Courses

This class will provide an overview of the ecology of gopher tortoises, conservation threats, and techniques used to manage their populations, including collaborative efforts with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

Windows 10 has been the standard Microsoft operating system since 2015. This course includes an overview, new features, apps (including the Start Menu), Edge Browser, and new ways to organize and track your work. Also included are methods of personalizing Windows 10, how to manage and back up 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? What to do about all those folders? This class will review the Finder preferences to help you locate any of your files and folders easily. The class teaches how to make new folders, how to move files to these folders, and how to move files to flash drives. There is time to address student questions about specific file problems.
The Tech Center has four Mac computers that may be reserved by students on a first-come, first-served basis. Students may bring their own Mac laptops, if they wish. Flash drives are required for this class. The class is limited to 8 students.

This is an interactive, conversational course covering recent developments in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

Do you write letters, notices, or reports—that is, anything that involves text? Learn to make the most of your words with Microsoft Word for Windows. Format your documents the way you like: size, shape, color, style, including adding pictures and graphics to your text. Learn how 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 is limited to 8 students.

Having trouble making sense of the iCloud? In this course students will investigate synching their iPad/iPhone to other devices and backing up their devices using iCloud for photo-management, as well as taking a look at other non-Apple cloud storage choices. Students must bring their devices and have their Apple ID and Apple password with them. Learning to use your iPad/iPhone or equivalent knowledge is a prerequisite. Class size is limited to 8 students.

Most of us would like the peace of mind and convenience of knowing our home and everything in it is safe and secure. From Burglar Alarm Systems to Full Security Systems with and without cameras, this course covers all the systems available today. This class will help you determine the type of home security system is right for you, your home, your needs, your lifestyle, and your budget. 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 and iPad, learn to access and use the various camera controls and settings for photos and video and then how to view them. Students will also learn how to use the photo app to edit photos or videos. Students must bring their own device to the class along with their Apple ID and Password with them. Knowledge of iPad or iPhone is required. Class size is limited to 8 students.

For those who know a little about personal computers (PC's), this course introduces participants to word processing editing functions using Microsoft WordPad. The course also teaches students how to manage files and folders, how to personalize their computers to make them more user-friendly. Other useful functions, such as internet and email functions, are also included. Prerequisite: familiarity with the basic operation of a Windows computer and basic mouse and keyboard functions. Class size is limited to 8 students.

This course will focus on how meteorologists come up with forecasts day-to-day. The class will look at analyzing atmospheric data, weather models, and using best practices for forecasting in our area.

The course features the life of one of Dr. Curry's ancestors, born into slavery in 1844 on a plantation in Aiken County. This class continues through the Civil War and will include artifacts and audience participation. The final class will be a visit to a family cemetery in Springfield, SC.

Android phones are five times more numerous than iPhones in the world, with a 2-1 advantage in this country. Android devices are manufactured and sold by many companies all over the world because the Android operating system is not proprietary. This course will help students navigate the sometimes-confusing settings and app functions of Androids. Also, students will learn about some of the most popular apps for the Android. Students must bring their Android phones or tablets with them to the class. Students should also have with them the passwords that allow them to download apps, if their Android devices require passwords. Class size is limited to 12 students.

Having trouble making sense of the iCloud? In this course students will investigate synching their iPad/iPhone to other devices and backing up their devices using iCloud for photo-management, as well as taking a look at other non-Apple cloud storage choices. Students must bring their devices and have their Apple ID and Apple password with them. Learning to use your iPad/iPhone or equivalent knowledge is a prerequisite. Class size is limited to 8 students.

Should you decide that a home surveillance system might be right for you, this class will acquaint you with security camera systems along with the integration of Burglar Alarm/Security Systems and Camera Surveillance systems. Residential surveillance systems range from single to multiple cameras and can be incorporated into a comprehensive whole-house security system. Students will learn about the interactions between these various systems and the networks that can be used to support their functions.

This course will discuss the ballet Giselle. It will explore the plot, music, and history of the ballet. There will be videos of the iconic ballerinas, from over the years, dancing Giselle in the Mad Scene from Act 1, and floating as a Wilis in Act 2. They will also examine the premier danseur's role (Albrecht), as well as the secondary roles of Hilarion and Myrtha.

