Courses

Your membership in the Center allows you to attend the meetings of this group. If you have any questions concerning the operation of any Apple technical device, you are welcome to attend the meetings. This group will be led by the instructors of the Apple computer and iPhone/iPad courses. Come and get your questions answered or provide answers to other members.

Dr. Simpson, Aiken's own resident diva soprano, will discuss the following operas:
Session I: "Boris Goudonov," Mussorgsky
Sessions II & III: "Il Trovatore," Verdi
Sessions IV & V: "La Rondine," Puccini
Session VI: Final class will discuss famous ensembles, duets, arias, etc., to help your enjoyment of opera in general.

The four sessions of this course will focus on: 1) Prelude to War; 2) Burning of the Capitol; 3) Old Fort McHenry and the National Anthem; 4) The Battle of New Orleans.

Discussion on today's foreign policy issues:

Session I: Global Supply Chains and National Security
Session II: Persian Gulf Security
Session III: Brexit and the European Union
Session IV: The Arctic
Session V: China in Africa
Session VI: The Two Koreas
Session VII: Role of the World Health Organization
Session: VIII: The End of Globalization?

*The Great Decisions 2021 Briefing Book is available for $32.00 plus shipping from the Foreign Policy Association (FPA), or electronically for $22.99 from the links on this page.

Lessons will begin with basic steps, broken down and taught slowly for beginners and progress to more intermediate dances. A new dance will be taught each week and dances learned in previous weeks will be reviewed. Line dancing is a choreographed dance with a repeated sequence of steps in which a group of people dance in one or more lines or rows without regard for partnering, all executing the steps at the same time. Line dancing provides good exercise and is great food for the heart and brain as well as a wonderful way to meet new friends. Come out and join the fun.

The first class will include submarine history focusing on the submarine battle in the Pacific where the force overcame arcane tactics and inadequate weapons to shut down Japan's commerce, which played a significant role in winning the war. The second session will focus on the Sea Wolf SSN 21 operation and revolutionary construction methodology. The third session will present today's Ohio Class Trident submarine operations and submariner selection, training, and qualifications. The fourth session will discuss today and tomorrow's force structure, missions, and all world capability.

For those who know a little about computers, this class introduces students to Microsoft Wordpad editing functions, managing files and folders and takes them on a tour of the Internet. The course also gives them an introduction to email and its features and shows them how to personalize their computers. Prerequisite: familiarity with basic operation of a Windows computer, including keyboard and mouse. Class size is limited to 8 students.

The Carolinas have a long, rich history with grapes and wines. The Lords Proprietors saw grape cultivation as an economic basis for the new colony. In 1840, North Carolina was the leading wine producing state in the U.S. Thomas Jefferson's cellar included early NC wines. North Carolina grapes launched the American wine industry and saved the French wine industry. Join Professor Helsley for a four-week journey exploring the region's marvelous indigenous grapes and the rollercoaster history of wine production in the Carolinas.

Explore the newest version of Microsoft Windows. Content includes an overview, new features, and apps, including the new Start menu, Edge browser and new ways to organize and track your work. Also included are personalizing Windows 10, managing and backing up your files, protecting your computer from malware, and recovering from hardware failures or software corruption. Class size is limited to 8 students.

Too many files? Can't find the one you want? How can you put all of these in folders? This class will review Finder preferences to insure you can locate any of your files easily. The class includes making new folders as well as moving files to other folders and to a flash drive. Students will have time in class to address their specific file management problems. The Tech Center has 4 Mac desktop computers that may be reserved by students on a first come basis. Students without a reserved computer should bring their own Mac laptops to practice the provided instructions. All students must bring a flash drive to class.

Do you write letters, notices or reports – anything with text? Learn to make the most of your words with Microsoft Word for Windows. Format your documents any way you like – size, shape, color, style, pictures and graphics. Learn to save, organize and find your documents. This course focuses on the most used and useful features of Microsoft Word and makes you comfortable with this powerful program. Class size is limited to 8 students.

This class is intended to introduce students to the capability of connecting their technology. Students will gain a basic, general knowledge of various digital networks used to connect phones, computers, home automation, and home security. This includes network data limits, speed, and availability. This lecture-based class, with limited hands on activity, will show students a broad overview of options.

In this class you will have the opportunity to learn the basic features of both devices, as well as how to customize your Apple devices to meet your specific needs. The class will familiarize you with iPad/iPhone terminology and show you how to navigate the screen. This class includes helpful shortcuts, general tips, and useful settings to maximize your iPad/iPhone experience. You will also learn to use many of the Apple applications (Apps) that come with your device—especially communication Apps such as email and texting. Student participation and questions will be encouraged. This is a hands-on class where you will have the opportunity to practice what you are learning. Therefore, all students must bring their own devices to every class and know their Apple ID and password.

