College of Asia Pacific Studies (APS)

APS is an acronym for Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University College of Asia Pacific Studies, one of the two undergraduate colleges at APU. Students in the College of Asia Pacific Studies learn about countries and regions throughout the Asia Pacific area from a social sciences perspective, paying special attention to the diversity of cultures, social structures and economic systems. Upon successful completion of the four-year course, students will be awarded a bachelor's degree in social science.

APS Study Content

The basic areas studied in the College of Asia Pacific Studies are international relations, international sociology and regional studies. Students look at the effects that the movement of people, goods, money and information across national borders has on societies around the world. These studies are complemented by research in the three major fields relating to international society: Comparative Societies and Cultures, International Governance, Environmental Resource Policy, and Sustainable Development Studies. Study in all areas may involve fieldwork, joint research and internships.

APS Areas of Study(2011 AY Curriculum)

APU has established the following 4 areas of study in APS to conduct education and research for the development of wide-ranging problem solving ability and specialized know-how of the issues facing the Asia Pacific region, based on a foundation of solid language proficiency and a basic understanding of the diverse cultures, histories, societies, natural environments, and historical conditions of the Asia Pacific region. Students who complete 20 or more credits of subjects from a specific Area of Study will receive the Area of Study on their diploma. (For 2006 AY Curriculum students, please review APS Clusters page.)

Environment & Development

An understanding of water, forests and other environmental resources is essential when considering the future of the Asia Pacific. Profit-driven development has brought with it a raft of environmental and other issues, and sustainable development is an urgent issue for our times. This course tackles the question of sustainable development in relation to efforts to balance environmental conservation and economic development. Students study sustainable development policies while looking at the real situation of systems and laws in each country and throughout the region.

Hospitality & Tourism

Cultural exchange and regional industrial promotion of tourism are important aspects for the development of the Asia Pacific region. This course explores all facets of tourism through the lenses of culture, society and community. Students study the theory and practice of hospitality management as it relates to the tourism, service, and health and welfare industries.

International Relations & Peace Studies

This course focuses primarily on the study of dispute resolution and peace-building and aims to cultivate the ability to manage increasingly complex global issues and, in turn, to develop human resources who will become the future experts in this field. Drawing from the 3 disciplines of international law, political studies and economics, this course seeks to foster in students the critical thinking skills and policy-oriented approach necessary to succeed in the fields of international relations, dispute-resolution and peace-building.

Culture, Society and Media

Students learn about culture, society, and media in the Asia Pacific to understand the present-day problems the region faces. In this course, students study the basics of information technology, upon which they will delve into cultural studies and new media studies to gain a deep understanding of our multicultural society. Through this they gain a global perspective and the ability to view the region from several angles.