Sarah Lawrence College

Lifelong Learning

Extension Courses

No prerequisites. No grades. Just great learning.

Sarah Lawrence Extension opens our college’s renowned spirit of inquiry to the broader community. Whether you’re exploring a new passion, returning to a long-held interest, or looking for thoughtful conversation, our non-credit offerings blend the hallmarks of a liberal arts education — small lectures, dialogue-based learning, and practicing faculty artists and scholars — with flexible formats that fit your life.

Melissa Frazier presenting to a classroom with a screen behind her. Audience members face the presenter.
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Hudson River Biodiversity and Education

Tue, Sep 1 2026

Christina Tobitsch

In-Person

Learn about Hudson River ecology through a hands-on fishing experience and examination of historical data, and how to become active in CURB’s youth education programs.
  • Tue, Sep 1 2026, 10:00 am–1:00 pm EDT

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1857 - The Birth of the New Paris

Tue, Sep 8 2026 — Tue, Oct 13 2026

Eric Leveau, PhD

In-Person

An in-depth exploration of a fascinating period in French history from 1848 (when Flaubert starts working on Madame Bovary) to 1874 (when the first “Impressionist” exhibition happens).
  • Tue, Sep 8 2026, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

    Tue, Sep 15 2026, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

    Tue, Sep 22 2026, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

    Tue, Sep 29 2026, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

    Tue, Oct 6 2026, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

    Tue, Oct 13 2026, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

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The Worlds of your Mothers & their Mothers: A U.S. Women’s History of the 20th Century

Wed, Sep 9 2026 — Wed, Oct 14 2026

Lyde Sizer, PhD

In-Person

Discover the possible worlds of our mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers, beginning in the 1880s and stretching into the 1980s.
  • Wed, Sep 9 2026, 2:00 pm–4:00 pm EDT

    Wed, Sep 16 2026, 2:00 pm–4:00 pm EDT

    Wed, Sep 23 2026, 2:00 pm–4:00 pm EDT

    Wed, Sep 30 2026, 2:00 pm–4:00 pm EDT

    Wed, Oct 7 2026, 2:00 pm–4:00 pm EDT

    Wed, Oct 14 2026, 2:00 pm–4:00 pm EDT

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Water Quality and Infrastructure in Westchester (Fall 2026)

Tue, Sep 15 2026

Katie Lamboy Roman

In-Person

Learn about the current health of local rivers, including the Hudson River, community science water quality monitoring efforts, and how to get involved as a volunteer.
  • Tue, Sep 15 2026, 10:00 am–1:00 pm EDT

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The Beatles

Mon, Oct 26 2026 — Mon, Dec 7 2026

Marty Goldray, DMA

Zoom

Follow the development of The Beatles chronologically, exploring their innovative use of musical techniques as well as some of the musical styles and cultural phenomena that The Beatles assimilated and transformed.
  • Mon, Oct 26 2026, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

    Mon, Nov 2 2026, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EST

    Mon, Nov 9 2026, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EST

    Mon, Nov 16 2026, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EST

    Mon, Nov 30 2026, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EST

    Mon, Dec 7 2026, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EST

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American History on Film: Fact, Fiction, Memory (Fall 2026)

Wed, Oct 28 2026 — Wed, Dec 9 2026

Jim Cullen, PhD

In-Person

Take a trip through American history as experienced in pivotal films: The Crucible, Glory, The Great Gatsby, A New Leaf, Doubt, American Fiction
  • Wed, Oct 28 2026, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

    Wed, Nov 4 2026, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EST

    Wed, Nov 11 2026, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EST

    Wed, Nov 18 2026, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EST

    Wed, Dec 2 2026, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EST

    Wed, Dec 9 2026, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EST

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Let the Pictures Speak

Joseph Forte, PhD

Zoom

"Let the Pictures Speak - The Birth of Modern Europe (1572 to 1648) in European Art" traces the first steps toward modern Europe and the political and cultural entity it is today using great works of art from the period.

Sign Up for Our Mailing List to Receive a Free Mini-Lecture!

When you sign up for our mailing list, we'll email you the complimentary, on-demand mini lecture, "Climate Change in Popular Art: The Census at Bethlehem, Pieter Bruegel, 1566", by Sarah Lawrence art history faculty emeritus Joseph Forte. Afterwards, you can expect to receive occasional emails about course offerings, free campus events, and more!
Announcement for a free on-demand lecture on climate change in art, featuring Pieter Bruegel's "The Census at Bethlehem" with a play button.