This course will focus on Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice. Over four weeks the class will read through the novel while focusing on its author's background, its historical and cultural context, its formal features as a realist novel, and its lasting significance for readers of literature in English.

For more than a century, Aiken County has served as a health resort and winter season get-away for tourists. Near the turn of the 20th century, several large hotels were built to entertain and accommodate these travelers. However, as you can tell from this program's title, not many of those grand hotels survived to modern day. Join us as we explore the tragic and extraordinary history of the most famous Aiken County hotels and their intriguing guests.

World War I, The Great War, was believed to be the war to end all wars. While it was the largest, most destructive global conflict up to that time, it did not end wars. It did, however, reshape the political boundaries of the world and create tensions that would lead to a second world war. World War I also brought an end to four large empires. This course will cover roots of the war to the peace treaties that officially ended it.

Session I: Will examine the roots of the war from attempts to create a balance of power in Europe to a complicated alliance system which would cause a regional event to turn into a global conflict.

Session II: Will cover the outbreak of the war in 1914 and look at the key leaders and the role they played. The alliances, war plans, and operations will be examined to see how they contributed to the expansion of the conflict. The tactics and technology from trench warfare to guided missiles will also be discussed as well as the impact on the home front.

Session III: Will cover the expansion of the war to a truly global conflict and the U.S. entry into the war in 1917. The role of the U.S., including expeditions to northern Russia and Siberia, will be discussed along with fighting in the Middle East and the Sykes Picot Agreement which would have far-reaching consequences.

Session IV: Will cover the conclusion of the war, the Treaty of Versailles, the Treaty of Berlin, occupation of Germany and the resulting tensions that followed. Finally, there will be an examination of the dissolution of empires and the attempt to implement self-determination for people around the world.

"Wholeness. It all comes back. It's all a circle." —The Prince of Tides.

Explore the faith and spirituality of best-selling author Pat Conroy (1945-2016) as reflected in his turbulent life and beloved books—from his Roman Catholic upbringing to The Citadel's honor-code to themes of spirituality in his beloved books to his life of service as a mentor to his fellow writers. Presented by Jonathan Haupt, executive director of the nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center, this program will include excerpts from writings by and about Conroy as well as published and unpublished photographs.

Exercise is a vital component in maintaining our physical and mental health as we age. This course will teach you about each of the exercise components as well as have you participate in different classes each week to experience the Senior programs at the UofSC Aiken Wellness Center. For the last three classes make sure to wear tennis shoes and comfortable clothing in order to exercise.

Most of us would like the peace of mind and convenience of knowing our home and everything in it is safe and secure. Starting with Burglar Alarm Systems to Security systems with and without cameras. Both alarm and camera systems fall into the home security category. This class will help you determine what kind of home security is right for you - fits your home, needs, lifestyle, and budget. Class size is limited to 8 students.

Explore the newest version of Microsoft Windows. Content includes an overview, new features, and apps, including the new Start menu, Edge browser and new ways to organize and track your work. Also included are personalizing Windows 10, managing and backing up your files, protecting your computer from malware, and recovering from hardware failures or software corruption. Class size is limited to 8 students.

Should you decide that a home surveillance system is right for you, this class will discuss surveillance camera systems, and the integration with Burglar Alarm/Security Systems and Camera Surveillance Systems. Residential surveillance equipment ranges from a single camera to larger, multi-camera arrangements designed as part of a comprehensive, whole-house security system. Students will be shown the interactions between these systems and digital networks used to support their functions.

Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, and Jack Nicklaus dominated the Masters Tournament from the late 1950s into the 1980s. The three professional golfers combined for 13 wins at Augusta National golf Club, and their feats are still celebrated to this day. This 3-part series of classes will examine their contributions to golf in general and the Masters specifically.

Session I: Arnold Palmer. The four-time Masters winner, and the man who helped bring golf to the masses. No one was more influential in marrying golf and television; watching Palmer was must-see TV with his go-for-broke style.

Session II: Gary Player. The first international winner of the Masters, and the man who helped pave the way for future foreign domination at Augusta National. Player, of South Africa, also was instrumental in changing how golfers viewed diet and exercise.

Session III: Jack Nicklaus. The only six-time winner of the Masters, and the man generally considered the greatest player of all-time. With his prodigious length, Nicklaus forced changes to Augusta National long before they became fashionable. He also is the benchmark for major achievement and the person Tiger Woods is trying to eclipse in the record books.

