What Would the Founding Fathers Think?

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 10:00 A.M.–NOON.

As we mark the 250th Anniversary of the United States, we are experiencing and observing certain actions by the government that appear to counter what the Framers of the Constitution intended. Are the actions in line with the spirit of...

Houston’s Fifth Ward: 160 Years of Resilience

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 9:30 A.M.–2:30 P.M.

What do Barbara Jordan, George Foreman, Ruth Simmons, Joe Sample, and Mickey Leland have in common? Each started their lives in Houston’s Fifth Ward and went on to achieve meteoric success. Meet today’s movers and shakers, among them Kathy Flanagan...

Behind the Headlines: Russia, Venezuela, and Turkey

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, AND TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 6:00–7:30 P.M.

Behind the headlines, Russia, Venezuela, and Turkey reveal deeper stories about power, resilience, and political transformation. In Russia, the narrative extends beyond confrontation with the West to questions of national identity, demographic strain, economic adaptation under sanctions, and the centralization...

The Many Faces of Hamlet

THREE WEDNESDAYS, OCTOBER 7, 14, AND 21, 6:00–7:30 P.M.

This course has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. We hope to reschedule this course in the spring of 2027, but will be issuing refunds to subscribers. Thank you for your understanding.   What is Hamlet? A (failed) revenge tragedy?...

Literary New Orleans

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 6:00–7:30 P.M.

*Please note: the date of this course has changed from Tuesday, October 13 (date in the printed brochure) to Monday, October 19. In this third and final session of “Literary New Orleans,” Logan Browning will examine Anne Rice’s The Feast...

The Big Easy Study Tour of New Orleans

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22–SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2026

October 22–25, 2026 $4300 pp/double, $650 single supplement Few American cities rival the allure of New Orleans—a place where centuries of history, architecture, music, cuisine, and cultural traditions converge in a setting unlike anywhere else in the country. This fall,...

Pop Up Course: The Midterms with Richard Murray and Sean Theriault

TWO WEDNESDAYS AND TWO THURSDAYS, OCTOBER 28 AND 29 AND NOVEMBER 11 AND 12, 6:00-7:30 P.M.

  The midterm elections are likely to bring high drama, with vigorous contests to determine control of the U.S. Congress and fill numerous State and local offices, amid controversies about election methods and policies plus longstanding nationwide political polarization. Notably,...

An Architectural Walking Tour of Rice University

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 9:00 A.M.–NOON

Note: this tour is sold out. If you are interested in attending, please sign up for the waitlist below. If we receive any cancellations, we will email you to make you aware of any spaces available. What does Ralph Adams...

The Eyes of Texas Are on Art

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 8:00 A.M.–10:00 P.M.

  Please note: this day trip is non-refundable. Join us as we travel by coach to Austin to view the Landmarks public art collection on loan to the University of Texas from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We will be accompanied...

Hem and Her: American Female Designers at the HCC Fashion Archives

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 10:00 A.M.–NOON

Often overlooked, American women fashion designers have pioneered an empowering aesthetic, often focusing on practicality and function, that redefined global style for women and brought America to the forefront of fashion, moving beyond European couture. Key designers such as Claire...

‘Round the Big Bend: A Study Tour of the Towns around Big Bend National Park

WEDNESDAY, MAY 5–SUNDAY, MAY 9, 2027

May 5-9, 2027 $4,100 per person / double occupancy $4,850 per person / single occupancy In May, the Houston Seminar will travel to one of the most picturesque regions of Texas: a landscape of striking contrasts, layered history, and continuing...