William Paterson University

Summer Art in China Study Abroad Program

The Summer Art in China program, offered by the Department of Art at William Paterson University, provides students with the opportunity to participate in a carefully organized study tour focused on viewing and investigating the complexities of China through the lens of visual art. This tour gives students the opportunity to study with actual Chinese artists and lecturers and to learn about new and old characteristics of Chinese culture, in general and particularly in art. Course credit is earned along with an invaluable cultural immersion experience. The Summer Art in China program has been in existence since summer 2001. This study abroad program offers five weeks of intensive classes (two weeks prior to departure at the WPU campus) with faculty from both American and Chinese universities.

During four trips between 2001 and 2011, the tour explored cultural locations in Beijing, Xian, Luoyang, Kaifeng, Hefei, Yellow Mountain, Nanjing, Yangzhou, Nantong, Suzhou, Shanghai, Wutai mountain, Henshan, and Huanghe Hukou. The program established study and educational bases with the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, Xian Province Fine Arts museum, Anhui University in Hefei, Nanjing Arts Institute in Nanjing, Yangzhou University in Yangzhou, Nantong Chinese Art Institute in Nantong, Suzhou University in Suzhou. The tours have included different lectures and demonstrations from artists in China and enabled students to view Asian culture with new perspectives. Students were able to absorb elements from different cultural traditions and different periods of Chinese history. At the conclusion of the tours, the faculty and students produced a book for each trip, Summer Art in China 2001, 2005, 2008, 2011 featuring essays and photographs focusing on the art, culture, education, history and content of China’s cultural institutions, including museums.