provide the best chance of future growing success. However, those who have not yet taken the beginner course are welcome to participate; the instructor will provide the necessary background and guidance throughout the event.

Required Materials Fee: $30 cash or Venmo is payable to the instructor at the beginning of class. This covers the cost of plants, leaves, pots, potting mix components, aftercare supplies, and disposables used in the workshop.

Are you confused about why the leaves of your favorite plant are turning yellow, or seem to be drooping? This workshop is  designed to help you learn how to successfully transfer your potted plants. You will learn: when it’s time to transfer your plants, pot selection and preparation, soil selection, fertilizing, and watering. There will be a pre-test and demonstration. Research-based information handouts will be provided.

Optional Materials: You have the option of bringing in a potted plant from home to analyze and re-pot. For this, you will need to bring your own: 1) plant, 2) pot, and 3) soil.

 

Take an epicurean journey through American history in this engaging presentation that explores how our nation’s food traditions have evolved over time. Beginning with the foodways of the 17th century and continuing through the modern era, historian and experienced virtual/hybrid presenter Jo Ann Tufo traces the fascinating story of what Americans eat and why. Discover how European culinary traditions brought by colonists blended with Native American ingredients and practices to create distinctly American cuisine. As new waves of immigrants arrived on our shores, they contributed their own flavors, recipes, and traditions, enriching the nation’s ever-evolving dining culture. Presented through a colorful PowerPoint and lively lecture, this program offers a delicious look at the people, traditions, and historical events that shaped the American table.

Please click here to see your instructor.

 

In this fun and relaxing class, we will continue to explore basic watercolor principles and techniques in “Art for Relaxation” as we look to beautiful flowers for inspiration. This course was designed by artist and floral designer Roberta Vittoria—who has been teaching it since 2023 along the Grand Strand. As we further explore color theory principles, watercolor techniques and the beauty of flowers, each student artist will be individually guided along the way to create an illustration of their choice.

Please click here to see a sample of the instructor's work as inspiration for this course!

Special Note: This class is available to all skill levels and no prior art experience is required.

Required Materials Fee: $30 is payable to the instructor at the beginning of class.

Have you ever wondered how atomic energy produces electricity, or how radiation treatments are used in nuclear medicine? Did you know that radiation has been used to eliminate toxins in food, or to sterilize medical equipment? This course will review the history and development of nuclear energy. We will review the many applications of radiation in our society, both beneficial and negative. Definition and concepts will be explained in easily understood terms. Class exercises and videos will be used to enhance learning as well as to clarify misunderstanding and myths associated with atomic energy and radiation. No science background is necessary, just a curiosity to learn.

Please click here for course inspiration!

Students will choose from assorted offered centerpieces to start and complete a long-leaf pine needle basket. Centerpieces to choose from will include: Tree of Life, Sea Turtles, Sea Shells, Ceramic Palmetto Tree, Sunflower and others.

Please click here for course inspiration!

Special Note: Students will need to commit to the entire scheduled class time on both days in order to finish their project.

Required Materials Fee: $20 payable to instructor at the beginning of class will cover all necessary supplies.

This course builds upon the skills learned in Drawing I, which is a prerequisite. Using the same materials, students will explore more advanced concepts including perspective, portrait drawing, and completing a finished, frameable work. Having already challenged many of the common myths about drawing, students will continue developing their skills and confidence through more in-depth practice.

Required Materials: Bring the materials we used in Drawing I. Students will need access to email and a printer, as the instructor will be sending class materials that may need to be printed ahead of time.

You've learned about bourbon—now it's time to experience where the magic happens. Kentucky's bourbon country offers far more than distillery tours. From rolling horse farms and historic downtowns to legendary rickhouses and scenic backroads, a Bourbon Trail trip can be one of America's most unique travel experiences. This class is designed for bourbon enthusiasts who want to transform their interest in bourbon into a well-planned and memorable Kentucky adventure. We'll explore the major bourbon regions of the state, compare distillery experiences, discuss must-see destinations, and share insider tips for creating an itinerary that fits your interests, budget, and schedule. Learn which distilleries are best for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, serious bourbon fans, and first-time visitors. We'll also cover transportation options, lodging, dining, seasonal events, and strategies for making the most of your time in bourbon country. Whether you're dreaming about your first Bourbon Trail visit or planning a return trip to discover new experiences, you'll leave with practical planning tools, destination recommendations, and plenty of ideas for your own Kentucky bourbon journey.

Please click here for course inspiration!

Special Note: No tasting is included. Participants should have a general familiarity with bourbon and an interest in exploring Kentucky's rich bourbon heritage.

