About the Two Tracks: Comparative Literature and Literary Translation
For a Comparative Literature/Literary Translation major at SUNY Geneseo, you will need to choose one of two tracks:
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the Comparative Literature track focuses on the analysis of existing works across international literatures and allows for greater development of skills in languages other than English
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the Literary Translation track fosters creative practice informed by world literatures while supporting engagement with languages other than English.
If you would like to discuss which track might suit your skills and goals, please contact us!
Can I switch tracks?
Yes: roughly ⅓ of requirements differing across the two tracks:
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in Comparative Literature you become proficient in reading in another language, taking two upper-level courses (8 credits) in a literature in a language other than English, meaning that you’ll need to have also met the lower-level prerequisites (explore SUNY Geneseo options at the Global Languages and Cultures website);
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in Literary Translation, you take two creative writing courses, developing creative practice, while reading literature originally written in languages other than English, and exploring political and cultural contexts that inform that literature and your own translation practice.
All comparative literature students are encouraged to achieve reading competency in a language other than English, but for the Comparative Literature track it is a must. Our world is fundamentally global, and so proficiency in just one language and culture is inadequate to meet the demands and the challenges of the middle part of the twenty-first century. We strongly encourage all Comparative Literature student to Study Abroad: the best way to encounter a language and culture beyond what you've already lived is to spend time in that place. Find out about study abroad opportunities while at Geneseo: