Bluffton campus courses - University of South Carolina Beaufort

(FILM100) FILM APPRECIATION AND ANALYSIS - THE 1970s

This course examines three landmark films from the 1970s, a significant decade in American cinema known for bold storytelling, influential directors, and socially and politically charged themes.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(MUS206) ANGUISH AND DESPAIR; HOPE AND SOLACE

Explore how classical music has long soothed the soul and stirred emotion, using recorded excerpts to reveal its deep emotional impact.

Monday, May 4, 2026, Bluffton campus

(TECH202) INTRODUCTORY MOBILE PHONE PHOTOGRAPHY

This introductory course teaches how to improve mobile phone photography by exploring camera settings, modes, lenses, and editing techniques to inspire creative expression.

Monday, May 4, 2026, Bluffton campus

(ART205) WHAT WAS THE BAUHAUS?

Discover the evolution of the Bauhaus School, from its Expressionist beginnings to its minimalist legacy, shaped by post-WWI Europe and ultimately closed under Nazi rule.

Monday, April 20, 2026, Bluffton campus

(CINT202) BEAUFORT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT UNIVERSITY

Beaufort County School District invites community members to join BCSD U, a free program offering a behind-the-scenes look at district operations, from curriculum and finance to school safety, transportation, and more. Through five monthly sessions led by BCSD leaders, participants will gain knowledge, pride, and the tools to serve as informed advocates for our schools.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(CINT205, CINT208) USCB LIBRARY TOURS

Explore the USCB Bluffton Library through guided tours and interactive education stations highlighting its services and databases.

Tuesday, February 17, 2026, USCB Bluffton campus Libary
Thursday, March 26, 2026, USCB Bluffton campus Libary

(CINT210) COFFEE AND CONVERSATION TRANSPORTATION GRIDLOCK & GROWTH

Attendees will gain deeper insight into the Department of Transportation (DOT) and strategies for managing regional growth through a moderated discussion and Q&A session with DOT representatives and other industry professionals.

Friday, April 10, 2026, Bluffton campus

(CRE204) CARD MAKING SESSION

Attendees will be guided in creating three handmade greeting cards.

Friday, March 13, 2026, Bluffton campus

(ECO200) SNAKES OF THE LOWCOUNTRY

Explore the fascinating world of snakes, their diversity, ecological importance, and the reasons behind our fear of them.

Monday, April 27, 2026, Bluffton campus

(ECO203) HOW DO THEY DO IT?

Join Naturalist Jill Moore for a lively look at Lowcountry wildlife-from insects to reptiles, mammals to birds-and their fascinating dating and mating habits. You'll uncover answers to questions you've always wondered about,or never thought to ask!

Monday, February 23, 2026, Bluffton campus
Monday, February 23, 2026, Live on Zoom

(ECO207) SEA TURTLES: NESTING SEASON ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND

Amber Kuehn discusses sea turtle conservation and nesting data from Hilton Head Island.

Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Bluffton campus
Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Live on Zoom

(ECO210) RECREATIONALLY IMPORTANT MARINE SPECIES OF PORTY ROYAL SOUND

Learn about the saltwater finfish of Port Royal Sound-their habitats, behaviors, and the vital role estuarine marshes play in sustaining both resident and visiting species.

Monday, March 23, 2026, Bluffton campus

(ECO217) INTRODUCTION TO LOWCOUNTRY BIRDS: IDENTIFICATION, BEHAVIOR, AND HABITAT

Learn to identify Lowcountry birds through vivid photography and real-world examples. Perfect for beginners and nature lovers alike.

Friday, April 24, 2026, Bluffton campus

(EVENT8) A DANCE WITH DEATH - A 1950's Sock Hop Gone Sour Murder Mystery Dinner Event

Join fellow OLLI members for a buffet dinner while trading clues, gather information about the crime, and try to reveal the punk that made this prom nowheresville.

