Discussing works of art with painters, sculptors, printmakers, potters, illustrators and graphic designers in their studios; meeting with critics in SoHo galleries; analyzing the Kandinskys, Pollocks, and Jasper Johnses in the Museum of Modern Art; interning in 57th Street galleries or at the Guggenheim, Whitney, or New Museum for Contemporary Art. Every fall, students share these incomparable experiences on Drew’s Semester on Contemporary Art.

Academic Program

The New York Semester on Contemporary Art is one of the highlights of Drew’s art program. While it is a mandatory course for all Drew art and art history majors, students from any background with an interest in art would appreciate this fascinating program. Students meet weekly to discuss timely issues and then journey into New York City two days a week. A thorough exploration of the art scene in New York includes viewing exhibits in Chelsea and SoHo, visiting museums such as the Met, the Whitney, and MOMA, and personally meeting with several prominent artists in their homes and studios. Through this intimate interaction, students can experience the center of the contemporary art world firsthand.

The semester examines the important issues surrounding modern art. Among the topics you address are critical theory and method; art historical background; and the broader issues of politics, nature, the self, feminism and multiculturalism.

The New York Semester on Contemporary Art is an eight-credit program in which you enroll in two required courses (a four-credit option is also available). To complete a full, sixteen-credit semester, students may enroll in courses normally offered on campus.

Program Calendar

Classes begin in early September and end in mid-December.

Eligibility

To participate in the New York Semester on Contemporary Art, you must:

  1. be a junior or a senior
  2. have completed at least two college art courses, preferably one in modern art

Cost

The program fee includes tuition, round-trip transportation to New York City two days each week, museum entrance fees, and program-related cultural events and excursions.

Financial Aid

Students should contact their financial aid office regarding the use of federal and state aid administered by their home institution which, in many cases, may be used in connection with the New York Semester on Contemporary Art. Drew students will maintain their regular financial aid package.