Dive into the rich heritage and craftsmanship of bourbon in this fun, informative introduction designed for adult learners. Explore how bourbon became America’s native spirit, from its early frontier roots to its modern-day renaissance. Learn what makes bourbon unique—its legal definitions, ingredients, distilling process, and the crucial role of charred oak barrels in creating its signature flavor and color. We will also explore major bourbon brands, regional styles, and the wide range of flavor profiles you can find, from sweet and mellow to bold and spicy. Students will gain the knowledge to confidently navigate the bourbon aisle, understand labels, and appreciate the artistry behind every bottle. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a casual enthusiast, this class offers the perfect foundation for exploring the world of bourbon.

Please click here for course inspiration!

Special Note: No alcohol will be served during this class. Must be 21 to participate.

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.

Do you ever wonder how lifestyle, movement, and even the coastal environment influence how well your brain ages? In this course, we’ll explore the fascinating connection between brain health, balance, and everyday living—explained in plain, practical language. You’ll learn how memory, attention, and coordination evolve over time and discover simple, evidence-based ways to strengthen them through daily habits.

This course blends approachable neuroscience with real-world strategies to support cognitive sharpness and reduce fall risk. We’ll begin with how the brain changes with age, then move into how learning and movement promote neuroplasticity. Next, we’ll explore how the coastal environment supports relaxation, focus, and resilience before finishing with a personalized brain-care toolkit you can use for life. No science background is needed—just curiosity and a desire to stay sharp, steady, and confident at any age.

Car Fit is designed to enhance older adult drivers' safety and increase mobility in the community. Check the "fit" of your personal vehicle including mirrors, lights, seating position, and steering wheel location. We will schedule a 20-minute appointment to go over your fit in your vehicle.

Have you ever wondered why some areas of your life seem to flow effortlessly while others feel stuck? In this interactive workshop, we will explore the chakra system as a tool for self-awareness, personal growth, and energetic balance. Each week, we will focus on a different energy center, examining its connection to our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being through discussion, hands-on activities, guided exercises, color exploration, and reflection. Participants will learn how the chakras influence everyday life, discover practical techniques to support balance, and create a personalized roadmap for greater harmony and self-understanding. Whether you are completely new to chakras or looking to deepen your knowledge, this engaging and experiential course offers a fun and meaningful journey into the colorful world of energy and conscious living.

Please click here for course inspiration!

The Caribbean is the most cruised destination in the world. What is the draw of the Caribbean? Tropical islands, beautiful beaches, turquoise water, cultural experience, warm weather and generally affordability. This workshop is a comprehensive review of the Caribbean. Topics covered include: Caribbean geography, islands, best times to go, embarkation ports, excursions, cruise lines, cruise itineraries, cruise insurance, group travel, family travel, solo travel, shopping, local customs, and additional tips and recommendations. This workshop includes handouts and classroom exercises, and concludes with an opportunity for Q&A.

Please click here for course inspiration!

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 creative writing workshop centers around themes of nature, the environment, and humans’ ever-changing relationship with the natural world. Students who take this workshop are welcome to write in any type of genre, whether that be poetry, fiction, short story, memoir, or creative nonfiction. The goal of this course is to create a safe circle of writers (yes, anyone can be a writer!) where they can engage with examples of environmental writing, explore themes about the natural world in their own writing, and provide and receive constructive feedback in an uplifting setting. I will provide examples of environmental writing in various genres, which we will discuss together as a group. There will be designated writing time during our meeting time, but you will also be encouraged to write on your own time and bring the writing to work on during workshop. Depending on weather and collective desire/interest, we will meet outside for as many workshop sessions as we can.

Required Materials: a notebook or paper for writing, a writing utensil or an electronic device to use for writing, if you prefer that method (please reach out to me and we can talk about your needs and how to accommodate if we go outside. I know that some folks need electronic devices for screen readers, voice-to-text, etc.), and water or some way to stay hydrated! I have access to some notebooks and writing utensils at no cost if you are not able or do not want to bring your own supplies. Just let me know!

Optional Materials you might want to bring if we have decided to meet outside: a hard surface to write on (like a lap desk, clip board, or large book), your own form of seating (like a lawn chair, stool, a seat cushion), sunscreen, bug spray

We will decide as a group what we prefer and where we’d like to meet! Meeting inside is definitely an option, too. Ideally, we would be able to find a spot with tables outside. We can even try different locations each time; I know the heat or cold can get unbearable! I will make sure to communicate frequently about meeting location. Please reach out to me if you will need any accommodations! Everyone has different types of ability and we should all feel comfortable!

Join longtime Ernest Hemingway specialist Dr. Ashley Oliphant for an engaging look at the author's iconic career as a big-game fisherman and his contributions to the formation of the International Game Fish Association as an original founder. Oliphant, a full professor of English with 20 years of teaching experience and the author of the book “Hemingway and Bimini: The Birth of Sport Fishing at ‘The End of the World,'” will take workshop participants back in time to examine the people, places, and events that made Hemingway fall in love with Bimini, the westernmost Bahamian island and the site of some of the most important fishing moments of the 1930s. Students will also learn about Hemingway’s big-game fishing education in Key West and how that transitioned to Cuba and then the Bahamas as the author worked to establish himself as one of the most accomplished big-game fishermen of his day. Come prepared to laugh and learn with Dr. Oliphant, a presenter who has gained a following on the national speaker circuit for her dynamic workshops.