Thursday, May 7, 2026, Bluffton campus

(FILM201) FILM APPRECIATION AND ANALYSIS: CULT FILMS

This course explores three cult films to understand how their defiance of cinematic norms and lack of mainstream appeal inspire enduring passion and loyal followings.

February 6, 2026 to April 3, 2026, Bluffton campus

(GOV200) INSIDE THE WIRE: U.S. EPW/POW OPERATIONS

This program explores historical and future challenges of U.S. detainee operations, highlighting the often-overlooked consequences of EPW/POW management.

Friday, March 6, 2026, Bluffton campus
Friday, March 6, 2026, Live on Zoom

(GOV201) THE CHANGING FEDERAL ROLE IN U.S. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The U.S. R&D system-built after World War II by government, academia, and industry-fueled advances in computing, medicine, and space. In 2025, major funding cuts disrupted research institutions. This program explores the system's legacy and the public policy and ethical implications of reduced investment in scientific innovation.

Monday, March 16, 2026, Bluffton campus
Monday, March 16, 2026, Live on Zoom

(HEA205) UNDERSTANDING MEDICARE'S VALUE-BASED CARE

This program offers a patient-focused overview of Medicare's Value-Based Care initiative.

Monday, February 23, 2026, Bluffton campus

(HEA207) HOW TO MANAGE YOUR BODY TO KEEP PLAYING

Empower yourself to get out of pain, stay pain-free, and return to the activities you love through simple self-care practices, including myofascial massage and personalized physical routines.

Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Bluffton campus

(HEA210) MODERN WEIGHT LOSS STRATEGIES

This class, presented by a BMH doctor specializing in weight loss, explores safe, effective weight loss using medications and nutrition strategies.

Friday, April 3, 2026, Bluffton campus
Friday, April 3, 2026, Live on Zoom

(HIS201) HISTORY ON A STICK - HOW SC HISTORICAL MARKERS COME TO BE

Learn how the Beaufort County Historical Society creates and maintains historical markers, and how you can explore them throughout the county.

Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Bluffton campus

(HIS203) BLUFFTON 101: HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN THE HEART OF THE LOWCOUNTRY

Discover the history and preservation of Old Town Bluffton's Historic District with Glen Umberger, as the town's evolution from resort village to thriving community is brought to life.

Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Bluffton campus

(HIS204) WILSON FAMILY HISTORY

Join Palmetto Bluff archaeologist, Katie Epps, as she reveals the rags-to-riches story of the Wilson family.

Monday, March 2, 2026, Bluffton campus
Monday, March 2, 2026, Live on Zoom

(HIS209) THE HISTORY OF DAUFUSKIE ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA

Come discover the unique and fascinating history of Daufuskie Island, South Carolina. Daufuskie

Monday, March 30, 2026, Bluffton campus

(HIS220) DOUGLASS DAY 2025! COMMUNITY TRANSCRIBE-A-THON

Join USCB for a transcribe-a-thon honoring Frederick Douglass by helping digitize vital African American historical documents-no experience needed, training provided.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(HIS222) THE HISTORY OF THE CITADEL

Named the South's top public university for 15 years, The Citadel's graduates have shaped policy across generations-this complex history will be reviewed.

Friday, February 27, 2026, Bluffton campus
Friday, February 27, 2026, Live on Zoom

(HIS223) CIVIL WAR DIARIES - FEMALE NURSES, SPIES, AND SOLDIERS

Through Civil War diaries, learn how women's service as nurses, spies, and soldiers during the war reshaped their societal roles.

Monday, March 2, 2026, Bluffton campus

(HIS229) THOMAS JEFFERSON: A DESCENDANT'S VIEW

David Miller, a descendant of Thomas Jefferson, explores Jefferson's views on religion and his relationship with Sally Hemings in light of historical and DNA evidence.

Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Bluffton campus

(HIS232) THE CASTLES OF WESTERN EUROPE: PROFILES AND HISTORY

Discover the captivating history, design, and legends of 44 European castles in this engaging class, featuring in-depth stories of iconic sites like Bodiam and Leeds Castles.