This course will take a look at some of the major African-American personalities in Augusta during the late 19th-early 20th Century. These include: Lucy Craft Laney, a visionary educator, administrator, and civil rights activist; Reverend C.T. Walker, who established Tabernacle Baptist Church and became an internationally renowned minister; Judson Lyons, an attorney and Register of the United States Treasury during the McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt administrations; Reverend Silas X. Floyd, a minister, poet, author, educator, historian, and starting in 1915, founder and editor of Notes Among the Colored section of The Augusta Chronicle; Dr. T.W. Josey, a well-known physician, public servant, and Medical Director for the Pilgrim Health and Life Insurance Company; and Amanda America Dickson Toomer, once the wealthiest African American woman in the United States.

The class will be divided into two sessions.

Session I : will consist of a presentation on cultural sites, restaurants, art spaces, shopping, and recreational venues, all recommendations from a new book written by Dr. Tom Mack and published by Reedy Press this year.

Session II: will feature a field trip to Augusta for a guided tour of a few sites highlighted in the book, including lunch (at participant's expense) at a new eatery. Both sessions will begin at 9:25 a.m. on consecutive Thursdays. Students are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes.

When the coming of the Savannah River Plant was announced on Thanksgiving Day in 1950, Aiken was a much smaller and more intimate town. There were few paved streets. People tended to know everybody in town. But with the coming of the "Bomb Plant," everything changed. This program will briefly look back at the pre-1950 Aiken and then focus on the many changes that took place in Aiken in the decade of the 1950s.

Moving from Microsoft to Mac can be tricky. Have you ever wondered why Apple computers do not have a "Save As" feature? Is it hard to find your files? Things may have seemed simpler on your old PC. This course is designed to help you get used to your new Mac and the Apple operating system. Course will review system preferences. The Tech Center has four Mac desktop computers that may be reserved by students on a first come basis. Students without a reserved computer should bring their own Mac laptops to practice the provided instructions. All students should bring a flash drive to this class. Class size is limited to 8 students.

In this course students will learn how to make the most of the camera and photo app on their iPhone or iPad. Learn to access and use the various camera controls and settings for photos and video and how to view them. Students will also learn how to use the photo app to edit photos and videos, create a custom album, and share photos or videos. Students must bring their device(s) and have their Apple ID and Apple password with them. The Learning to Use Your Apple iPad/iPhone course or equivalent knowledge is a prerequisite for this course

Learn to make the most of these versatile, yet inexpensive tablets. Amazon has packed many features into the various sizes of Fire tablets. Here are some of the possibilities that students can explore: access to entertainment such as books, movies, music and games; access and send emails; download apps for an endless variety of opportunities; surf the web; take pictures with the camera. Also, Amazon Fire Tablet owners have Alexa, the virtual assistant at their command. Students should bring their tablets with them to class. Class size is limited to 8 students.

The tour (walking field trip) will explore the different microhabitats of the longleaf ecosystem, and see some diverse topography, interesting and unique plant communities. We will learn about the Foundation's efforts to care for the longleaf pine ecosystem, our effort to aid in the recovery of the federally endangered Red-cockaded woodpecker; learn about our stormwater challenges, and balancing our different user groups. We will also learn about our partnerships with RPSEC, the SC Bluebird society and others.

Suggested Field Trip Attire: Comfortable hiking outfit, pants and appropriate shirt or light jacket depending on weather, sun screen, bug spray, hat.

The class will cover 1) Basic knife skills including how to mince, chop, dice, cleaning a beef tenderloin & carving a turkey; 2) How to make a charcuterie board including components & compatible flavors & basic board set-up; 3) How to ice a cake including basic tools, types of icings, prepare layers, crumb coat, final decorations, etc. *A $20 participation fee is required as there will be a distribution of charcuterie boards for tasting, and distribution of petite fours for tasting.

Thinking about cutting the TV cable cord or taking down the satellite dish? This presentation gives you the options available to watch over the air television and other television channels without subscribing to a cable TV service. TV streaming services such as Hulu, YouTubeTV, and Sling will be discussed and compared. Smart TV technology and TV services such as Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Google Chromecast will be presented and discussed.

Charleston is called "The Holy City," but Aiken has a rich and fascinating religious history, too. During two class sessions, you will learn about Aiken's oldest religion, its oldest church building, and its oldest congregation, and how Aiken welcomed a variety of faiths to build the community we enjoy today

In this class we will explore the state of our gardens in today's environment and ways to help our native pollinators that live there. Discussion will include: Improving Soil, Optimizing Water Usage, Carbon Storage, Beneficial Organisms, and Habitat for Pollinators.

Session I: Growing conditions, what is light soil, nutrients.
Session II: A gentler approach to gardening.
Session III: Going native and why.

The presence of vast amounts of small plastic pieces in the oceans was first noted by scientists in the early 1970s. Since that time, many scientists have studied the potential problems associated with what we now term "microplastics." Microplastic debris in aquatic ecosystems is currently considered one of the most important global pollution problems of our time. This lecture will define the terminology related to microplastic pollution and discuss some of the ecological and human-health risks associated with the plastic that pollutes our waterways.