Please click here to see a resource for this course.

Please click here to see your instructor.

Suggested Reading: Students will gain more from the class if they arrive having read Hemingway's 1952 novella "The Old Man and the Sea."

Do you ever feel drained after certain conversations, overwhelmed by stress, or affected by the energy of people and situations around you? This practical and empowering course explores simple techniques for protecting your peace, strengthening healthy boundaries, and maintaining your well-being in an increasingly busy world. Through a blend of science, mindfulness, energy awareness, color exploration, and self-reflection, participants will learn how stress affects the mind and body, discover tools for staying grounded, and develop habits that support emotional resilience and personal balance. Interactive exercises, guided activities, and take-home strategies will help students create a personalized toolkit for navigating life with greater confidence, clarity, and calm. This course is perfect for anyone seeking practical ways to recharge, refocus, and protect their energy while remaining fully engaged in the world around them.

Please click here for course inspiration!

Please note: There will not be a class on October 12.

Join us for a one-day workshop that will leave you feeling relaxed and inspired as we explore the world of flower design. “Flowers for Relaxation” was designed by artist and floral designer Roberta Vittoria, after the initial art course she launched in May 2023 — “Art for Relaxation. “ In this workshop we will explore some basic principles of flower design, color theory, and mechanics necessary to compose a floral composition. We will discuss both Western and Eastern floral design techniques and philosophies to create unique and beautiful floral combinations. Each student will take home a fresh flower arrangement to proudly display in their home.

Please click here to see a sample of the instructor's work as inspiration for this course!

Required Materials Fee: $35 payable to the instructor at the beginning of class.

This course pairs with the Famous Women course that will also be taught this term. It is important to note that it isn't required to take both courses. In preparation for this course, I plan look back on my teaching career, and come up with a variety of characters that are worth another look. It would be nice if I told you who I will pick, but anyone who knows me would tell you that I don't even know yet...SURPRISE.

This course pairs with the Famous Men course that will also be taught this term. It is important to note that it isn't required to take both courses. This course will feature a variety of women from history that made some sort of impact. It seems that women didn't always either get the chance to make history, or were excluded from the books, so let's try to make up for that. I will try to include women from more than one period of time; however, anyone who has taken classes from me before, knows that at press time, I have not finished choosing who to include.

Create beautiful custom napkin rings that can be used year-round by changing the decorative accent to match the season or holiday. Students will learn how to construct a sturdy napkin ring using cardboard forms, jute cord, and hot glue, then embellish it with decoupaged shells, florals, holiday accents, or seasonal decorations. The project can be personalized for coastal, Fall, Christmas, spring, patriotic, or everyday table settings. Participants will also learn an optional magnet system that allows decorative elements to be switched out, making one napkin ring suitable for multiple holidays throughout the year. Each student will leave with 4 completed napkin ring holders and the skills needed to create an entire coordinated set for their home.

Please click here to see an example of a finished napkin ring holder.

Required Materials: Students will come to class with 10 printed holiday paper napkins of their choosing. These may be Fall or Christmas themed, or Coastal, or whatever holiday napkin ring holders you wish to create.

Required Materials Fee: $10 cash is payable to the instructor at the beginning of class. The instructor will provide a variety of seashells, cardboard forms, jute rope, hot glue guns and glue sticks/N6000 glue, Mod Podge, applicators, Neodymium Disc Magnets, and a variety of decorative accents.

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 is an introductory course in Italian language and culture. The course will cover the basics of Italian, from greetings and farewells, to speaking and understanding basic conversation in Italian.

Required Materials: ITALIANO PER STRANIERI A1-A2 da Livello Base a Intermedio by Lucio Giuliodori. All worksheets will be provided by the instructor. You may click here for a link to the book on Amazon.

In this beginner level course, students will make a matching necklace and earring set. The instructor will provide jewelry making tips and recommend websites to follow for inspiration, as well as where additional supplies may be purchased.

Please click here to see a sample of what you can expect to make in this course.

Required Materials: All necessary tools will be provided by the instructor for use during the class.

Materials Fee: $20 is due to the instructor at the beginning of class for the jewelry materials kit.

 

Have you wanted to try your hand at knitting but don't know where to start? Join a two-day workshop to make a basic beanie just in time for the holidays! This class is perfect for beginners. Session 1 will include how to cast your yarn, basic knit stitch, and how to increase/decrease rows. Session 2 will include finishing off your project/casting off, troubleshooting, and how to care for your finished piece.

Please click here for course inspiration!

