The major in Diplomacy and World Affairs has two main components: a core of courses required of all students (taken in the departments of DWA, Economics, and languages), and an additional set of upper-division courses taken in DWA and across the college curriculum, focusing broadly on international affairs. All DWA majors must take the following:

1. DWA 101, DWA 201, and DWA 490 in this order.
2. Economics 101, 102, and 311.
3. The equivalent of four college semesters of one language, or two college semesters each of two languages. This requirement may be satisfied in the same ways the College Core language requirement is satisfied. All students are urged to take additional language classes at the College regardless of incoming proficiency.
4. One 300 level DWA course to meet the junior seminar requirement.
5. Three additional classes numbered 200 or higher in International Affairs at the College. At least one of these courses must be in DWA. Advisors will assist students in identifying courses that fulfill this requirement.

WRITING REQUIREMENT: Students majoring in Diplomacy and World Affairs will satisfy the final component of Occidental College’s writing requirement by taking a DWA junior seminar and having that instructor deem their writing as proficient. See the Writing Program for additional information on the College’s writing requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE REQUIREMENT: Seniors will complete DWA 490 as their comprehensive requirement in the spring of their Senior Year. There are three options within DWA 490:

• Thesis: a 25 page thesis (45 page if seeking Honors) based on independent academic research. Alternatively, the foundation for the thesis can be a U.N. or community-based internship conducted during the fall semester of the Senior year.
• Policy Seminar: Small group seminar based on in-depth readings on key issues in IR and policy presentations by students on their topics of expertise.
• Film: Production of a documentary film that advances knowledge in the IR field.

Details on these options will be given to students during the spring of their Junior year. Students must submit a proposal for the option they hope to pursue during the fall semester of their Senior year for approval by the department.

HONORS: Qualified majors may achieve Departmental Honors at graduation through (a) maintenance of an overall grade point average of 3.25, with a 3.5 GPA in the major, and (b) completion of the comprehensive requirement with a grade of Pass with Distinction. Those interested should see the Honors Program and consult the chair for details, preferably in the junior year.