Thinking about cutting the TV cable cord or taking down the satellite dish? This presentation gives you the options available to watch over the air television and other television channels without subscribing to a cable TV service. TV streaming services such as Hulu, YouTubeTV, and Sling will be discussed and compared. Smart TV technology and TV services such as Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Google Chromecast will be presented and discussed.

This course will focus on the Aiken Symphony and Aiken Chamber Orchestras' 2021- 2022 concert season. We will discuss all the programs and listen to short selections of music by the soloists and orchestra at rehearsals. Maestro Portnoy will explain how the selections are chosen and also provide biographical information on all of the composers and guest soloists

Having trouble making sense of iCloud? In this course students will investigate synching their iPad/iPhone to other devices and backing up their iPad/iPhone using iCloud. Also students will explore how iCloud treats photos, as well as comparing the use of iTunes to sync and back up iPad/iPhone to their PC or Mac. Students must bring their device(s) and have their Apple ID and password with them. The Learning to Use Your iPad/iPhone or equivalent knowledge is a prerequisite. Class size is limited to 8 students.

Get your Facebook questions answered while reviewing your privacy settings. This one session course includes updating your account and privacy settings. To enroll in this course students must already have a Facebook account as students will be using their own FaceBook account on the classroom computers. Therefore, students must be able to sign into their account in class which will include knowing your FaceBook email and password. Class size is limited to 8 students.

This course deals with why reptiles and amphibians (herpetofauna) are referred to as hidden biodiversity and how they benefit from the protection of wetlands and other natural habitats. Lecture sessions will include presentations about selected species of South Carolina's 150 species of reptiles and amphibians. Participants will learn techniques for identification and be provided ecological information about Aiken County's herpetofauna, answering the questions, "How do you find them and what do you do about it when you do?"

You've read about rogues hacking into commercial, government and financial computers. Why do you think your computer is any safer? It is a lot easier and a lot cheaper to prevent an intrusion than it is to clean up after your computer has been compromised. Learn about protecting your Windows 10 computer from viruses, worms, adware, spyware, and malware. The second half of the course will address your basic internet privacy and tracking. Learn how to protect your online identity. Class size is limited to 8 students.

No curve balls here! After 100 years the Chicago Black Sox scandal is still being debated. Join us for a detailed look at those involved in sports most famous black eye. From the banned eight baseball players, underworld gamblers, reporters who dominated the national news cycle for the heartbroken baseball fans, mix in missing evidence, as well as the despised team owner and heavy-handed commissioner. Regional ties include South Carolina's "Shoeless Joe" Jackson and Baseball Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis, whose father, wounded in the Atlanta Campaign during the late unpleasantness, named his son after the Georgia battlefield. The History in Headstones series looks at the popular past through the lens of the headstones of the people involved. Join us for the epitaphs, stones, and symbolism of those tangled up in the biggest sports scandal of all time.

Violence has sometimes provided the inspiration to create great literary works. Think of Shakespeare, Tolstoy, Hugo, Remarque, and Jones. This class will explore how the literary evocation of three great battles of the past (Agincourt, Waterloo, the Somme) compares to the reality of combat in those situations. Participants will be encouraged to read selections from both literary and historical works to form their own conclusions about "what really happened."

The central historical reference for this class is John Keegan's book The Face of Battle (1976). While purchase of Face in not required, it would be helpful in following the discussion.

Looking for creative ideas? Good ideas start with Pinterest. This class will show you the power of Pinterest, in a Microsoft or Apple environment, to support your interests and hobbies. We will cover: how to expand on your ideas, how to create, share, and follow boards, as well as, settings, and privacy issues.

After decades of petitions and legislative efforts, Aiken County was founded in March of 1871. This program will focus on the creation of Aiken County, its early years, and some of the unique aspects of the County's history since its beginning.

The course will discuss the various taxonomic groups, with observations on natural history. Discussion of venomous snakes and field characters to identify them. Questions and answers

This course is an opportunity to sit in on students' presentations of health promotion projects to communicate health issues and quality health associated with aging. Each student group completes these projects as an assignment for the University of South Carolina Aiken Gerontological Nursing course. The teaching project's objective is to cover the most recent research on a topic selected by each student group, but the presentations are prepared for the general public and for patients, not medical professionals. This nursing course explores theories of human development and the achievement and maintenance of healthy lifestyles of seniors. Topics covered in these presentations from past semesters have included: the respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, neurological system, and cardiac issues. The academic course session lasts nearly 3 hours. However, there will be a brief break between presentations (these will provide an opportunity to leave for those unable to stay for all of the presentations.)