INFORMATION FOR
WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM
ART EXPLORATION IN AMERICA 2025
JANUARY 18 - February 22, 2025
(January 23 -June 14, 2025 in America)
Sponsored by Center for Chinese Art, Art Department, College of the Arts and Communication and Center for International Education at William Paterson University
Objective: The project aims to strengthen the exchange and development of culture and art higher education between China and the United States, helping students acquire a robust understanding of Western art, the higher education system, and curricular programs in both countries. The program will facilitate and advance a diverse approach to pedagogy with a globalized perspective, while cultivating educational linkages that transcend borders in the study and practice of the visual arts.
Description: "Art Exploration in America 2025" is an intensive overseas study program focused on exploring Western art and art education. Through visits to American cultural sites, art museums, and renowned universities, as well as experiencing campus life, the course combines art history research and practical courses, including lectures, demonstrations, and creative activities, to provide students with a direct, comprehensive, and in-depth understanding of Western art and art education. This is an artistic journey aimed at understanding and exploring different cultural elements through experimentation and rational inquiry.
Program Director and Faculty：
Zhiyuan Cong, Program Director and Professor, earned an MFA in Chinese painting from Nanjing Arts Institute in 1986, and an MFA in printmaking from Indiana University in 1994. Currently he is a Full professor and head of the Printmaking Program as well as the director of the Center for Chinese Art at William Paterson University. Cong also serves as chair of board of trustees, the Chinese-American Art Faculty Association, and Member of the International Arts & Design Experts Committee of the Academy, Tsinghua University, Beijing. His prior positions include consultant to the Indianapolis Museum of Art and Qinghai Province Museum, and professor of Nanjing Arts Institute.
Ashley Gerst, is the Chairperson of the Department of Art at William Paterson University, and tenured Associate Professor of Animation and Game Design there. Lastly, she also is a Co-Lead for WIA's NYC Chapter! Professor Gerst is a 2D, 3D and motion graphics animator living in New York City. She is freelance with several studios in the Greater NYC area and have worked for clients such as Sesame Street, Nissan, American Express. She is an independent filmmaker. Her most recent animated film is The Spirit Seam (2019). The Spirit Seam has screened in over 100 film festivals internationally and has won over 25 awards! She is currently working on two new films: Sundays (2024) and Being Pushed Down by Shadow (2027).
The project courses are taught by professors from William Paterson University in the United States and relevant experts and professors from Chinese universities are invited.
Academic Offerings: Participating undergraduate and graduate students should register for 3 credits and limited 6 credits. The following courses will be offered:
Undergraduate
Figurative Painting: ARTS 3250 – 3 credits
Computer Graph I: ARTS 2850 – 3 credits
Exploration of Western Art: ARTS 3990 – 3 credits
Graduate
Figurative Painting: ARTS 3250: – 3 credits
3D Computer Graph I: ARTS 5850 – 3 credits
Exploration of Western Art: ARTS 5990 – 3 credits
Student Requirements and Tuition Reduction: Participating undergraduate and graduate students must currently be enrolled at a university in China, have a minimum GPA of 3.3 (B+), and a professional subject grade of A- or above. Students participating in the program will register at William Paterson University and will be awarded a Certificate of Completion as well as college credits from the program (credits will be recognized by both universities).
The 2024-2025 tuition and fee rates, including an 80% discount on the difference between international and domestic student rates are:
$1702.50 for a 3 credit UG course
$2836.20 for a 3 credit GR course
PROGRAM COST
Travel in America - $7200 plus tuition*
A $400 non-refundable travel expense deposit is required for registration.
Travel costs include:
Not included in cost:
*Tuition will be paid directly to the Bursars Office, as per sessions calendar. Students participating must be registered and paid prior to departure.
* Travel fees are subject to change until ticketing and booking are final.
Important Note:
Medical insurance is required for all participants and everyone must have a valid, current Passport.
CONTACT
For more information, or to schedule an appointment for registration, contact the
Center for Chinese Art at William Paterson University in the Ben Shahn Visual
Art Center, Room 100, email ccart@wpunj.edu or call 973.720.2799
