The DWA major completes six core courses (24 units), a language requirement, and at least four more courses in international relations, two of which must be DWA courses.
Coursework
Core Courses (24 units, 6 courses)
| DWA 101 | International Relations: The Changing Rules of the Game | 4 units |
| DWA 102 | International Organizations | 4 units |
| DWA 103 | Introduction to Global Political Economy | 4 units |
| One DWA course at the 300-level | 4 units |
| DWA 490 | Senior Seminar | 4 units |
| ECON 101 | Principles of Economics I | 4 units |
Language:
Students must complete the equivalent of four college semesters of one language (202), or two college semesters each of two languages (102).
Additional Electives:
Four additional classes numbered 200 or higher in International Affairs at the College. At least two of these courses must be in DWA. Department credit can be given for up to two courses in international relations from a different Occidental academic department, the United Nations Program, or from study abroad; off-campus courses must be approved by the department chair prior to departure.
SECOND-STAGE WRITING REQUIREMENT
Students majoring in Diplomacy and World Affairs will satisfy the Second-Stage Writing Proficiency requirement by taking one 300-level DWA junior seminar. These junior seminars will focus on preparing students for their Senior Comprehensive Project (DWA 490) and will include substantial writing assignments, including a literature review. In order to fulfill the Second-Stage writing requirement, students need to achieve an end-of-semester grade of C+ in the designated 300-level seminar. If a student does not pass the requirement the first time, they will be required to take and pass with a C+ an additional 300-level course. The department recommends that students complete this requirement by the end of their junior year; exceptions to this recommendation must be approved by the department chair.
COMPREHENSIVE REQUIREMENT
Seniors will complete DWA 490 as their comprehensive requirement in the spring of their senior year. There are two options within DWA 490:
- Thesis: a 30-50 page thesis based on independent academic research.
- Film/Documentary: Production of a documentary film that advances knowledge in the IR field. To undertake the documentary option, it is recommended that you complete MAC 242 or take a filmmaking course through the Art Center at Night Program.
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 maintenance of an overall grade point average of 3.25, with a 3.5 GPA in the major (inclusive of courses from all departments taken at Occidental that count toward fulfilling DWA major requirements; study abroad, language, and Oxy-at-the-U.N. courses do not count toward the major GPA); and through completion of the comprehensive requirement with a grade of Pass with Distinction (Honors). Those interested should see the Honors Program and consult the department chair for details, preferably in the junior year.