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Programs

Literary Translation Program

Literary translation at the University of Rochester provides a multifaceted approach to the art, technique, and business of translation by combining academic rigor, strong practical training, and intensive professional development through internships with Open Letter, the University’s renowned imprint for literature in translation.

Information about faculty and research can be found on the Literary Translation Program website.

AdmissionsLink to section

Applying to Master's ProgramsLink to section

To apply to the Master of Arts in literary translation, students must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field. The application includes an online application, application fee, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a translation sample (approximately 20 pages of fiction or drama, 200 lines of poetry) and copies of corresponding pages from source text. The application also includes a personal statement describing 1) career and educational goals, 2) prior experience with literary studies, creative writing, translation, and languages other than English, and 3) proficiency in a second foreign language and literary tradition.

Applying to Advanced CertificatesLink to section

The Advanced Certificate in Literary Translation is open to matriculated University of Rochester graduate students who want to pursue literary translation but do not want to write a master’s thesis. The certificate can complement a number of programs and is equally suited for new translators and seasoned translators. Interested students should contact the program director, Susan Gustafson.

AcademicsLink to section

Master's Degrees and RequirementsLink to section

The Master’s program requires a minimum of 30 credits of graduate coursework in literary and translation studies. This involves a core set of courses, plus a number of electives in literary topics. Students have the option of completing an internship in publishing. All students must complete a thesis project, typically involving an annotated translation.

Advanced Certificates and RequirementsLink to section

The advanced certificate requires 20 credits of graduate coursework in literary and translation studies. This coursework involves a core set of courses, plus a number of electives in literary topics. Students have the option of completing an internship in publishing.

Graduate Course TitlesLink to section

  • LTST 400. Studies in Translation
  • LTST 401. Translation Portfolio
  • LTST 402. Writing and Translation Workshop (fiction)
  • LTST 403. Writing and Translation Workshop (poetry)
  • LTST 406. Translation and World Literature
  • LTST 410.Introduction to Literary Publishing
  • LTST 431. French Literature in Translation
  • LTST 462. Colonial Latin American Literature
  • LTST 465. Don Quixote: Book, Myth, Image
  • LTST 491. Master’s Reading Course
  • LTST 493. Master’s Essay
  • LTST 495. Master’s Research
  • LTST 895. Continuation of Master’s Enrollment
  • LTST 897. Master’s Dissertation
  • LTST 899. Master’s Dissertation