AFRICAN AMERICAN REVIEW

Scope & Guideline

Unpacking the Layers of African American Experience

Introduction

Delve into the academic richness of AFRICAN AMERICAN REVIEW with our guidelines, detailing its aims and scope. Our resource identifies emerging and trending topics paving the way for new academic progress. We also provide insights into declining or waning topics, helping you stay informed about changing research landscapes. Evaluate highly cited topics and recent publications within these guidelines to align your work with influential scholarly trends.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1062-4783
PublisherJOHNS HOPKINS UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2002 to 2009, from 2012 to 2023
AbbreviationAFR AM REV / Afr. Am. Rev.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressJOURNALS PUBLISHING DIVISION, 2715 NORTH CHARLES ST, BALTIMORE, MD 21218-4363

Aims and Scopes

The African American Review serves as a critical platform for scholarly discourse, focusing on the multifaceted aspects of African American literature, culture, and historical experiences. Its aim is to engage with both contemporary and historical narratives, providing avenues for critical analysis and scholarly dialogue.
  1. African American Literature and Criticism:
    The journal emphasizes the study of African American literary works, exploring themes, styles, and cultural significance while providing critical frameworks for analysis.
  2. Cultural Studies and History:
    It investigates the intersections of race, culture, and history, particularly how African American experiences shape and are shaped by broader societal dynamics.
  3. Transnational Perspectives:
    The journal highlights global connections and influences in African American culture, examining how African American narratives resonate across national and transnational contexts.
  4. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    Research published in the journal often employs interdisciplinary methodologies, drawing from fields such as sociology, history, visual culture, and gender studies to enrich the understanding of African American experiences.
  5. Contemporary Issues and Activism:
    The focus on current social justice movements, cultural expressions, and the role of activism in literature underscores the journal's relevance to contemporary discourse.
  6. Biofiction and Speculative Narratives:
    The exploration of biofiction and speculative narratives in African American literature is a unique contribution, allowing for innovative interpretations of historical figures and events.
The African American Review has seen a robust emergence of themes reflecting contemporary issues, cultural shifts, and innovative literary forms. The following emerging scopes illustrate the journal's responsiveness to ongoing dialogues within the field.
  1. Biofiction and Creative Nonfiction:
    There is a growing trend in exploring biofiction, particularly how it reconstructs historical narratives and engages with the complexities of identity, memory, and representation.
  2. Intersectionality and Identity Politics:
    Recent publications increasingly focus on intersectionality, examining how race intersects with gender, sexuality, and class in shaping African American experiences.
  3. Visual Culture and Representation:
    The journal is placing more emphasis on visual culture, including photography and film, as critical mediums for understanding African American narratives and experiences.
  4. Global and Transnational Perspectives:
    Emerging themes highlight the importance of global contexts and transnational connections, reflecting a broader understanding of African American culture within a global framework.
  5. Activism and Social Justice Narratives:
    The journal is increasingly engaging with themes of activism and social justice, providing critical analyses of contemporary movements and their representations in literature.
  6. Afrofuturism and Speculative Fiction:
    There is a notable rise in interest in Afrofuturism and speculative fiction, showcasing how these genres reimagine African American futures and challenge historical narratives.

Declining or Waning

While the African American Review continues to evolve, certain themes appear to be less prominent in recent publications. This section highlights areas that may be waning in focus, reflecting shifts in scholarly interest or broader cultural conversations.
  1. Traditional Historical Narratives:
    There seems to be a decline in the emphasis on conventional historical accounts of African American experiences, as scholars increasingly opt for more nuanced and intersectional approaches.
  2. Static Representations of Identity:
    There is a noticeable reduction in works that present fixed or monolithic identities; instead, the journal now favors explorations of fluidity and complexity within African American identities.
  3. Focus on Solely Literary Analysis:
    The journal's recent issues show a decreasing tendency to prioritize purely literary analysis, with more emphasis placed on cultural and social contexts surrounding literary works.
  4. Exclusive Focus on the U.S. Context:
    The scope of research is increasingly transcending the U.S. context, suggesting a waning interest in studies that do not incorporate transnational or comparative perspectives.

Similar Journals

Spectrum

Cultivating a Rich Dialogue in the Arts and Humanities.
Publisher: INDIANA UNIV PRESSISSN: 2162-3244Frequency: 2 issues/year

Spectrum, published by Indiana University Press, is a prestigious journal in the interdisciplinary field of cultural studies, exploring the intersections of art, literature, and society. With ISSN 2162-3244 and E-ISSN 2162-3252, this journal serves as a platform for innovative research and critical discourse that reflects the evolving landscapes of culture in contemporary society. Although currently not available as an open-access publication, Spectrum aims to enrich the academic community by featuring contributions from diverse voices in academia, catering to researchers, professionals, and students alike. Its objective is to foster intellectual engagement and debate, making it an essential resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of cultural phenomena. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant academic environment at Indiana University, this journal stands out as a vital contribution to scholarship in its field.