This course will include a four-week study of vice and villainy in South Carolina's capital city. It will explore the dark world of pickpockets, kidnappers, bank robbers, ladies of the evening, domestic violence, and the flexibility of the "self-defense" defense. It will look at the murder of a newspaper editor and a Christmas Day kidnapping that rocked the city, along with betrayals of the public trust, and the dangers of drunkenness.

We have long wondered whether there could be planets around other stars, but technological advances since 1990 have made it possible to directly detect such planets. Over 4,500 such planets are now known, and some seem to be capable of supporting life. This class will explore how star systems can form, teach the techniques by which planets can be detected orbiting distant stars, survey the variety of planets which have been discovered, and consider which planets might be abodes of life.

Moving from a Microsoft to a Mac computer can be tricky. Have you ever wondered why an Apple Mac does not have a "Save As" feature? Is it hard to find your files on a Mac? Things may have seemed simpler on your old PC. This course is designed to help students get used to the new Mac and the new Operating System. The course will review special preferences. The Tech Center has four Mac computers that are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Students without a reserved computer may bring their own Mac laptops for practice. A flash drive is required for this course. The class is limited to 8 students.

Three operas will be discussed, all of which will be shown at the Regal Augusta Exchange 20 Theater. The classes will introduce historical and musical background, composer issues, performing problems, and plots; both beginner and veteran operagoers will be provided with a deeper insight into each work. The operas scheduled for this season's telecasts and are Rigoletto (Verdi), Ariadne auf Naxos (Richard Strauss), and Don Carlos (Verdi).

The class will focus on a "no-sew" approach to collage quilting. Students will choose among three patterns to work on. Students are asked to bring ¼ yard of cotton fabric, a small pair of scissors, and a glue stick.

Class will include learning six movements of Tai Chi, working on balance and Qigong breathing.

Women were instrumental in shaping the Winter Colony and in, in the process, shaping Aiken itself. Come hear about some well-known favorites like Louise Hitchcock and Hope Iselin and some lesser known like "Saint" Julia Breese and Adelaide McClelland.

This hands-on course will cover how to plan or outline a book, doing research, working with a critique group, self-editing, and how to decide whether to self-publish or seek a publisher.

In this class students will have the opportunity to learn the basic functions and features of iPads and iPhones, as well as how to customize them to your specific needs. Students will learn the terminology and how to navigate the screen. The class also includes helpful shortcuts, useful tips, and general settings to maximize the experience. Student participation and questions are encouraged. This is a hands-on class where students will have the opportunity practice. Students are expected to bring their own devices to the class. Class size is limited to 15.

Your membership in the Center qualifies you to attend the meetings of this group. If you have any questions concerning the operation of Apple products, you are welcome to attend these meetings. This group is led by the instructors of the Apple computer and iPhone/iPad courses. Come and get your questions answered and share your own experience with other members

From Marcello Mastroianni and Sofia Loren to Stefano Accorsi, from Vittorio De Sica to Roberto Benigni, Italian cinema has had a long and illustrious history over the course of the last century. This course will examine the earliest silent films and Fascist propaganda, discover the postwar treasures of Italian Neorealism, explore the sociopolitical unrest of the 70s and 80s, and discuss representations of Italian life in the 21st century.

This class will focus on the basic ecology of the eastern box turtle, including the illegal wildlife trade and the Savannah River Ecology Lab's (SREL) efforts to conserve them.

This course will include a general survey of the interface between mental health and nutrition. It will look at the optimal interplay between the two, as well as what can go wrong when poor nutrition leads to decreased cognitive and behavioral functioning and diminution of overall mental health and well-being.

This course will introduce the basics of orchid culture to new growers and provide more in-depth information to attendees through questions and answers. It will discuss the importance of understanding where specific genera originated, and factoring that into how to choose the best one to grow and bloom successfully in the CSRA.