Required Materials: 1 skein of yarn about 186 yards [medium weight 4, something like Red Heart or Lion Brand in a medium color (darker is harder to see for beginners) in cotton or an acrylic blend; choose a smooth yarn and not anything with fringe, extra fluff, or tassels] & 1 pair of knitting needles size 8.

Alternative: Supplies can be provided by the instructor at a cost of $20 per student, paid in cash day of class. Advance notice is required if you would like to have the instructor provide all supplies for you.

With the 2026 midterm elections just weeks away, join Coastal Carolina University Provost Gibbs Knotts for a timely discussion of the campaigns, key races, and issues shaping this election cycle. The presentation will place the midterms in historical perspective, with special attention to South Carolina politics, and examine what the results could mean for the balance of power in Washington and the road to the 2028 presidential election.

This lecture is free and open to the public; however, registration is required.

In this course, students will gain the tools to experience their psychic abilities in a fun and creative way (i.e. psychic kindergarten). You will practice defining and occupying your own space, by receiving and giving aura healings. You will practice skills such as grounding, center of head, calling your energy back to your space, as well as many other tools which will lead to freedom from unwanted energy in your space. These tools will validate your psychic abilities, which we all have.

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, check, Zelle or Venmo) at the beginning of class for all the supplies you will need.

Transform a simple craft pumpkin into a beautiful fall centerpiece, using fabric, Mod Podge, decorative ribbons, jute twine, and faux foliage. In this beginner-friendly class, students will learn how to apply fabric to a three-dimensional form, create texture and dimension with layered embellishments, and finish their pumpkin with a rustic twine stem and seasonal accents.

Please click here to see an example of a Mod Podge Fabric Pumpkin.

Required Materials: Students will come to class with one craft Pumpkin Base (orange or white), approximately 8-10 inches in diameter, and fabric. The fabric should be: 1 fat quarter (18” × 22”) cotton quilting fabric or ½ yard fabric if students want additional coverage for a larger pumpkin. A Fall-themed print works best.

Required Materials Fee: $15 payable to the instructor at the beginning of class. The instructor will supply: a wide variety of ribbon choices, scissors, mod podge, application brushes, leaves, decorative embellishments, jute rope and tablecloths.

Join us for a fun and creative workshop where you'll assemble a one-of-a-kind journal without a single stitch. Along the way, you'll learn how to create woven ephemera by weaving strips of paper and fabric to make pockets, tags, journal cards, belly bands, and decorative accents that add texture and interest to your pages. This class is perfect for beginners and experienced journal makers alike. Whether you love paper crafting, mixed media, or junk journaling, you'll leave with new techniques, creative inspiration, and a finished project ready to personalize and enjoy.

Please click here to see a sample of an embellished journal cover.

Please click here to see a sample of colorful journal pages.

Please click here to see a sample of woven ephemera techniques.

Required Materials: Bring your creativity. There are no rules, just paper and fun!

Required Materials Fee: $15 cash or check payable to the instructor at the beginning of class covers all materials needed.

We will meet weekly to discuss current events, topical subjects and political and social issues of interest to the Group. We will invite CCU (and other universities') professors as well as Professionals and Experts to share with us their expertise and views on a variety of subjects. We will also call on the expertise of our own Group members to discuss topics in their areas of expertise.

This club meets weekly on Thursdays.

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 for course inspiration!

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.

Celebrate the season with a fun and relaxing holiday paint party! Students will create a festive coastal winter painting, while learning basic acrylic painting techniques, including: color mixing, brushwork, layering, blending, and adding seasonal details. No prior painting experience is necessary. Participants will leave with a completed holiday painting ready to display or give as a gift.

Required Materials: 11" × 14" canvas; Acrylic paints: White, Blue, Red, Yellow, Black; Large flat brush; Medium flat brush; Small round brush; Detail brush; Water container; Paper towels; Palette; Table cover

Optional Materials: Easel and additional paint colors

Learn how to make a beautiful oyster shell ornament for your own tree or as a holiday gift! The instructor will bring the oyster shells cleaned, painted and drilled. Students will apply Modge Podge and napkin. Once this is dry, students may embellish the shell to their liking, and complete the ornament by painting the edge in a gold or silver paint.

Required Materials Fee: $20 cash payable to instructor at the beginning of class for: oyster shell, napkins, Modge Podge, embellishments, beads, string and gold or silver paint to outline the shell. Also included will be the use of heat dryers to speed up the drying process.

As we get ready to launch our fall term and begin a new membership year, we invite you to a celebration of the exciting year ahead for meaningful connection and lifelong learning with OLLI! Whether you are a longtime member, or joining us for the first time, this lively kickoff event will provide plenty of opportunities for fun with games and mingling, memorable photo moments as you catch up with your OLLI friends, and space to turn new faces into new friendships.

Summer may be ending, but the year ahead for OLLI is looking bright!

