Cool Classes Fall 2025

Posted on: April 11, 2025; Updated on: April 2, 2025
By Téa Smith, teass@email.sc.edu, 803-777-7549

So, you’ve already met with your advisor, you’ve got Self-Service Carolina loaded up and you’ve got your required classes selected. You’re ready to finalize your fall schedule.

But wait, you need an elective to fill the gap. Something fun, engaging or maybe even a little exciting. No idea where to start? Well, we’ve got your back. We’re back with another list of some of the coolest classes you can take for fall 2025.

Remember, the list is by no means exhaustive. There are a ton of unique learning experiences waiting to be uncovered. Whether you’re into sports, true crime, dancing, cooking or even something a little otherworldly, USC has you covered.

Craft Beer HTMT 476

The course Craft Beer isn’t just for beer lovers — though if you are a fan, you’re sure to love it. This course gives you the opportunity to explore the art, science and business of craft beer. Students will learn and participate in the brewing process using the on-campus brewery and engage in 15 different tastings focusing on beer attributes, styles and sensory analysis. You’ll even take trips to local craft breweries to observe brewing techniques, discuss production methods and learn about the business operations behind successful breweries. In addition to the technical and sensory aspects of beer, you will explore marketing, distribution and future trends within the growing craft beer industry.

You must be 21 or older to take this course, which has a $69 lab fee. Before participating in tastings, you must obtain an alcohol safety certification from either Training for Intervention Procedures or ServSafe Alcohol. You also will be required to take the Cicerone Level One Beer Server Exam, which costs an additional $69, to earn a certification in beer knowledge and service.

Wedding Planning HTMT 362

Do you spend hours making mood boards of floral arrangements, dresses and wedding themes? How about bookmarking videos on Instagram to a collection called “Wedding Inspo?” Or, do you just like organizing events? Well, maybe you should try your hand in Wedding Planning. The course examines sociocultural, political, economic, religious and legal influences on weddings. You’ll be learning about the business of wedding planning, and by the end of the course, you’ll be able to work with clients to plan their ideal ceremony and reception. In addition to learning the logistics, you’ll get to hear from industry professionals, visit wedding venues and do hands-on activities like calligraphy and flower arranging. If you don't have the opportunity to take it this fall, no worries, it's also available in the spring.

This course does require a $37.50 lab fee for flower arranging, calligraphy, cake cutting and tasting throughout the semester.

a close up of a person practicing calligraphy

Forensics of Sherlock Holmes ANTH 221

There are very few fictional characters that have a legacy comparable to Sherlock Holmes. Not only has the character left a lasting impact on literature, but also on modern forensic science. The anthropology course Forensics of Sherlock Holmes examines the methods used by the fictional detective and the impact he had on the development and advancement of forensic science — like introducing concepts such as trace evidence, re-agents and profiling. The course is taught by professor Carlina de la Cova, an avid Sherlockian who has been inducted into a prestigious Sherlock Holmes literary society. You will learn about early anthropological and scientific theory and the history of forensics, along with forensic methodologies utilized by law enforcement today such as forensic pathology, entomology, print analyses, crime scene analysis and forensic anthropology.

an illustration of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson

Hip Hop DANC 378

Do you like to pop, lock, jam and break? No, seriously? Because there’s a course for that. Whether you're a beginner, a dance major or just looking for a judgment-free space to dance, Hip Hop is for you. Instructor Christopher Aldeguer will guide you through the fundamentals of hip-hop dance with a focus on musicality, freestyle and performance. You’ll be moving to songs that you know and love while learning choreography that utilizes gliding techniques, isolations, popping drills and breaking basics.

Flying Disc Sports PEDU 134

Whether you’re an experienced disc golfer or just looking for something new to fall in love with, Flying Disc Sports is the perfect course to fill out your schedule. Similar to golf, players try to complete a course consisting of nine or 18 holes in the fewest throws of a disc. This course will give you the opportunity to learn or improve your technique, strategy and confidence on the course all while getting some fresh air and meeting new people. You’ll learn everything from driving and putting to course management and competitive play. By the end of the semester, you’ll be playing like a pro.

Introduction to Printmaking ARTS 215

Looking for something fun and relaxing that flexes your creative muscles, but still challenges you? Introduction to Printmaking might be just the thing for you. You’ll explore a wide variety of techniques like relief printmaking and etching. In some classes, you’ll also get to try your hand at monoprint, screenprint, plate lithography and collagraph prints. You’re encouraged to make the projects your own and express your interest — within the parameters of the assignment, of course. Also, if you’re worried about a lack of art experience, that’s not an issue. While experience is helpful, a willingness to try new things is all you need.

a girl standing in front of a table of prints

Media and Youth JOUR 308

Have you ever wondered how social media impacts self-esteem, whether violent video games actually affect a player’s behavior, or how educational videos boost a user’s learning? If you said yes, then Media and Youth may be the class for you. In this course, you’ll learn how the constant streams of content online and media aimed at adolescents influences their development, social skills and mental health. You’ll examine research and learn how different types of media shape everything — from kids’ attention spans to their interactions. The course is taught by Jabari Evans whose research delves into strategies that young people use for self-expression on social media as well as other digital media tools and technologies. By the time you leave this class, you’ll understand the effects of growing up in a screen-first world.

Beginning Shag PEDU 177

Originating on the beaches of South Carolina in the 1940s, the Carolina shag is a fun, fast-paced social dance. The shag is synonymous with beach music, a regional genre which developed from rock, R&B and pop music of the 1950s and ‘60s. In the Beginning Shag course, you’ll learn the basics of South Carolina’s official state dance and then progress to intermediate combinations such as the shag pivot and the belly roll. In addition to the fun footwork, you’ll be learning about the history of the shag and how it became the dance it is today.

Backpacking PEDU 182

Imagine: the sound of birds chirping, small animals scurrying in the trees and the leaves crunching under your boots as you take in the fresh air and enjoy the beauty of nature. This fall you can unplug and explore the great outdoors in Backpacking. Whether you’re a beginner, city dweller or just have a love for the outdoors, this course is perfect for you. You’ll learn everything you need for safe and fun exploration in the backcountry. You’ll gain practical skills like trip planning, gear selection, safety, survival, navigation and outdoor living. Everything you need to be an expert outdoorsman. At the end of the course, you’ll even get to put those skills to the test with an overnight camping trip.

This course does have a $10 lab fee, and students will need to rent their own equipment to use during the semester. You will also have to pay for admission to the park visited in the course.

At South Carolina, the possibilities and learning opportunities are endless and as a Gamecock, all you have to do is reach for them. So, take that random class just for fun. Make new friends, develop new skills and create experiences you'll never forget.