Back again by popular demand! Lessons will begin with basic steps, broken down and taught slowly for beginners. A new dance will be taught each week and dances learned in previous weeks will be reviewed. Both new dances and old favorites will be covered. 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 the gender of the individuals, all executing the steps at the same time. Unlike other types of dancing , no partner is required. 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!

Thinking about "cutting the cord" of your cable or satellite TV? This course gives you the options available to you. "Over-the-air" and TV streaming services such as Hulu, YouTube TV, and Sling are discussed and compared. Smart TV technology and TV services such as Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Google Chromecast will also be discussed. Class size is limited to 30.

This course will focus on the Aiken Symphony and Aiken Chamber Orchestras' 2022-2023 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 soloists

Did Sacagawea lead the way from Fort Mandan (North Dakota) to the Pacific Ocean? In this class, we will examine the Journals of Lewis and Clark. The class will look at her role as the only woman on the Expedition, who began the journey with a baby less than two months old.

The course will cover how ancient Egypt became subject to the Greeks, and will explore the rise of Alexandria to become the greatest city of the Mediterranean. It will look into Alexandria's influence on the Christian Bible and the Holy Land. Using Egyptian coinage, it will review the Ptolemaic dynasty, which began on the death of Alexander the Great and ended when Octavian (later the Emperor Augustus) defeated the alliance of Cleopatra VII and Marc Antony.

Many people have lawn and garden sprinkler systems now, but there is a need to learn to garden with less water. There are many wonderful, beautiful colorful blooming plants that need very little water, and some that can be killed by over-watering. This class will teach good choices for a drought tolerant garden.

Learn the basics of spreadsheet development using the Microsoft Excel 2016 spreadsheet program for Windows. Other Excel versions are easily adaptable. Class exercises will focus on such useful applications as tracking expenses, keeping personal finance records and investments, preparing an address book, and other home/work useful functions. To build proficiency, class exercises for work at home will be provided. Class size is limited to 8 students.

Both the Aiken County Animal Shelter and the Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare depend on foster parents from the community to help with the huge numbers of stray and unwanted pets. This course will cover the special needs of bottle-baby kittens.

2021 marked the 100th anniversary of the Adath Yeshurun Synagogue in Aiken and this two-session class shares the history of the Aiken Jewish community with a focus on the contributions to civic life here in Aiken and beyond. The first session focuses on the early history (1850s – 1950s) and highlights the role of Jewish merchants in the commercial life of downtown Aiken, as well as on the families that founded the Synagogue. The second session focuses on the later history (1950 – today) and highlights the civic contributions of this community, including a Mayor of Aiken, as well as the first Jewish woman elected as a SC State Representative.

The material in this course is also the basis of an Exhibit at the Aiken County Historical Museum from March – May 2022. The name of this exhibit and the name of this course, "A SOURCE OF LIGHT," reflects a view that the spirit of tolerance and inclusion reflected in this story is part of the attraction of Aiken to everyone who lives here—Jewish or not—and can be a 'source of light' to all of us in the future.

Thinking about "cutting the cord" of your cable or satellite TV? This course gives you the options available to you. "Over-the-air" and TV streaming services such as Hulu, YouTube TV, and Sling are discussed and compared. Smart TV technology and TV services such as Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Google Chromecast will also be discussed. Class size is limited to 30.

This course will discuss the history of camellias in Japan and the United States. It will explore the different species of camellias and what grows well in Aiken. It will also focus in how to properly prune and fertilize the bushes and how to propagate camellias to add to your collection.

This session will discuss how artists represent the human form in drawing and painting, with art historical examples presented alongside demonstrations on gesture, proportion, and technique.

This class will cover how one can document one's tribal membership and also covers the recent political events that have been brought into the spotlight.

Learn to make the most of these versatile, yet inexpensive tablets. Amazon has packed many features into the Fire tablet. Students explore the following features: access to entertainment such as books, movies, music, and games. Send and receive emails, download apps for an endless variety of opportunities, surf the web, and take pictures with the included camera. Also, Amazon Fire tablets come with the virtual assistant, Alexa. Students must bring their Fire tablets with them to the classroom. Class size is limited to 8 students.

