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.
No prerequisites. No grades. Just great learning.
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!
Upcoming Classes, Lectures & Events
Whether you’re exploring a new interest, returning to a creative passion, or simply looking to learn something fresh, Sarah Lawrence Extension offers personal enrichment courses designed for curious learners of all backgrounds. Join us to discover inspiring classes led by practicing artists, writers, scholars, and professionals. Questions about which course is right for you? Email us at ExtensionCourses@sarahlawrence.edu. We’re here to help.
Signature Learning Community & Extension Courses Info Session
March 31, 2026
1pm EST on Zoom
Speaker: James Stakenburg, Executive Director of Lifelong Learning
Category: Info Session
Curious about our Signature Learning Community? Our exclusive membership program is designed for adults aged 55+ who want to keep their curiosity alive.
Join us for an info session on March 31 via Zoom to learn all about this exciting new offering. James Stakenburg, Executive Director of Lifelong Learning, will walk through the different membership levels and perks, and answer any questions you may have!
The Human Story of Nature: Myths, Models of the Universe, and the Modern Mind
Tuesday Evenings
March 17 - April 21, 2026
On campus
Faculty: Eric Leveau, Ph.D.
Category: Regular Extension Course
This course explores how ideas of nature have evolved across time, from ancient origin stories and medieval myth to scientific inquiry, American literature, and contemporary poetry, tracing the deep connections between storytelling, belief, and the natural world.
American History on Film: Fact, Fiction, Memory
Wednesday Evenings
March 18 - April 22, 2026
On campus
Faculty: Jim Cullen, Ph.D.
Category: Regular Extension Course
This course will focus on some of the most important movies of recent decades that have explored germinal moments in American history. Participants will watch the films in advance, and each session will include a presentation of historical and other contexts and group discussion.
From Romanticism to Postmodernism
Friday Mornings
March 20 - April 24, 2026
On campus
Faculty: Melissa Frazier, Ph.D.
Category: Regular Extension Course
This course will emphasize the ways that the literature of 19th-century Romanticism underpins what we take to be our own postmodernist thought. From the many works that make up Romanticism as the movement unfolded across Europe and all the way from Russia to the United States, we will focus on three canonical texts, pairing each with a 21st century response.
Works of Art in Depth from the Metropolitan Museum
Tuesday Evenings
March 31 - April 28, 2026 (No Class April 14)
On Campus
Faculty: Jerrilynn Dodds, PhD
Category: Regular Extension Course
Each week we will examine a major piece from The Metropolitan Museum of Art's permanent collection. This is the first in an on going series of lectures discussing individual works from the Metropolitan Museum in depth.
Water Quality and Infrastructure in Westchester
April 8, 2026
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
In Person at the Center for the Urban River at Beczak, Yonkers
Faculty: Katie Lamboy Roman
Category: Workshop
In this interactive workshop, participants will explore how Westchester’s wastewater system works, why overflow events can occur during heavy rainfall, and how these impacts are monitored and addressed. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at current monitoring efforts and the solutions being developed to protect the health of our local rivers.
Voices from a War-Torn Region
Tuesday Mornings
May 12 - June 16, 2026
On campus
Faculty: Melissa Frazier, Ph.D.
Category: Regular Extension Course
This course on Contemporary Literature of Ukraine and Eastern Europe is a timely and fascinating exploration of contemporary Ukrainian and other Eastern European literature.
Italian Culture and History
Wednesday Mornings
May 13 - June 17, 2026
Online
Faculty: Tristana Rorandelli, PhD
Category: Regular Extension Course
This course on Italian Culture and History as Portrayed in Postwar Italian Cinema will explore life and culture in Italy as portrayed in Italian cinema from the end of the war through the postwar reconstruction, the economic boom and its aftermath.
Let the Pictures Speak: The Birth of Modern Europe (1572 to 1648) in European Art
On Demand
Online
Faculty: Joseph Forte, PhD
Category: On-Demand Course
This course on 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.
Join the Signature Learning Community at Sarah Lawrence College!
If you're age 55+ and looking to join a community of learners, consider joining SLC@SLC — the Signature Learning Community at Sarah Lawrence College. You'll enjoy discounts on Extension Courses, access to social events, field trips and study abroad trips, access to campus facilities, and more!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sarah Lawrence College Extension Program
Who can take Sarah Lawrence Extension courses?
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.
Do I have to apply to Sarah Lawrence College to enroll?
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.
Will I earn college credit for these courses?
No. These are non-credit offerings for personal enrichment. No transcript or grade is issued.
How long are the courses?
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.
Where are the classes held?
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.
What kinds of topics are offered?
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.
Who teaches the courses?
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.
How big are the classes?
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.
What is the cost?
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.
Do you offer group or organizational discounts?
We offer discounts for alumni, au pairs, and members of our Signature Learning Community. Email us at ExtensionCourses@sarahlawrence.edu for details!
Are refunds available if I can’t attend?
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.
Will I get materials or readings before class?
Some classes include light readings or materials, which are shared digitally before the first session. Others may provide optional resources during the course.
Can I propose a course or lecture?
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.
How can I stay informed about upcoming courses?
Join our mailing list for monthly updates on new courses, lectures, and events, plus early registration opportunities.
Join Our Mailing List
Sign up to stay informed about the Extension program at Sarah Lawrence College, including updates on new classes and workshops.