diff --git a/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/course_module.py b/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/course_module.py
index 3061f296a3..19c9a6a0e6 100644
--- a/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/course_module.py
+++ b/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/course_module.py
@@ -429,7 +429,7 @@ class CourseFields(object):
             "Enter the heading that you want students to see above your course handouts on the Course Home page. "
             "Your course handouts appear in the right panel of the page."
         ),
-        scope=Scope.settings, default='Course Handouts')
+        scope=Scope.settings, default=_('Course Handouts'))
     show_timezone = Boolean(
         help=_(
             "True if timezones should be shown on dates in the courseware. "