This course will explore four of the first places where European explorers established settlements on American soil: St. Augustine, FL; Roanoke Island, NC; Jamestown, VA; Plymouth, MA; New Amsterdam (today's New York City), NY.

The course will focus on eight (8) important topics in foreign policy: Climate Change; Russia and the U.S.; Myanmar and ASEAN; the Quad Alliance; Drug Policy in Latin America; Industrial Policy; Biden's Agenda.

*The Great Decisions 2022 Briefing Book will be available in January 2022 for $35.00 plus shipping from the Foreign Policy Association (FPA).

Learn to use the basics of your Apple Watch. This class will cover pairing your watch with your iPhone, choosing a watch face, opening watch apps, opening notifications, opening the control center, using the dock, using the watch flashlight, using Siri on your watch and watch gestures. There will be a handout for you to take home. You must have your own Apple Watch.

Get your Facebook questions answered while reviewing your privacy settings. This one-session course includes updating your Facebook account and privacy settings. Facebook account is required to take this course. Students will need their Facebook user ID and passwords since they will be using their own FB page in class on classroom computers. Class size is limited to 8 students.

L'chaim…"to life"! From GI Jews to Jewish composers of America's best-loved Christmas music, History in Headstones looks at the lives of significant Jewish contributors to American culture. Which baseball player was called "The Jewish Hammer?" Name the legendary magician and escape artist. Look up in the sky, it's a bird, it's a plane, it's the superhero created by a Jewish author and a Jewish illustrator. Department stores, soft drinks, scientists, musicians will be topics covered in Jewish Change Makers. The History in Headstones series looks at the popular past through the lens of the headstones of the people involved. Join us for the final art, epitaphs, stones, and symbolism of Jewish Change Makers

This session will discuss how artists see and depict color in impressionistic painting, with art historical examples presented alongside demonstrations on color mixing, color perception, and technique.

This class will give an overview of the geography, and the rich and tumultuous history of Hungary since the early Middle Ages. It will review Hungary's history under the Austro-Hungarian Dual Monarchy, two world wars, and socialism, down to the present day. It will also introduce the unique language and culture of Hungary and its contribution to civilization.

The Savannah River Site has supported the nation for seventy years. During this time, site activities have changed, but the mission of support to the country has never wavered. Throughout that time, the site has been an economic engine for our region. This course will review the current state of the site and the organizations involved.

You've read about rogues hacking into commercial, government, and financial computer systems, 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 class will address basic internet privacy and tracking. Learn how to protect your online identity. Class size is limited to 8 students.

On October 5, 2021, Microsoft released Windows 11, the newest version of the Windows operating system. This lecture course will show the new features in Windows 11 and how they changed from Windows 10. You will learn about the new hardware requirements (and why you might have to buy a new computer), the new look, the new tool for arranging windows on the screen, the new Start menu, and the major revision to the Settings app. If you plan to purchase a new computer soon, we'll discuss the hardware requirements needed to meet Windows 11 minimum standards.

Using her photography skills, Dr. Hayes will share parts of her life, her global travels, and her fascination with different cultures, environments, and cuisines across the globe.

The course will examine some of the scientific discoveries that laid the groundwork for Einstein's 1905 breakthrough papers on relativity. It is structured around Einstein's "thought experiments", which ask very simple questions about common events leading to profound conclusions.

Partisanship is the single most important factor in modern American politics. It guides everything from who voters choose, to their political ideology, where they live, and even their public health choices. Today's political landscape represents a perfect storm of factors that have combined to create a feedback loop that drives Democrats and Republicans further apart. This course will examine theories about the origins of partisanship, how it has become so powerful, and how it affects the lives of Americans.

Aiken is a Destination for Equestrian Sports. The speaker will answer "Why does every Equestrian Discipline train in Aiken?" to include: Fox Hunting, Steeplechase Racing, Flat Track Racing, Polo, 3 Day Eventing, Show Hunters and Jumpers, Harness Racing, Carriage Driving, and Western Riding Cutting and Reining. Students will learn the history and background of each discipline and have an opportunity, as a group, to enjoy the rail side action of World Class Equestrian Events.

