Learning · Four-session university continuing-education beginner course in American Mah Jongg (NMJL rules)
University of South Carolina Mah Jongg Course (Columbia SC)
Also called Mah Jongg — USC Continuing Education Programs (Personal Enrichment and Lifestyle)
University of South Carolina Continuing Education, Columbia, SC. Wednesdays & Thursdays, Oct 14–22, 2026: morning 10:00–11:30 AM or afternoon 1:00–2:30 PM (Eastern). $115. Room and parking details are emailed after enrollment.
Category: Learning · Four-session university continuing-education beginner course in American Mah Jongg (NMJL rules)
Also called: Mah Jongg — USC Continuing Education Programs (Personal Enrichment and Lifestyle)
Last checked: 2026-10-13
What it is
Mah Jongg is a four-session beginner course run by the University of South Carolina’s Continuing Education office in Columbia, SC. The course page calls it “a clear, engaging introduction to American Mah Jongg using National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) rules,” for people who are “brand-new or looking to strengthen your beginner skills.” It is a paid class, not an open-play group.
Who it’s for
Adults in the Columbia, SC area who have never played, or who know a little and want structured lessons.
Why it’s listed
A public university publishes dates, times, fee and instructor for an upcoming course. The plaza has no university continuing-education mahjong class.
- Dates (course page, 200 on 2026-10-13): Oct 14–22, 2026, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 4 sessions. The session dates are Oct 14, 15, 21 and 22 (calculated from “Wednesdays & Thursdays” in that range).
- Two sections: morning 10:00–11:30 AM or afternoon 1:00–2:30 PM. Each is $115.
- What you learn: history and culture of the game; tiles, suits and how to read the NMJL card; core rules and basic strategy; and hands-on practice.
- Instructor: Twyla Wofford Stowe (‘05 BA, ‘07 MAT), a former elementary school teacher of more than 15 years who is based in Columbia and runs leagues and mahjong fundraisers.
- Registration: online, paid by card through the university’s MarketPlace. A seat is not guaranteed until you get an order number. Location and parking information is emailed about one week before the start.
Official URL
Course page (dates, fees, registration): https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/continuing_education/personal_interest/personal_enrichment_and_lifestyle/mah_jong/
Location
University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC. The exact room is not printed on the course page; it is emailed to enrolled students.
Notes
- Learning listing at a public university.
- Starts Wed Oct 14, 2026, the day after this check. Late registration may not be possible; check the page.
- Course orientation is emailed about one week before the start, per the page, so a late enrollee may get it late.
- The course page does not say whether tiles or an NMJL card are provided or must be bought.
- Image: the course page’s own banner image (
mahjongg_75.png; the page has no og:image), 825×301, saved asusc-mah-jongg-course.jpg. - Not affiliated with Mahjong Plaza. No registration, payment or contact was made.
FAQ
Q: When is the USC Mah Jongg course?
A: Wednesdays and Thursdays, October 14–22, 2026 (four sessions: Oct 14, 15, 21 and 22, calculated). Choose 10:00–11:30 AM or 1:00–2:30 PM.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: $115 per section.
Q: Which rules are taught?
A: American Mah Jongg using National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) rules.
Q: Who teaches it?
A: Twyla Wofford Stowe, a USC graduate and former elementary school teacher based in Columbia.
Q: Where does it meet?
A: In Columbia, SC. The room and parking details are emailed about a week before the course starts.