Special Note: This celebration is free to OLLI members, but due to space limitations, registration is required.

December 7 was to be "a date which will live in infamy." Well, let's help it stay that way. For many years, I taught high school students about the day. Now, I have adapted my lecture to share with a new audience at OLLI. Between my 30+ years of teaching, my military experience, and years of study, my presentation promises to be informative as well as entertaining. Join me as I take you back to that horrible day that changed history.

Special Note: There will be references to the Jerry Bruckheimer production of "Pearl Harbor." It would be helpful to see the movie beforehand. If not, I'm hoping that you will want to run out and see it again as soon as I am finished.

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.

Please click here for course inspiration!

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

There is a long tradition of protest songwriting in the United States that not only continues to this day, but is actually spreading faster and wider than ever before with the explosion of social media. In this course, we will review this history of protest song, explore the mechanics of the process, and then write our own song to present in a public performance, or have an established local musician perform it. Hence, while some musical ability would be beneficial to the collective--it is in no way required. Just bring yourself, along with a laptop or pencil and paper.

This course explores ideas about the relationship between religion and government in the United States. Anchored in a disagreement between James Madison and Patrick Henry of Virginia, we also consider the views of fellow Virginians George Washington and Thomas Jefferson by reading selections of their own writing. Lectures look backwards to contextualize the legacy of post-Reformation Europe on the religious landscape of the American colonies and forwards to consider the concept of ‘civil religion’ and its relationship to the primary sources we discuss. Class discussion may include serious consideration of faith and doubt, power and responsibility, democracy, human nature, and how humans manage to live together amid difference and disagreement.

Please click here for course inspiration.

Please click here to see an image of an early printing of one of the key texts that you will study.

Course materials will be available for free online.

Students will work with nationally recognized fossil expert Dr. Ashley Oliphant, the author of "Shark Tooth Hunting on the Carolina Coast," as they embark on this unusual engaged learning experience. This course will use classroom instruction and field trips to local beaches to teach participants about shark tooth hunting on the Grand Strand. Course content will include shark tooth identification by species as well as tips for which beaches to search, how to search them, and how to know when conditions are best for fossil collecting.

Please click here to see a selection of found shark teeth!

Please click here to see your instructor.

Important Notes: The first session will take place at the Coastal Science Center, and the 2nd and 3rd sessions will take place at an area beach, to be determined. The beachcombing sessions will be combined with another of Dr. Oliphant’s classes to offer extended time (2 hours and 45 minutes) at the beach. Students will be responsible for their own transportation and parking fees for the field trips, and some driving will be involved to make sure students have the best opportunity to shell in prime locations. The course may also include some variable meeting times to make sure the tides are favorable for hunting.

Join Dr. Ashley Oliphant, a nationally recognized shark tooth hunter and sheller, to learn her strategy for successful beachcombing. The course will include one classroom lecture to learn about shelling strategies and the identification of local shell species. Dr. Oliphant will bring specimens from her personal collection for interactive show-and-tell. The other two class meetings will consist of exciting field trips to local beaches to hunt as a group with Dr. Oliphant as your guide. The best way to improve your shelling game is to interact with a really experienced sheller on the beach. You do not want to miss this exciting class.

Please click here for course inspiration!

Important Notes: The first class session will take place at the Coastal Science Center, and the 2nd and 3rd class sessions will take place at an area beach. The beachcombing sessions will be combined with another of Dr. Oliphant’s classes to offer extended time (2 hours and 45 minutes) at the beach. Students will be responsible for their own transportation and parking fees for the field trips, and some driving will be involved to make sure students have the best opportunity to shell in prime locations. The course may also include some variable meeting times to make sure the tides are favorable for hunting.

This beginner-friendly workshop introduces participants to the basics of melt and pour soap crafting. Students will learn how to choose a soap base, incorporate color, fragrance and botanicals, then safely melt, mix and pour their own custom bar. Students will make 2 bars of soap.

Please click here to see an example of a finished student project.

Please click here to see a world of possibilities with various soap molds.

Required Materials: Students need pen and paper for note-taking.

Required Materials Fee: $10 payable to the instructor at the beginning of class for all materials required to make custom soaps.

Technology does not have to feel overwhelming. This fun, supportive, and in-depth discussion/demonstration-based session is designed specifically for seniors who want to become more comfortable using everyday technology. Participants will learn basic technology terms, understand the differences between devices, discuss how the internet works, and review basic steps you can replicate at home on your own device to conduct simple skills you can use in daily life.

This workshop focuses on building confidence in a relaxed environment where questions are encouraged, and learning happens. No prior technology experience is required. We look forward to you joining in the fun!

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Special Note: This is an instructional demonstration only. No personal devices are required.

