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Comparative Literature Studies

Criticism and Theory in Translation

Criticism and Theory in Translation

Each year, CLS will publish an English translation of an important work of comparative literary or media criticism and theory, ideally from an Indigenous language or a less-commonly-taught language for which there has traditionally been little institutional support in the United States. Other types of submissions to be considered for this new feature include works of criticism and theory composed in languages that have historically been subject to repression, exclusion, or devaluation, and historically early works of criticism and theory composed in non-European languages. With this new feature, CLS aims to open our conventional understanding of “criticism” and “theory” to new questions about the formation of literary history.

The translated work of criticism and theory may be historical or contemporary. It should not exceed 9,000 words and should be accompanied by a 1,500-3,000-word introductory essay contextualizing the work and discussing its significance for the past and future of comparative criticism and theory, broadly understood.

CLS welcomes collaborative projects (the author of the introductory essay may serve as translator or commission the translation). Authors should be certain that the chosen work of criticism or archival document has never been translated into English before. If the chosen work of criticism and theory is excerpted from a book or a longer essay, authors should be sure the translated portion can stand as an independent unit. It will be the responsibility of the author and/or translator to secure necessary copyright permissions before the translation can be published in CLS.

Submission process: Please write a 750-word project description summarizing your proposed work of criticism or archival document and its contribution to comparative literary criticism and theory. Please include in your proposal other relevant information: that the work has never appeared in English before, how you plan to secure copyright  permission, and who will be the designated translator(s). Be sure to include a short professional biography of your proposed translator(s).

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