Institute for the Study of Western Civilization

Educational Programs: The Institutes mission is to promote the teaching and preservation of the Western cultural heritage. Classes, lectures, and resource material on history, art, literature, foreign languages and music provide opportunities for lifelong learning and for teacher training. Discussions of the achievements and problems of Western Culture occur in 30-week courses such as: The History of the USA, England and Renaissance. Other lecture topics included the plays of Shakespeare, anthropology and archaeology, musical composers and virtuosi, and 20th century warfare. Examples of the syllabi for these and other classes are available on the Institute's website: www.westernciv.com. The number of students enrolled at the Institute in classes (in-person or by streaming) was approximately 500. The amount of students enrolled in lectures was approximatley 1500.Scholarship Program: An important part of the Institute's mission is the extension of full tuition scholarships and cash grants to secondary and college instructors who are currently teaching social sciences or humanities (history, literature, philosophy, art and related courses) in Bay Area schools. During 2024, 47 scholarships of tuition were awarded to continuing and new teacher participants in the Year 6 and Year 7 programs. Library: The Kate Curry Library at the Institute includes over 2,900 volumes. It provides students and local educators with resource materials related to current class offerings, the history of the development of civilization, art, literature, language and music. Volunteers work in acquisitions, book processing, online cataloging, circulation, special collections, patron assistance and general library maintenance. New acquisitions are funded by monetary gifts and program revenue. Book donations are accepted. Library policies and a searchable catalog of books are available at the Institute's website: www.westernciv.com. Books and supplies were provided as needed by participants for the various courses.The number of students enrolled at the Institute in classes (in-person or by streaming) was approximately 500. The amount of students enrolled in lectures was approximatley 1,500.