In October 1962, the Beatles released “Love Me Do,” their debut single. In 2023, the first true stereo mix of “Love Me Do” was released. The online community’s robust discussion about this long-awaited version proved that after more than sixty years, millions of Beatles’ fans, from Boomer to Gen Z, still obsess over every track recorded by the group who revolutionized not only musical history but popular culture itself. Reaching unimagined heights of commercial and critical success within months of the original “Love Me Do,” the Beatles never lost their status as supreme icons of popular music. Indeed, some experts contend that in 2026 they are more popular than ever—their fame and influence evident fifty-six years after their breakup in 1970. Seeking to appreciate the singular achievement of John, Paul, George, and Ringo, we will divide the official LP and 45-rpm releases into the standard three phases: in week one, albums and singles from 1962-1965; week two, 1966-1967; and week three, 1968-1970. In the fourth week we will focus on key compilation albums as well as films, with a nod at the major solo albums. The regularity with which the Beatles catalogue continues to be remastered, repackaged, and debated is, barring perhaps the work of Bob Dylan, unparalleled in rock. The course will feature countless references to and anecdotes about Fab Four music, history, and biography, all combining to show that their beloved recordings are a pinnacle of creativity with lasting global appeal. (Please note: this summary and all other writing shared by the course instructor is 100% free of AI-edited or -generated content.)

This course traces the Crusades from the world that produced them to the legacies that still shape our world. We begin with the pressures facing Byzantium, the Islamic Golden Age, and the rivalries of medieval Europe. We explore the religious, political, and economic forces that launched the First Crusade and led to the fall of Jerusalem in 1099. We then follow the Muslim resurgence under Saladin, his famous rivalry with Richard the Lionheart, and the decline of the Crusader movement through the fall of Acre in 1291. We conclude by examining the long afterlife of the Crusades—the cultural exchanges they sparked, the rise of military orders such as the Templars, and the memories and myths that endured. We also look at how these events are still invoked in modern politics and media, sometimes as symbols of conflict and sometimes as calls for dialogue, reminding us that history continues to influence today’s debates.

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This guided tea tasting workshop invites participants to explore the art, flavor, and wellness traditions of herbal tea. Students will sample a curated selection of blends featuring roots, leaves, flowers, fruits and spices while learning how each ingredient contributes to taste, aroma, and well-being. Through sensory exploration and guided discussion, participants discover how to identify flavor notes, understand herbal benefits, and appreciate the craft of blending.

Required Materials: Students need to bring pen and paper. The instructor will supply all items for the tasting.

Come and learn how one of America’s longest-running mysteries – the true end to infamous Gulf Coast pirate Jean Laffite – was ultimately solved by two very unlikely sources: a mother/daughter team of amateur researchers from North Carolina. Dr. Ashley Oliphant and her mother, artist and writer Beth Yarbrough, will tell the true story of their two-year journey that began with the plan to write a new Laffite biography and ended with explosive new evidence that turned known Laffite research upside down. Along the way, they made a secondary discovery. The age of information may have furnished mankind with more readily available knowledge, but it has not yet revealed every hidden truth. Forced to improvise, to think outside the box, and to view established theory through a fresh lens, the team succeeded not only in cracking the Laffite case, but they also gained a wealth of knowledge about how to apply creative thinking to structured research techniques.

Students will hear the story of Laffite from beginning to end, following his trail as he rose to prominence in New Orleans, played a pivotal role in the Battle of New Orleans, built an empire in Galveston, Texas, disappeared for more than a decade, resurfaced along the banks of the Mississippi River under a new identity, and finally ended up in what he thought was successful obscurity in a small North Carolina town before dying at the age of 96 – fully believing that his secrets would be buried with him. Oliphant and Yarbrough will also shed helpful light on how to navigate today’s research landscape using old tools in new ways. This approach will be helpful for students who want to research family history, local history, or unsolved mysteries.

Please click here to see your presenters, the mother & daughter team that solved this mystery!

The problem of evil is one of the most important topics in philosophy of religion. Briefly, the problem is that the existence of God—understood as an all-powerful and perfectly good creator—appears to conflict with the seemingly obvious fact that the world contains a great deal of evil. The problem is quite old; the ancient philosopher Epicurus (341-270 BC) is reputed to have said: “Is he [God] willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then is he impotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then is he malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Whence then is evil?”

Contemporary philosophers of religion commonly refer to the problem of evil as the greatest challenge to the rationality of theistic belief. This class will provide a systematic review of the problem, possible replies, and its relevance for assessing theistic or atheistic belief.

We will begin by looking at a few answers to the question, "Why do good people do bad things?" Then we will cover traditional answers to the problem of evil (e.g., the appeal to free will, the importance of developing a virtuous character, appealing to justice and the need for punishment, the idea that evil is a mere privation), less familiar responses (e.g., suffering as providing divine insight), the distinction between "logical" and "inductive" versions of the problem of evil, the distinction between pastoral and philosophical approaches to the problem, and the "skeptical theist" response to the problem of evil.

