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.
Info Session

Learn More about the Signature Learning Community at Sarah Lawrence College for adults 55+ and our personal enrichment Extension course

October 21, 2026
Wednesday 12pm-12:45pm
Join James (Executive Director of Lifelong Learning) for an interactive information session.
Person in a suit with a plaid tie, smiling against a dark background.
Books labeled "Poetry" on a shelf. A person sitting by a lakeside reading, with a cloudy sky overhead.

Reading Poetry: Finding Meaning, Beauty, and Connection

Thu, Oct 15 2026 — Thu, Nov 12 2026

Tyler Mills

Zoom

What is a poem? And why read one? Learn about poetry while taking a trip through history as we read and discuss contemporary and historical poems in dialogue with brief essays about poetry.
  • Thu, Oct 15 2026, 10:00 am–12:00 pm EDT

    Thu, Oct 22 2026, 10:00 am–12:00 pm EDT

    Thu, Oct 29 2026, 10:00 am–12:00 pm EDT

    Thu, Nov 5 2026, 10:00 am–12:00 pm EST

    Thu, Nov 12 2026, 10:00 am–12:00 pm EST

Two iconic images: a band performing on stage, and the same band crossing a street on a zebra crossing.

The Beatles: The Music, the Innovation, and the Cultural Revolution

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

Left: Grand museum entrance with classical architecture. Right: Person in a coat admiring framed paintings in an art gallery.

Masterpieces at The Met: The Stories Behind the Art

Mon, Oct 26 2026 — Mon, Dec 7 2026

Art Faculty

In-Person

Explore paintings from the collection of the Metropolitan Museum, looking at them not only as important works of art, but also as documents of a moment in cultural and political history.
  • 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

Child in fur coat smiling in snow; kids playing cricket in a sunny field, one batting, another bowling.

Childhood Across Cultures

Thu, Oct 29 2026 — Thu, Dec 10 2026

Deanna Barenboim, PhD

In-Person

Explore child and adolescent development through a cross-cultural lens. Focusing on case studies from diverse communities around the world, we will look at the influence of cultural processes on how children learn, play, and grow.
  • Thu, Oct 29 2026, 10:00 am–12:00 pm EDT

    Thu, Nov 5 2026, 10:00 am–12:00 pm EST

    Thu, Nov 12 2026, 10:00 am–12:00 pm EST

    Thu, Nov 19 2026, 10:00 am–12:00 pm EST

    Thu, Dec 3 2026, 10:00 am–12:00 pm EST

    Thu, Dec 10 2026, 10:00 am–12:00 pm EST

Vintage theater marquee displays "The Great Gatsby" and "American Fiction." Next to it, spilled popcorn and movie tickets are shown.

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

Person smiling in an indoor office setting with windows in the background, wearing a dark suit and blue shirt.

Living with AI: Understanding, Exploring & Using It

Wed, Jan 20 2027 — Wed, Feb 24 2027

Lee Huang

In-Person

Discover how AI is changing our world, explore practical ways it can benefit your everyday life, and learn how to navigate its opportunities and dangers with greater confidence.
  • Wed, Jan 20 2027, 2:00 pm–4:00 pm EST

    Wed, Jan 27 2027, 2:00 pm–4:00 pm EST

    Wed, Feb 3 2027, 2:00 pm–4:00 pm EST

    Wed, Feb 10 2027, 2:00 pm–4:00 pm EST

    Wed, Feb 17 2027, 2:00 pm–4:00 pm EST

    Wed, Feb 24 2027, 2:00 pm–4:00 pm EST

Gryphon watermark

An Insider's Guide to the TV News: Past, Present and Future

Tue, Feb 9 2027 — Tue, Mar 16 2027

Gail Yancosek

In-Person

What's Up With The TV News? We will take a look at how the TV news has evolved over the years, the challenges and constant changes it faces to day, and where it might be in five years. Will include guest expert panelists.
  • Tue, Feb 9 2027, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EST

    Tue, Feb 16 2027, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EST

    Tue, Feb 23 2027, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EST

    Tue, Mar 2 2027, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EST

    Tue, Mar 9 2027, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EST

    Tue, Mar 16 2027, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

Person with glasses and grey hair, wearing a blazer. Standing in a room with framed pictures on the wall and books on a shelf.

How Humans Invented Nature: From Ancient Myths to the Modern Mind

Tue, Mar 23 2027 — Tue, Apr 27 2027

Eric Leveau, PhD

In-Person

A fascinating exploration of the interaction between people and nature and where and how nature has appeared in literature throughout history.
  • Tue, Mar 23 2027, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

    Tue, Mar 30 2027, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

    Tue, Apr 6 2027, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

    Tue, Apr 13 2027, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

    Tue, Apr 20 2027, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

    Tue, Apr 27 2027, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

Person in a blazer playing a cello against a brick wall background.

How Music Makes the Movies: The Scores That Shaped American Cinema

Tue, Mar 23 2027 — Tue, Apr 27 2027

Mitchell Lyon, MM

Zoom

A fascinating exploration of the power of music to transform movies. Travel through time as we explore how film scores shape what we see and feel, and trace the moments when composers changed what movie music could do.
  • Tue, Mar 23 2027, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

    Tue, Mar 30 2027, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

    Tue, Apr 6 2027, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

    Tue, Apr 13 2027, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

    Tue, Apr 20 2027, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

    Tue, Apr 27 2027, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

Person with white beard and glasses wearing a brown shirt and floral tie, sitting indoors with blurred decorations in the background.

Six Elections That Remade America

Wed, Mar 24 2027 — Wed, Apr 28 2027

Jim Cullen, PhD

In-Person

Explore six key presidential elections - from 1800 to 2016 - and how they represented their times and how they changed the course of history and the country's direction.
  • Wed, Mar 24 2027, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

    Wed, Mar 31 2027, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

    Wed, Apr 7 2027, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

    Wed, Apr 14 2027, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

    Wed, Apr 21 2027, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

    Wed, Apr 28 2027, 7:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT

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.