Literary Translation

The concentration in Literary Translation draws on Oberlin’s strengths in many areas and is thus inherently interdisciplinary, as befits our liberal arts philosophy. Students pursuing this concentration will become familiar with the history of literary translation, with key theoretical texts and approaches in translation studies, and develop and complete their own projects in literary translation in the language(s) of their interest.

Students will also acquire advanced knowledge of a world language and learn to understand the literary production of that language within its particular cultural, historical, political, and linguistic contexts. As a result, students will develop their own informed and theory-based approach to translating works from one or more literary genres (such as poetry, prose, drama) and will complete a literary translation project as their capstone for the concentration.

Any student in any major can complete the Literary Translation Concentration, though the concentration itself may not substitute for a major or minor. Students planning to declare the concentration should consult with their advisor or a member of Literary Translation Concentration Committee.

Students also must complete and submit the Literary Concentration Declaration Form .