Coastal Carolina University’s Waccamaw Higher Education Center is offering a variety of noncredit short courses and workshops over the next few months. The center is located in Litchfield at 160 Willbrook Boulevard, just off U.S. 17, next to the Hampton Inn. For more information or to register, call 349-4032.

Gerontology: The Psychology of Aging

This class will examine scientific research concerning aging beyond 60 years old. Reid Johnson, recently retired from a 30-plus year career in psychology and teaching, will discuss issues such as aging, combating ageism, psychological disorders, planning for retirement, disability and death. Fridays, Jan. 27 to March 17, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., $50.

Healing with Words

Coastal Professor Emeritus Sally Z. Hare will lead a class aimed at helping students openly reflect on their lives, both present and past. Class members will use language arts to study traditions and will be encouraged to keep a journal of memories, stories and poems to find personal fulfillment. Tuesdays, Feb. 28, March 28, April 18, May 9, June 13, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., $60.

Learn to Read Music

Quickly learn all the basic reading skills you need for playing and reading music. This workshop, geared toward beginners, will provide instruction in the music theory to play any instrument. Instructor David Haynes will also teach the fundamentals of the piano keyboard. Conway campus, Jan. 31, 2 to 4 p.m. and Litchfield campus, Feb. 1, 2 to 4 p.m., $45 tuition plus $15 for booklet and CD.

Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People

David Haynes will explain all the chords necessary to play any pop song in any style or key. The class is designed for those interested in learning to play the piano but are restricted by hectic schedules. Conway campus, Jan. 31, 6 to 9:30 p.m. and Litchfield campus, Feb. 1, 6 to 9:30 p.m., $75 tuition, plus $25 for book and CD.

A Journey on the Intracoastal Waterway

Joe Gatto, a longtime sailor who has traveled the 640 miles of Intracoastal Waterway from Baltimore, Md., to Charleston nine times, shares his memories and tales from his many journeys through slides and maps. The class will discuss boating environments such as tides, currents, weather, wildlife, marinas and anchorages. Mondays, Feb. 6 to Feb. 13, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., $30.

Writing Poems: Beginning to End

Award-winning poet Susan Meyers offers a workshop for all ages on generating new poems and sustaining them from the first line to the last. The workshop will includes tips for finding and sticking to the poem’s subject. Includes class packet of sample poems and resources. Feb. 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., $25.

eBay: Buying and Selling

This workshop will provide information for those interested in online buying and selling via eBay and other similar sites. Carol Rose teaches this single-session workshop. Participants need to register as a buyer on eBay before class begins. Credit cards are not required but a working e-mail account is. Georgetown campus, Jan. 30, 9 a.m. to noon and Litchfield campus Feb. 18, 1 to 4 p.m., $25.