In-Person Courses
Supports students of all ages
Strengthens connection with a social network
Creates community among lifelong learners
Promotes acquisition of new skills and perspectives
In-person courses at the Academy of Lifelong Learning offer a wide range of subjects for exploration and discovery including art, film, global affairs, history, literature, music, theater, and living your best life.
Let's Go to the Movies
Examine a wide range of films and engage in lively discussions about what makes each a truly exceptional work of art.
The Novel Today (Fall)
Discuss major new work by today’s top writers, including emerging novelists, award-winners, and established favorites, all of whom are...
The Novel Today (Summer)
Discuss major new work by today’s top writers, including emerging novelists, award-winners, and established favorites, all of whom are...
The Play's the Thing: Curtain Up on New York's Theatre Scene
Meet with theatre professionals and see five Broadway or Off-Broadway shows to learn what happens before the curtain rises and after it falls.
A History of the World Through Jewelry
Take a tour around the world by looking at the history of jewelry from the New Stone Age to the...
Comparative Religion: From Christianity to Confucianism
Gain a basic understanding of the beliefs and practices of the world’s major religions.
Power, People, Politics: Core Themes in Social and Political Thought Brought to Bear On Contemporary Issues
This probing, conversational class will address three key sociological and political concepts; Power, People and Politics. From a sociological...
The Best Films You Probably Haven't Seen
Screen and discuss a variety of terrific movies you may have missed but are definitely worth seeing.
The History of NYC Photography Through the Lens of Iconic Photographers
Explore the photographic history of New York City through the eyes of famous photographers.
A Holistic Look at Iran: Economics, Religion, Politics, and More
Take a holistic look at the various aspects of Iran: environment, ethnolinguistic composition, religious proclivities, economics, and politics.
Classic Comedies From Around the World
Watch and discuss critically acclaimed comic films from around the world, examining their role in social and political commentary.
Hegemony and Its Discontents: America's Role in a Changing World
For much of the post-World War II era, the United States has been seen, by allies and adversaries alike, as the world's liberal hegemon: the...
The Crisis of Security: Global Politics from the End of the Cold War to the Present
In 1991 the world witnessed the triumph of Liberal Democracy with the fall of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. This was the Age of...
The United States and Russia: Did the Cold War Ever End?
The United States and the Soviet Union combined during the Second World War to beat Nazi Germany, yet even before victory, serious differences...
Political Thought and Life: From Plato to Climate Change
Political theory is often viewed as overly philosophical, abstract, and inapplicable to contemporary life. Our goal in this course will be to...
Politics and Leadership in a Changing Middle East
This course will look at the historical and ideological legacies that influence politics and leadership in the Middle East. It will cover the...
The New York Art Scene
Explore New York City’s museums and galleries virtually to gain insight into the meaning of and inspiration for today’s art.
Consequential and Controversial Presidential Decisions
Analyze the electoral process, including the anger and venom that have been part of US presidential elections since 1796.
Tudor England: The Great Country Houses
Explore the great country houses of 16th century Tudor...
Architecture of New York
Survey the history of New York architecture, from the Dutch Golden Age to the Global City of the 21st...
Art in Dark Times
Explore how famous artists used art to respond to the greatest social and political challenges of their...
Religion and Violence: The Case of the Monotheisms
Explore the connection between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and world...
Experience Performance at NYU Skirball
Experience Manhattan’s premier cultural center through cutting-edge live experiences and behind-the-scenes...
Stolen Fire: Aeschylus' Prometheus, Milton's Satan, and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
Explore the myth of Prometheus and how his story reappears in classic literature across the...
The City and the Book: Florence, Venice, London, New York
Explore the history of books from the illuminated manuscripts of the Renaissance to the mass market paperbacks of...
Two Eccentric Superstars: Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol
Explore Salvador Dali’s and Andy Warhol’s, art, legacy, and complex...
Islamic Art History: A Focus on Cairo
Explore the history, architecture, and artistic importance of Cairo.
From Manors to Museums: Discovering the Treasures of Victorian England
Explore the fascinating architecture, interiors, decorative arts, and fine arts of Victorian...
Great Trials in American History
Examine influential and controversial trials and decisions that have affected American history.
Leo Tolstoy: The Hero is Truth
Read 19th-century classics that have passed the test of time and are still of interest to contemporary readers.
An Election of Consequence: Campaign 2024
The course will conduct a weekly deep dive in the lead-up to the 2024 U.S. presidential and congressional elections, that some call the most...
Forever Young: Great Artists Who Left Us Early
Explore the masterpieces, legacies, and mysteries of famous artists who died young.
Modern Couples: Art, Intimacy, and the Avant-Garde
Explore the artistic legacy of the most famous couples in modern art.
The Dutch Tradition: From Rembrandt to de Kooning
Explore 350 years of Dutch art from Vermeer to Mondrian.
The Surreal Universe of René Magritte
Explore the art of Magritte and his surrealist contemporaries.
The History of Art: Drawings From Da Vinci to Degas
Explore the art of drawing through the works of famous...