MISSISSIPPI QUARTERLY

Fostering Intellectual Exchange in Literary Theory
Publisher: JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV PRESSISSN: 0026-637XFrequency: 4 issues/year

MISSISSIPPI QUARTERLY, published by Johns Hopkins University Press, is a distinguished journal that delves into the realms of Cultural Studies and Literature and Literary Theory. Since its inception, the journal has served as a vital platform for scholarly exchange and critical analysis, making significant contributions to understanding literary and cultural phenomena through varied interdisciplinary approaches. With an ISSN of 0026-637X and an e-ISSN of 2689-517X, it operates without Open Access, ensuring a selective dissemination of high-quality research. Despite being positioned in the Q4 quartile based on the 2023 ranking, it maintains a unique appeal for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to navigate the complexities of culture and literature. The journal has converged its publishing years to remain relevant amid evolving academic discourses, ensuring that it continues to address contemporary challenges and themes in literature. As an important academic resource, MISSISSIPPI QUARTERLY promises to stimulate discussion and provoke thought, inviting new voices to contribute to the ongoing dialogue in these critical fields.

South Central Review

Engaging with the Dynamic Landscape of Southern Scholarship
Publisher: JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV PRESSISSN: 0743-6831Frequency: 3 issues/year

South Central Review, a distinguished academic journal published by Johns Hopkins University Press, serves as a vital platform for scholarly discourse in the fields of cultural studies, literature and literary theory, philosophy, and the visual and performing arts. With an ISSN of 0743-6831 and an E-ISSN of 1549-3377, this journal is dedicated to highlighting innovative research and critical analyses that explore the complexities of Southern culture and its broader implications. Although it operates without an open access option, the journal is recognized for its rigorous peer-review process and contributions to contemporary academic dialogue, holding Q3 and Q4 rankings across several disciplines as of 2023. The convergence of ideas and perspectives from diverse academic backgrounds positions the South Central Review as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to deepen their understanding of the cultural narratives shaping our world today.

Journal of African American Studies

Exploring the Depths of African American Heritage
Publisher: SPRINGERISSN: 1559-1646Frequency: 4 issues/year

The Journal of African American Studies, published by SPRINGER, is a prestigious academic platform dedicated to the exploration and dissemination of research related to African American culture, history, and social issues. With an ISSN of 1559-1646 and an E-ISSN of 1936-4741, this journal has established itself as a key resource within its field, evidenced by its categorization in the Q1 tier for Cultural Studies and notable rankings in Gender and Sociology disciplines. As of 2023, it occupies competitive positions on Scopus, highlighting its valuable contributions to social sciences. The journal aims to foster scholarly dialogue and offer insights into the complexities of African American experiences, making it essential reading for researchers, professionals, and students alike. For those interested in contributing to the ongoing discourse, access options are available through institutional subscriptions, ensuring a broad reach for groundbreaking articles aimed at enriching the academic landscape.

RESEARCH IN AFRICAN LITERATURES

Advancing Critical Discourse in African Literatures
Publisher: INDIANA UNIV PRESSISSN: 0034-5210Frequency: 4 issues/year

RESEARCH IN AFRICAN LITERATURES is a prestigious peer-reviewed journal published by Indiana University Press, dedicated to the critical exploration of African literary traditions, cultures, and texts. With an ISSN of 0034-5210 and an E-ISSN of 1527-2044, this journal stands out in the field of literature and literary theory, currently ranking in the 80th percentile of its category according to Scopus, making it a significant platform for scholars and researchers alike. Since its establishment, the journal has evolved through converged volumes from 2002 to 2024, consistently fostering innovative discourse and interdisciplinary approaches that illuminate the complexities of African narratives. Although it does not offer open access, the journal is integral for anyone engaged in African studies, providing critical insights that are essential for understanding the broader implications of literature within diverse cultural contexts. The journal's commitment to high standards of scholarship is reflected in its Q3 quartile ranking and its influential contribution to contemporary literary dialogue.

