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This class provides an engaging introduction to forensic science through the lens of real investigations, historical cases, and popular crime media. Students will explore how evidence is collected, analyzed, and interpreted using scientific reasoning and modern technology. Topics include crime scene investigation, eyewitness reliability, fingerprint and impression evidence, DNA profiling, toxicology, fire investigation, death investigation, and forensic anthropology. Through interactive lectures, case studies, discussions, and hands-on activities, students will learn to distinguish forensic fact from fiction while developing critical thinking skills and an appreciation for the role of science in solving crimes and understanding historical mysteries. Join us and you judge. Come and learn, defend, disprove and share!

 

 

In an increasingly polarized society, engaging in conversations around controversial subjects can feel…be overwhelming. This course aims to equip participants with essential communication perspectives and strategies necessary to share in meaningful discussions without deepening divisions.

 

The judiciary is a common element in any functioning political system. Although it lacks an army or taxing authority, in the American democracy it has acted as a check on the more vigorous legislative and executive branches. Throughout US history how well the courts perform this function has been uneven. It generally depends upon the ability and inclinations of the chief justice. In this class, key decisions of the US Supreme Court will be discussed in terms of their impact on political trends and events with an emphasis on how the sitting chief justice may have influenced rulings. The record of the current chief justice will be compared to earlier court leaders.

 

Maybe you've lived in South Carolina all your life, or maybe you have moved here only recently, but you have questions about how state government in the Palmetto State actually works. In eight weeks, we'll look at the state constitution, the legislature, the executive branch and judiciary, local government, and recent trends. This class will be a mix of history and politics, and we'll look at how things are supposed to work, how they actually work, and how they got that way. The class will be mostly lectures, but with time for questions and some conversation about our own experience in state and local government.

 

Many faith traditions rely on the adoration and redemption of great ancient worthies. A few do not and go as far as to decry any such adulation. This respectful exploration will review the spiritual, social and psychological aspects of what is for many an indispensable messianism and for others a false and dangerous hero worship. It is the overwhelming agenda to bolster the needs of faith while at the same time to cast a critical eye on time-honored religious dogmas. Please purchase or borrow the book: "There Is No Messiah―and You're It: The Stunning Transformation of Judaism's Most Provocative Idea" by Rabbi Robert N. Levine (2002). 

 

The topic of immigration is in the forefront of our body politic. This eight-week course will explore how immigration has shaped—and continues to shape —the United States. Learners will trace major immigration waves, examine the laws and policies that govern who can enter and stay, and separate common myths from evidence-based realities. The course will explain the pathways to citizenship, recent changes in immigration policies and enforcement, and the lived experiences of immigrant communities today. Special attention is given to the economic, cultural, and demographic impact of immigrants in Spartanburg County, helping learners connect national issues to local life. Optional recommended readings: "One Mighty and Irresistible Tide: The Epic Struggle Over American Immigration, 1924 - 1965," by Jia Lynn Yang and "Everything Sad is Untrue (a true story)," by Daniel Nayeri.

 

In this course, we will explore community, conversation and the ways that words matter. We will practice some words, phrases, attitudes and ways of thinking about interpersonal relationships. Our techniques will be drawn from Civil Discourse -- EUREKA! -- Empathy, Understanding, Respect, Endorsement, Common Ground, and Assertion. We will spend most of our class time experimenting with language and addressing communication challenges. No lectures, no homework, no tests, action-packed, full of fun and new ways to think about talking! Can we talk??? Let's try it and see!