Certificate in Translation. Since students in Comparative Literature consider texts from an international and interdisciplinary perspective, and often with an emphasis in the creative arts, questions of translation and intercultural communication often arise. Majors may write translation theses, for instance, or put theoretical problems associated with translation or cross-cultural comparisons at the center of their departmental work. In these cases, they might choose to combine the major with a certificate in the Program in Translation and Intercultural Communication.
Certificates in Other University Programs. Students in Comparative Literature frequently choose to combine their major with certificates from Princeton programs and centers. Majors interested in these certificates should consult with both COM’s Director of Undergraduate Studies and the Director of the relevant program by the middle of sophomore year or the beginning of the junior year. Comparative Literature does not itself offer a certificate.
Certificates in Languages. Language and literature departments have strict policies regarding certificates for students majoring in Comparative Literature. A general policy statement can be found in Program in Languages and Cultures. The Departments of German, Italian and French, Spanish and Portuguese, and Near Eastern, for instance, state that students are only eligible for their certificates if "the linguistic base for the language and culture certificate is different from the linguistic base of the concentration" in Comparative Literature and if "the work required for the language and culture certificate does not duplicate the requirements of the major" in Comparative Literature. Whether or not they choose to complete language certificates, all Comparative Literature majors are awarded letters certifying language proficiency at the Class Day Ceremony.