What you’ll experience

  • Conversation-driven classes. The most common format for our extension courses are lecture + discussion. Our small lecture size invites detailed exploration and active discussion, with a chance to get to know your lecturer, ask questions, share your opinions, and listen to and learn from others.
  • Sarah Lawrence’s faculty. Learn from current and former faculty and guest experts who are often working writers, artists, scientists, and scholars.
  • Interdisciplinary perspective. Bring ideas across art, humanities, and the sciences into the same room — just like Sarah Lawrence students do.
  • A welcoming community. Meet curious peers who value respectful dialogue and creative exploration.

Formats that fit your life

  • Short Courses (6 weeks): Weekly two-hour sessions at various times. The most common format is lecture + discussion. Big ideas, accessible insights, lively Q&A.
  • Lectures: Explore interesting topics across the arts, sciences, and humanities in one-off lectures from experts.
  • Studio Courses (6 weeks): Hands-on courses in our state-of-the-art studio spaces. Learn practical arts from our experienced faculty.
  • Conversation Classes (6 weeks): Practice a language in guided conversation classes.
  • Workshops: Practical workshops where you’ll gain skills and knowledge through hands-on sessions.
  • Multiple Options: On-campus and online courses and lectures as well as on-demand recorded lectures!

Areas of Learning

  • Creative Practice: Writing, memoir, poetry, playwriting, drawing, painting, photography, film, performance.
  • Humanities & Society: Literature, history, philosophy, politics, media studies.
  • Nature & Science: Ecology, environmental studies, psychology, neuroscience for the curious.
  • Wellbeing & Lifework: Creative habits, public speaking, design thinking, purpose and “encore” pathways.

Who it's for

  • Lifelong learners seeking intellectual engagement without the pressure of grades.
  • Working professionals wanting to sharpen thinking or spark creativity.
  • Artists and writers building practice and community.
  • Neighbors & friends of the College who value meaningful conversation.

No prior experience required — just curiosity!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Anyone age 18 or older is welcome. Our programs are designed for adults of all ages and backgrounds; no prior college experience or connection to Sarah Lawrence is required. All you need is curiosity and an interest in learning.

  • No. Extension courses are open-enrollment and non-credit, meaning you don’t need to go through a formal admission process. Simply register online for the class or lecture you’d like to attend.

  • No. These are non-credit offerings for personal enrichment. No transcript or grade is issued.

  • Most courses run for six weeks, meeting for two hours once per week. Single-session lectures and workshops may also be offered. The exact length is listed in each course description.

  • Courses are offered on our Bronxville, New York, campus, online via Zoom, at the College's Center for the Urban River in Yonkers, or may be pre-recorded and available on demand. Each course listing specifies its format. Our campus is easily accessible by train or car, and parking information is provided upon registration.

  • Extension offerings span the arts, humanities, writing, social sciences, nature and ecology, and personal growth. You’ll find courses in memoir writing, art and design, contemporary issues, psychology, and more — topics that reflect the interdisciplinary spirit of Sarah Lawrence College. Topics vary by term.

  • Most courses are led by current and former Sarah Lawrence faculty. Some courses are taught by guest artists, graduate students, and subject-matter experts. Instructors are often practicing professionals passionate about sharing their work in an engaging, discussion-based format.

  • Most classes that have a lecture + discussion format have a maximum enrollment of 45 to foster dialogue, collaboration, and individual attention — hallmarks of the Sarah Lawrence approach. Studio and Conversation Class courses typically have a maximum of approximately 15 students, though this may vary slightly.

  • Tuition varies by course length and format. Most short courses are $480 for six weeks and lectures are $50, though this can vary. Check the course details for the exact tuition cost. Discounts are available for certain community groups.

  • We offer discounts for alumni, au pairs, and members of our Signature Learning Community. Email us at ExtensionCourses@sarahlawrence.edu for details!

  • Students who withdraw from a course 14 days or more prior to the start of the first or only class will receive a coupon code that they can use towards a future course or a credit card refund, minus a $50 administrative fee. Cancellation requests must be received in writing at ExtensionCourses@sarahlawrence.edu.

    Students who cancel a course, lecture, workshop or event less than 14 days but more than 72 hours prior to the first or only class will receive a 50% refund, minus a $50 administrative fee. Cancellation requests must be received in writing at ExtensionCourses@sarahlawrence.edu.

    No refunds are available for cancellations made 72 hours or less before the start of the first or only class.

    Because they are available immediately upon purchase, no refunds are available for On Demand Courses after purchase.

  • Some classes include light readings or materials, which are shared digitally before the first session. Others may provide optional resources during the course.

  • Yes! Sarah Lawrence Extension welcomes new ideas from community members and teaching artists. Submit a proposal by emailing ExtensionCourses@sarahlawrence.edu with your concept. Please note that we are unable to fulfill every suggestion.

  • Join our mailing list for monthly updates on new courses, lectures, and events, plus early registration opportunities.

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