Effective Fall 2025
Exclusions:A major in Translation is not open to students with a minor in Translation Studies or a major in Comparative Literature or Comparative Literature, Arts, and Media.
Advising
Students should schedule an advising appointment on the online appointment system with an advisor to learn about major requirements, discuss progress in the major, discuss the process for approval for study abroad or transfer credit, or to complete a major release form.
Prospective majors can schedule a pre-major appointment with an advisor anytime, but no later than the second term of the sophomore year is strongly recommended. Most majors continue to see an advisor at least once a year. In any case, students must consult with the Director of Undergraduate Studies during the first term of their senior year to ensure that required courses will be completed for graduation.
Grade Policies
No course will count toward the major unless the student receives a grade of C- or better.
Prerequisites
Completion of the LSA Language Requirement
Requirements
Comparative Literature translation courses (9 credits):
Students choose at least three core translation courses offered on the Ann Arbor campus in Comparative Literature (additional Comparative Literature courses may count toward electives). A minimum of 3 credits must be taken to explore translation in practice, through courses offered as Translation Practicum and/or through an independent project for the Translation Studies Undergraduate Capstone. (Honors students are required to complete a capstone project in their junior or senior year.)
At least two of the following Comparative Literature Core Translation Courses (6 credits total)
- COMPLIT 200: Translation Across Disciplines (3 credits)
- COMPLIT 322: Translating World Literatures (3 credits)
- COMPLIT 323: Adapting World Literatures (3 credits)
At least one of the following Comparative Literature Translation In Practice Courses (3 credits total)
- COMPLIT 494: Translation Practicum (1-3 credits)
- COMPLIT 497: Translation Studies Undergraduate Capstone (3 credits)
Language and Translation Electives (18 credits):
Students choose 18 elective credits, at least 9 of which must be upper-level language courses beyond the LSA Language Requirement (with content designed to engage students with language fluency). All other electives should be courses related to language and/or translation, offered at the 200-level or above in any department.
- 9 credits: a minimum of three upper-level language courses beyond the LSA Language Requirement. If availability of upper-level courses in a language is limited, students may propose alternative plans for approval, in consultation with the undergraduate advisor.
- 9 credits: courses related to language and/or translation in any department or discipline, chosen from the list of pre-approved courses for the major or in consultation with and approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
Constraints
A maximum of 12 credits may be shared between the requirements of the Major in Translation and each additional major.
Residency
The three Comparative Literature (COMPLIT) translation courses must be taken on the Ann Arbor campus. At least 6-credits of the Elective Requirement must be taken in-residence.
Distribution Policy
No course used to fulfill a major requirement may be used toward the LSA Distribution Requirement. In addition, courses in the COMPLIT subject area may not be used toward the Distribution Requirement.
Honors
An Honors project offers the opportunity for the student to gain valuable experience through independent and substantive work in an area of their interest. To be eligible for Honors in Translation, students should have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.4, and a 3.5 GPA in courses counting toward the major. Students who elect an Honors major will complete a project of their own design during the final year of their course work (while enrolled in COMPLIT 497: Translation Studies Undergraduate Capstone). This capstone may take the form of a translation, an internship, community engagement, a project conducted during study abroad, or other forms of experiential or service learning.