NWIG-New West Indian Guide-Nieuwe West-Indische Gids

Fostering Interdisciplinary Insights into the Caribbean Experience.
Publisher: KITLV PRESSISSN: 1382-2373Frequency: 2 issues/year

NWIG-New West Indian Guide-Nieuwe West-Indische Gids is a prestigious academic journal published by KITLV PRESS in the Netherlands, dedicated to advancing knowledge in the realms of history, cultural studies, and social sciences. Established in 1977, the journal has consistently provided a platform for scholarly discourse, focusing on the Caribbean and its multifaceted histories, cultures, and societies. With an Open Access model adopted since 2013, it ensures widespread dissemination of critical research that appeals to a diverse academic audience. In 2023, the journal has been recognized with notable quartiles, ranking in Q2 for both cultural studies and history, underscoring its significance in the field. Researchers and students alike can benefit from its vast collection of articles exploring important themes relevant to the Caribbean context and beyond, fostering a deeper understanding of the region's impact on global narratives. For a comprehensive and enriching scholarly experience, NWIG invites submissions that push the boundaries of current knowledge and encourage interdisciplinary engagement.

NEW YORK HISTORY

Delving into the Chronicles of New York State
Publisher: Cornell Univ PressISSN: 0146-437XFrequency: 2 issues/year

NEW YORK HISTORY, an esteemed publication by Cornell University Press, serves as a vital platform for the exploration and dissemination of historical research focused on the rich tapestry of New York State's past. Established with the intent to provide insightful scholarship, this journal operates under ISSN 0146-437X and E-ISSN 2328-8132, with its impactful contributions recognized within academia and beyond. As a member of the Q3 quartile in the field of History, it holds a commendable position, ranked #1492 out of 1760 in the Scopus database, reflecting its commitment to fostering scholarly dialogue among historians, educators, and students alike. Although it does not currently operate under an Open Access model, the journal continues to provide essential resources through select subscription options, allowing institutions and individuals to enrich their understanding of New York’s historical landscape. With notable publications spanning several key years, including intermittent publications in 1981, 1986, and 2020 to 2024, NEW YORK HISTORY remains a cornerstone for those delving into America’s diverse heritage.

Langston Hughes Review

Innovating Perspectives on Hughes and Beyond
Publisher: PENN STATE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0737-0555Frequency: 2 issues/year

The Langston Hughes Review, published by the Penn State University Press, is a distinguished journal dedicated to the exploration and analysis of African American literature, criticism, and culture, with a particular focus on the profound legacy of the iconic poet Langston Hughes. This peer-reviewed journal encourages innovative scholarship that deepens the understanding of Hughes’s work while also providing a platform for emerging voices in the field of African American studies. With an ISSN of 0737-0555 and an E-ISSN of 2576-649X, the journal serves as an invaluable resource for researchers, educators, and students committed to the critical examination of literature and its socio-cultural contexts. Although it is not an open-access journal, it offers a wealth of insights and scholarly contributions that help advance critical discourse within its niche. As the academic landscape continues to evolve, the Langston Hughes Review remains a vital publication, fostering dialogue about Hughes's enduring impact on literature and society.

AMERICAN HISTORY

Connecting the Dots in American Historical Discourse
Publisher: HISTORYNETISSN: 1076-8866Frequency: 6 issues/year

AMERICAN HISTORY is a pivotal journal published by HISTORYNET, dedicated to the exploration and analysis of historical narratives, events, and figures that have shaped the United States. With an ISSN of 1076-8866, this journal offers a comprehensive platform for historians, scholars, and students to publish and access critical research and discussions in the field. Although categorized in the Q4 quartile in the history domain according to 2023 metrics, its targeted scope from 2009 to 2023 ensures a rich reservoir of contemporary and historical research articles. Positioned at Rank #1711 out of 1760 in the Scopus database, AMERICAN HISTORY caters to a niche audience passionate about uncovering the complexities of American past. While it does not offer open access, its printed contributions are invaluable for those aiming to deepen their understanding of historical context in modern society. AMERICAN HISTORY stands as an essential resource for anyone engaged in detailed historical research and discourse.

ENGLISH STUDIES IN AFRICA

Cultivating Interdisciplinary Insights in English Studies
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0013-8398Frequency: 2 issues/year

ENGLISH STUDIES IN AFRICA is a premier journal dedicated to advancing the field of literature and literary theory, published by Taylor & Francis Ltd, a leading name in academic publishing. With a focus on the intersection of English studies and African contexts, the journal has been a vital platform for over six decades, contributing to an enriched understanding of literary culture within the African diaspora from 1958 to 2024. While its impact factor is not explicitly listed, its Scopus rank of 146 out of 1106 journals in the category places it within the top 14% of its field, reflective of its significant scholarly contribution and rigorous peer-review process. As an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike, ENGLISH STUDIES IN AFRICA fosters critical dialogue and interdisciplinary collaboration, making it a cornerstone for ongoing literary exploration and research in the region.