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This course examines the Vietnam War from its colonial origins to its enduring global aftermath. We will trace French Indochina and rising Vietnamese nationalism, U.S. escalation during the Cold War, and the strategies, politics, and lived experiences that defined the conflict from 1955–1975. Students will analyze military decisions, diplomatic negotiations, and domestic anti-war movements in the U.S., while centering Vietnamese perspectives often absent from Western narratives. Weekly themes include guerrilla warfare and technology, media and the “living room war,” race and class in military service, and the war’s cultural representations in film, literature, and memorials. Through primary documents, oral histories, and scholarly debates, we will investigate how the war reshaped American foreign policy, Southeast Asian societies, and public memory. The course culminates with the war’s legacy: refugees, veterans’ experiences, reconciliation, and ongoing political debates.

Have you ever tried acting? Whether you have previous experience or have never done anything like this, I hope that this class will be one that is rewarding and fun for all who participate. If the people in the class have never acted before they should not expect to win any Academy Awards! But with my guidance, students will have the opportunity to see if they have talent as a performer. We will decide together by the end of the course, whether we would like to ask an audience to join us to see some of the work we have done throughout the season. The goal is for everyone to have a lot of fun and enjoy this experience!

Discover your authentic voice through the joy of writing. Sessions begin with a prompt, timed writing, and positive sharing. Responses may be prose or poetry, fiction or nonfiction. In addition, each week we will explore the craft of writing with a mini lesson. You will leave with tools, tips, and guidelines for establishing a writing practice on your own.

Do you ever wonder why the shrub you pruned died 3 months later? “Think Twice – Prune Once” is a 2 ½ hour workshop designed to help you learn the “ins & outs” of pruning in South Carolina. Specifically, you will learn: why, when, what, and how to prune, as well as which pruner to use on different plants. In addition to a pre-test and demonstration, you will practice on live shrubs. Research-based information handouts will be provided.

Optional Materials: You will have the option of bringing in your own plant that needs to be pruned; preferably, in a pot. If you have pruning shears, bring those as well.

Annuities can play an important role in retirement income strategies, but their structure and fine print can be confusing. Join us as we break down annuities into clear, usable concepts so you can evaluate whether—and how—an annuity fits your financial plan.

We will cover:

• What an annuity is, what it’s designed to accomplish (income guarantees, longevity protection, tax deferral, legacy planning), and the role it plays in your portfolio (income replacement, risk management, diversification)

• Core annuity types: fixed, variable, indexed, immediate, and deferred, plus riders and optional features

• Practical product analysis: deep dives into a few representative offerings from major carriers—reading contract language, spotting important fees and surrender terms, understanding guarantees and limitations. Through guided examples and side by side comparisons, you’ll learn to interpret the fine print, ask the right questions of providers, and make more informed product decisions.

This course, presented by Woodyard Insurance Group, is ideal for individuals with or without previous investing experience, seeking practical, actionable knowledge.

The idea of a “green thumb” makes plant success sound like a mysterious talent people are born with. In reality, thriving plants are rarely the result of luck or magic—they come from understanding principles and learning how plants grow. Once you know what a plant needs and why it responds the way it does, the process becomes far less mysterious and much more rewarding.

Many people who fall in love with African violets spend their first year or two struggling to learn through trial and error before their plants truly begin to thrive—or they buy new plants after failing, or just give up. This class is designed to help you bypass that frustrating stage by understanding what African violets need and why. Guesswork is replaced with practical knowledge, showing that anyone can grow healthy, beautiful African violets with the right approach. Whether you’re just starting out or hoping to improve your results as an African violet hobbyist, you’ll learn simple, reliable techniques that turn curiosity—or past disappointment—into confidence, making plant care both approachable and enjoyable.

Please click here for course inspiration from your instructor's plant collection!

Students will learn: • The variety of features, basic structure, and needs of African violets • Techniques for potting, propagating, and watering, including the wonderful wick-watering method that allows the plant to draw water and nutrients from a small reservoir for over a week unattended • Practical day-to-day care for keeping plants healthy and blooming • How to recognize and rehabilitate an African violet experiencing stress, pests, or disease • Trusted sources for quality plants and supplies

This presentation is an overview of Iran’s 3000-year history, religion, culture, politics, climate and geography with special attention and insight into Zoroastrianism, Sharia law, the Sunni-Shi’ite rift, our CIA Coup and the revolutions of the 20th century including the Ayatollah Khomeini’s double revolution in 1979. The second half is my eight-day photographic tour of Iran, in May 2000, with historical commentary. It is also the story of my personal and private adventure traveling through Iran, showing the “incidents and accidents” the happened along the way. Iran was the center of the world for nearly 1500 years and has certainly been the center of attention for the last 55 years. My Iranian guide was an English Professor at Tehran University whose hobbies were studying world history and religions. I’m sure that I wore him out. His job was to keep me away from the 30%. Hope you enjoy the real Iran!

