AIKEN --- Anything from outdoor sports to perfecting a camera angle is fodder for alternative classes at area colleges. After sitting in a lecture hall for math and English, teachers say, students are looking for a break in their day but still want to earn credit toward graduation.

"It's a release coming from a chemistry or a biology class and then having to go to a math class," said Skip Fite, an Augusta State University associate professor, of the nontraditional class offerings. "We do require them to learn, but we just want to try to diversify interests and give them an opportunity to get involved in an activity and give them a place to start."

Mr. Fite's beginning fishing class is one of the many new options offered to fulfill an activity requirement for Augusta State University students. In the past year, the popularity of the classes has almost overwhelmed professors. Students keep returning to take classes even after the requirement is filled.

Students have options ranging from cycling on Saturdays to learning about international games such as cricket.

"They need that activity class, and it's totally different than anything else," said Susan Schultz, an international games instructor. "The more variety we offer, then the more needs we'll meet."

And the classes, which are open only to ASU students, continue to fill up.

"My approach is with lifetime wellness," said Karen Wish, a cycling instructor. "We love team sports, but many of us just want to get out on the weekend and just do something a bit different. These classes seem to fit that desire. People new in the area want to see popular places to ride, and this encourages them to do something they can do with the whole family or on their own."

The University of South Carolina Aiken offers classes for non-university students through its Continuing Education program and the Academy for Lifelong Learning.

The continuing education courses allow area residents to return to school without the high cost of tuition.

Photography teacher Bill Jordan sees people of all ages in his classes.

"I absolutely love to see people's eyes light up when they see how creative they can become," Mr. Jordan said. "Once your creativity becomes part of your picture-producing process, photos become more of your own and original."

Popular classes fill up fast. An Aiken history class already has 90 participants this year. But other courses still have space. Instructors recommend looking at course listings as soon as they are released to ensure a spot in a desired class. Most courses have seats for 15 to 25 people per session.

"These classes teach (students) to do something that they've always wanted to do, but didn't know where to start," Mr. Fite said. "It really helps social values because it relaxes people in this environment. We're trying to get away from the norm and trying to bring them into new ideas and new areas."