Session 1: Overview of Horse Sports in Aiken
Session 2: Flat Track Racing,
Session 3: Steeplechase Racing
Session 4: Polo

In addition to the four classroom sessions, there will be three OPTIONAL out-trips (students will be responsible for admission fees, if any, for the out-trips) to the following: Aiken's New Steeplechase Track; Aiken Training Center for the Aiken Trials; and Polo Match at Whitney Field.

Since the settlement of the colonies, Americans have grappled with the government's role in protecting public health and with the balance between individual rights and the public good. This course will look at how public health measures have intersected with the law and government, from the colonial period to modern times, and at diseases ranging from smallpox to COVID-19.

This course is about the history of the U.S. military forces and their contributions to our nation's defense in the Pacific Theater of Operations (PTO) during WWII.

The first session deals with the involvement of the U.S. in the Pacific Ocean from 1898 with the Spanish American War and acquisition of territories. Events such as the Siberian Expedition and Peking Relief Expedition will be covered. This sets the stage for conflict with the expanding Japanese Empire.

The second session covers the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and U.S. entry into WWII. Although the focus would soon be on defeating Germany, the earliest combat operations, such as the Doolittle Raid, Battle of Midway, and Aleutian Campaign were in the PTO.

The third session covers the plans to retake territory in the PTO and defeat Japan. The concept of a two-pronged attack was adopted with one force fighting in the Central Pacific and another in the South Pacific. The goal would be for the two forces to converge on Japan.

The fourth session deals with the final operations against Japan. The final campaigns such as the liberation of the Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa will be examined. The last topic will be the air war against Japan which culminated in the dropping of two atomic bombs that would lead to the final surrender of Japan.

For students who have either completed the Basic Excel course or have a thorough understanding of the basics of Excel. The class covers such concepts as graphing and hiding data, pivot tables that manipulate data, nested formulas, and conditional formatting. The development of formulas will be explained in such a way as to be easily understood. To build proficiency, class exercises for work at home will be provided. Class size is limited to 8 students.

Too many files? Can't find the one you want? What to do about all those folders? This class will review the Finder preferences to help you locate any of your files and folders easily. The class teaches how to make new folders, how to move files to these folders, and how to move files to flash drives. There is time to address student questions about specific file problems.

Session I: History of domestication, the dog today; dog breeds.

Session II: The jaws of Death: efforts to make the ownership of pit bulls and other breeds of dog a felony.

Session III: The nose knows, or does it? (The dog in court; law enforcement and bloodhounds).

Session IV: Carolina dogs: the primitive dogs among us here in the Southeast.

Chromebooks have been on the market for about ten years. The first ones were lacking in a lot of areas: power, apps, flexibility, and capacity. However, Chromebooks have come a long way since those early days. This course will help you decide if a Chromebook is right for you, the type of Chromebook to look for, and tips and tricks to get your Chromebook up and running trouble-free.

This class introduces students to the capability of digital networks. Students will gain a basic knowledge of various digital networks used to connect phones, computers, home automation, and home security. This includes network data limits and availability in this area. This lecture-based class with limited hands-on activity will acquaint students with a broad overview of network digital options.

Picasa is for anyone with a digital camera or a cell phone camera who would like to improve the quality of their photos with the help of an easy-to-use, free editing program. Google no longer supports this program; however, millions of enthusiasts still use it to organize, edit, and email digital photos. It is an excellent photo-editing program and is very intuitive. In this class students will learn how they can download the program to their own computers and will learn the various ways that photos can be edited, saved, and emailed. Students will also learn how to create photo albums that can be shared with others. A flash drive is required for this course, and the class 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 and iPad, learn to access and use the various camera controls and settings for photos and video and then how to view them. Students will also learn how to use the photo app to edit photos or videos. Students must bring their own device to the class along with their Apple ID and Password with them. Knowledge of iPad or iPhone is required. Class size is limited to 8 students.

Looking for creative ideas? Good ideas start with Pinterest. This class will show students how to expand their interests and improve their hobbies using the power of Pinterest in a Microsoft or Apple environment. The course covers how to expand ideas, how to create, share, and follow boards. The class will also cover Pinterest settings and privacy issues.

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 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 the presentations).