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This beginner-friendly acrylic painting course introduces students to the fundamentals of painting with acrylics. Participants will learn color theory, color mixing, brush control, painting techniques, composition, and layering while creating practice exercises and a completed painting. By the end of the course, students will have the confidence to mix colors, use a variety of brushstrokes, and complete a landscape painting using the skills learned throughout the course.

Supply List:

Acrylic paints: Red, Blue, Yellow, Black, White

Palette

Water container

Paper towels

Canvas paper

Brushes: Large Flat, Medium Flat, Round Brush, Small Detail Brush

Table cover

Optional: Additional paint colors and Easel

Level up your skills by weaving a ‘cat head’ shaped basket. Layout a base and weave the sides using a continuous weave technique. The result will be a round basket that sits on pointed ‘feet.’ Finish with a plain rim or add a swing handle.

Please click here to see an example of the basket you will be making.

Required Materials: Please bring an apron or old towel, a pair of small pruners or sharp scissors, and a short flat head screwdriver, if you have them, to class. All other materials will be provided.

Materials fee: $25 (cash, Venmo or Zelle) or $30 if you want a handle, payable to instructor at the beginning of class.

Make a rectangular basket to hold your baked goods or any household objects. Students will learn how to lay out a base, twine around the base, weave the sides, add a decorative dyed reed band, and add a rim. Baskets should be about 10” by 6” and 4” high upon completion.

Please click here to see an example of the basket you will be making.

Required Materials: Please bring an apron or old towel, a pair of small pruners or sharp scissors, and a short flat head screwdriver, if you have them, to class.

Materials fee: $25 (cash, Venmo or Zelle) payable to instructor at the beginning of class. Materials will be provided in a choice of colors.

You will learn how to master your Digital Camera and understand what each function is, and more importantly, what it does. Not only will we explore the buttons and dials, we will cover proper exposure using ISO, F-stops, shutter speeds, depth of field, lenses, flash and composition. At the end, we will go outdoors on a local field trip to try out all your new skills, with Kathy instructing each student so it all “clicks” together.

Course includes 5 weeks of classroom instruction, plus a field trip. Also included are written instructions, along with small assignments given each week. You are guaranteed to learn!

Sessions 1 - 4: Coastal Science Center

Session 5: Off Campus field trip

Session 6: Coastal Science Center

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Required Materials: Make sure to charge up your battery for each class as we will be using your camera, learning settings and practice shooting. DSLR or Mirrorless is required for class.

In this course, students start at the very beginning and learn to draw through a step-by-step approach. The course focuses on the five basic perceptual skills of drawing:

1. Perception of edges – taught through contour drawing

2. Perception of empty spaces – taught through drawing negative space

3. Perception of relational angles and proportions – taught through sighting

4. Perception of light and shadow – taught through light logic

5. Perception of the Gestalt – understanding that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts through integration of the above skills

Required Materials: Drawing Set Sketch Kit (several options available on Amazon), as well as access to email and a printer, as the instructor will be sending class materials that may need to be printed ahead of time. Please click here to see an option on Amazon for the sketch kit. Any kit with these items will be acceptable.

This course is designed to initially re-introduce the participants to the qualities of Chinese brushes and pigments. Students will be given practice cards before producing two finished cards, one showing a snowy bamboo forest and the second one, a fir tree.

Please click here to see a previous exhibit by your instructor.

Please click here to see a sample of holiday greeting cards.

Required Materials: Bring your enthusiasm, and an apron if you would like.

Required Materials Fee: $10 payable in check made out to Renee Vickery, due at the beginning of class.

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.

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

Healthy aging starts on your plate. Join us to learn how balanced nutrition can support energy, mobility, cognitive health, and disease prevention after age 50. We'll discuss nutrient-rich foods, hydration, protein needs, and realistic lifestyle changes that can make a lasting impact on your health and quality of life.

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

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Required Materials: Students need to bring their own yarn, available at Hobby Lobby or Walmart. You will need 3-5 skeins of the CHUNKY CHENILLE YARN. Hobby Lobby has the most variety of colors.

Explore the fascinating world of artificial intelligence (AI) in this accessible, beginner-friendly class designed for curious minds. We will demystify AI by explaining how it works, where it shows up in daily life, and what it means for the future. Topics include machine learning, neural networks, and ethical considerations—presented in plain language with real-world examples.

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No Required Materials: This course will be demonstration only.

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.

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

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.

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.

Cyber threats are no longer a matter of science fiction—they shape the world we live in every day. This course offers a clear, accessible introduction to the “invisible war” unfolding in the digital domain—who is targeting us, what they want, and how they operate. Without requiring any technical background, participants will explore nation-states, criminal networks, and other non-state actors, along with the methods they use to gather information and exploit vulnerabilities. Engaging and practical, this course demystifies a complex and increasingly important subject.