Wednesday, March 18, 2026, Bluffton campus

(IST200) A TROUBLED WORLD TODAY

This presentation touches on the ''compounding effect'' of global threats and asks how we might avoid World War III.

Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Bluffton campus
Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Beaufort campus
Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Hilton Head Island campus

(LAN200) PRACTICAL ITALIAN FOR DAILY LIFE AND TRAVEL

This Italian language course teaches essential, easy-to-remember Italian phrases and vocabulary for real-life situations like dining, shopping, and travel, with a strong focus on practical communication.

April 6-29, 2026, Bluffton campus

(LEG200) BECOME A JUSTICE NAVIGATOR!

This course equips community leaders, volunteers, and advocates with the knowledge and tools to help close the justice gap in South Carolina. -without requiring a legal background.

Friday, February 20, 2026, Bluffton campus

(LEG201) COLD CASE INVESTIGATIONS

Detective Bromage shares strategies for solving Beaufort County cold cases and bringing justice to victims.

Friday, February 27, 2026, Bluffton campus

(LEG202) ESTATE PLANNING 101

Learn the key differences between wills and trusts, 2025 titling updates, probate-avoidance tips, and the SECURE Act's impact on inherited accounts, followed by a Q&A session.

Monday, March 16, 2026, Bluffton campus

(LEG203) THE U.S. SUPREME COURT: RECENT DECISIONS AND THE CURRENT TERM

This course features engaging discussions on recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions, with a focus on civil rights and liberties.

March 30, 2026 to April 13, 2026, Bluffton campus

(LIT202) PAT CONROY: AN INTRODUCTION TO A LOWCOUNTRY LEGEND

Jonathan Haupt of the Pat Conroy Literary Center shares stories, photos, and videos that illuminate Pat Conroy's life, literary journey, and enduring impact on the Lowcountry.

Friday, February 20, 2026, Bluffton campus

(LIT203) BOOK DISCUSSION: PAT CONROY'S THE WATER IS WIDE

Explore Pat Conroy's The Water Is Wide, a poignant memoir of his year teaching on Daufuskie Island-fictionalized as Yamacraw Island in this discussion-based course.

Friday, March 27, 2026, Bluffton campus

(MUS204) THE MIDDLE YEARS OF ROCK (1960-1964) - When Our Music Ruled the World

This class explores the vibrant music era of 1960-1964, bringing back the sounds and memories of a generation.

Monday, March 9, 2026, Bluffton campus

(PHI200) A CRITIQUE OF MODERN PHILOSOPHY

This course examines how the ideas of major Western philosophers-from Hume and Kant to twentieth-century thinkers-have influenced modern skepticism, cultural decline, and widespread violence.

This course is not open for registrations.
Registration opens on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

(REL200) GREAT PERSONALITIES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

Explore the triumphs and stumbles of both well-known and lesser-known Old Testament figures, including some never before studied at OLLI.

Monday, March 9, 2026, Bluffton campus

(REL201) THE ROOM OF THE LAST SUPPER - The History, Art, and Archaeology of the Upper Room in Jerusalem

Historian David Clausen examines the evidence supporting the identification of Mt. Zion as the location of the Last Supper.

Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Bluffton campus

(SCI200) COMPARING CONVENTIONAL AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

This course demystifies the costs and realities of generating electricity from solar, wind, coal, nuclear, and natural gas. Join us to explore the facts, compare alternatives, and understand the trade-offs shaping our power supply.

Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Bluffton campus
Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Live on Zoom

(SCI203) ARTEMIS II MOON MISSION

This course explores NASA's Artemis program, including the program components, and past and future Artemis missions.

Friday, March 27, 2026, Bluffton campus

(SCI204) MORE MATHEMATICS 101 - AN ADULT TUTORIAL

Mathematics 101 offers a fun, practical overview of math in everyday life. Designed for adults, it can also help you support children's learning. Topics include counting, shapes, equations, functions, limits, derivatives, and integrals-all in an engaging, stress-free format.

Friday, April 17, 2026, Bluffton campus

Courses