I took classes at Women Institute when i was being a mom with my children and I was hungry for learning about the city the Arts, history, getting freshen up with some Religion and Philosophy, Art history, Improve my english reading, well a English friend told me about this place " the Women's Institute and I got so addicted to it that I took for years all the classes I could, I think I most it taken all classes with all the professors. I recommend this place there is nothing like it. I live now in New York City and i found Women's institute in every corner of Manhattan. It used to be in charge as a Manager Alida Webb when I was a student she was an amazing administrator. Sheers to the old people who I see familiar here.
Elie Diaz aka Eloina Diaz
New York City, N.Y.
I have taken classes at The Women's Institute of Houston for more than ten years. My primary focus has been the creative writing courses taught by Christopher Woods. He encourages his classes to write in a variety of forms - poetry, essays, short fiction and plays, and then he generously helps us find publication opportunities. Because of him, I can count over 80 publications. The novel writing class taught by Chris Rogers has also expanded my skills as a writer. To explore another interest of mine, I have also taken many of the religion classes from Jill Carroll, Rabbi Rossel and Pittmann McGehee - all scholars on various topics related to the world's great religions, and all extremely thought-provoking. I would say they have helped me to sort through the beliefs I was taught as a child. And on another note, especially during an election season, you can't beat Richard Murray's classes on politics for both entertainment and education.
Another aspect of the Women's Institute that I love is the Lecture Luncheon series. Five times a year, world-class speakers are brought in for in-depth lectures followed by lunch and a Q&A session. It's been exciting to hear about everything from cyberwarfare to how a cartoonist at "The Economist" fights for freedom of speech for cartoonists in oppressed societies around the world. This coming year, speakers will cover economics, politics, the "Arab Spring," music and fashion's impact on culture. I can't say enough good things about The Women's Institute.
In the 1980's when my children were small, The Chronicle ran an article on The Women's Institute of Houston. I could hardly wait to enroll! As a young mother, I was thirsting for some intellectual stimulation. I could not have been more thrilled with their broad, diversified curriculum. And best of all, as soon as I entered the building, I knew that I had something in common with each person there. We all loved to learn! Stimulating classes with no homework or tests...what could be better? Thirty years later, I'm still as enthralled with the programs offered as I was when I first enrolled. From the Sunday Lectures followed by wine and cheese to the Cultural Studies and Lecture Luncheon programs, The Women's Institute offers something unique to both men and women. This organization is one of Houston's rare jewels.
I have been taking classes for about the last ten years. Current favorites as teachers are Kate Pogue (Shakespeare's great speeches) brings Shakespeare to life; Jill Carroll (philosophy and religion) makes difficult subjects clear; Barry Greenlaw (the arts, history and culture) always brings his subject to life with wonderful photographs; and Susan Briggs Wright (memoir writing) is a great help in getting our stories on paper.
Try us. You will find a pleasant place to take classes and learn.
I have taken classes at The Women's Institute for over 15 years, and it is a wonderful place. They offer classes in Cultural Studies, and I always find something to interest me. The classes meet once a week for four to twelve weeks depending on the topic, and they have a coffee break after the first hour, which is a chance to visit and get to know the other students. The people who attend are those of all ages who have a flexible schedule so that they are available during the day, including retirees and self-employed people, both men and women. Over the years I have particularly enjoyed Terry Doody, a Rice English Professor who teaches a Literature class. We always read interesting things that I wouldn't necessarily pick up on my own.
The Women's Institute is hosting a Back to School Coffee on Friday, August 26 from 10:00 am - 11:30 am. It is free, and open to the public. There will be coffee and snacks, and a presentation by members of the Faculty about the courses they are teaching this Fall. If you think you might be interested, you are most welcome to attend.
The Women's Institute also offers a Lecture Luncheon Series at the River Oaks Country Club. There are five Lecture Luncheons on a variety of topics, and the first is scheduled for Friday, October 21. The speaker will be Dr. Barton Smith, and his topic is "Understanding Today's Global Economics: Implications For The Future."