AFRICAN AMERICAN REVIEW

Scope & Guideline

Unpacking the Layers of African American Experience

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of AFRICAN AMERICAN REVIEW with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
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

Impossibilia-Revista Internacional de Estudios Literarios

Fostering Global Dialogues Through Literature
Publisher: ASSOC CULTURAL IMPOSSIBILIAISSN: 2174-2464Frequency: 2 issues/year

Impossibilia-Revista Internacional de Estudios Literarios is a premier open access journal dedicated to the vibrant field of literary studies, published by ASSOC CULTURAL IMPOSSIBILIA since 2011. With its ISSN 2174-2464, this international journal encourages the exploration and analysis of diverse literary theories, texts, and contexts, making it an essential resource for researchers, scholars, and students alike. Hailing from Granada, Spain, Impossibilia not only fosters academic discourse in literature but also promotes intercultural dialogue through its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. While data such as H-index and Scopus rankings are still to be developed, the journal's focus on enriching the literary landscape ensures its growing impact and relevance within the academic community.

African Studies Review

Connecting Anthropology and Cultural Studies in African Contexts
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0002-0206Frequency: 4 issues/year

African Studies Review, published by Cambridge University Press, serves as a leading academic journal in the fields of Anthropology and Cultural Studies. With a prestigious Q1 classification in Cultural Studies and Q2 in Anthropology, it is recognized for its high impact within the scholarly community, boasting a Scopus ranking in the 83rd and 70th percentiles respectively. Established in 1962, this journal has consistently provided a platform for rigorous analysis and discourse, exploring the complexities of African societies, cultures, and histories through multidisciplinary perspectives. While currently not offering Open Access options, the African Studies Review remains vital for researchers, professionals, and students alike, as it delves into innovative research and critical discussions that shape the understanding of contemporary African issues. Its ongoing commitment to excellence makes it an indispensable resource for those invested in African scholarship.

AMERICAN HISTORY

Advancing Understanding of America's Rich Heritage
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.

Safundi

Advancing Scholarship at the Intersection of Cultures
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1753-3171Frequency: 4 issues/year

Safundi, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a distinguished peer-reviewed journal dedicated to exploring the intersections of culture, history, and political science. Since its inception in 2000, Safundi has contributed significantly to the discourse on cultural studies, positioning itself as a vital resource for researchers and professionals alike. With an Impact Factor reflective of its rigorous scholarship, the journal is ranked in the top quartiles for cultural studies and history, showcasing its influence and authority within these fields. The journal addresses critical contemporary issues, aiming to foster a nuanced understanding of cultural dynamics and historical contexts. While access options are traditional, Safundi remains committed to disseminating pivotal research that resonates with academics and policymakers. As it continues to evolve through to 2024, Safundi serves as an indispensable platform for students and scholars seeking to contribute to the vibrant dialogue surrounding culture and its implications in our global society.

International Journal of African Renaissance Studies

Unveiling the Intersections of History and Culture in Africa
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1818-6874Frequency: 2 issues/year

The International Journal of African Renaissance Studies, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a leading multidisciplinary platform dedicated to advancing knowledge and discussion around African cultural, historical, and literary contributions. With an ISSN of 1818-6874 and an E-ISSN of 1753-7274, this esteemed journal has consistently earned its place in notable rankings, achieving Q2 status in History, Literature and Literary Theory, and Visual Arts and Performing Arts. Operating from its hub in the United Kingdom, the journal offers robust insights into the intersections of Africa's past and present, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. Although currently not open access, the journal stands out with its commitment to promoting scholarly dialogue and innovative research, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the African Renaissance over the years from 2015 to 2024. With its impressive Scopus rankings, including a remarkable 85th percentile in Literature and Literary Theory, the journal serves as an indispensable tool for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of African contributions to the global narrative.

COMPARATIVE AMERICAN STUDIES

Exploring America's Stories Through a Global Lens
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1477-5700Frequency: 4 issues/year

COMPARATIVE AMERICAN STUDIES, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a vital academic platform dedicated to exploring the multifaceted narratives and cultural dynamics within the American context from a comparative perspective. With its ISSN 1477-5700 and E-ISSN 1741-2676, this journal provides a comprehensive forum for original research, critical reviews, and diverse scholarly articles that contribute to the understanding of American studies in relation to global influences. Established in 2008 and converging into 2024, the journal operates within the Q3 quartile in both Arts and Humanities and Cultural Studies, highlighting its reputable position within the academic community. Though currently not listed as open access, it maintains a solid standing in the Scopus rankings, making it a significant resource for researchers and students interested in cultural studies, sociology, and political science. The journal's commitment to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue ensures that it remains a cornerstone for those seeking to engage with contemporary issues affecting American identities and social constructs.

American Nineteenth Century History

Unraveling the Threads of 19th Century America
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1466-4658Frequency: 3 issues/year

American Nineteenth Century History is a distinguished academic journal dedicated to the exploration and critical analysis of the social, cultural, political, and economic dynamics of 19th century America. Published by ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, this journal serves as a vital resource for researchers and scholars interested in historical studies, bridging the gap between academia and broader historical discourse. Although it currently holds a Q4 categorization in History and ranks 997th out of 1760 in the Scopus Arts and Humanities field, it continues to make significant contributions by providing a platform for scholarly articles that delve into the complexities of this transformative era. With a commitment to fostering academic dialogue, American Nineteenth Century History is essential for those seeking to deepen their understanding of 19th century narratives and their implications in contemporary society. As the journal evolves through to 2024, it remains an indispensable tool for professionals, students, and enthusiasts aiming to engage with America's rich historical tapestry.

EARLY AMERICAN LITERATURE

Uncovering the Rich Tapestry of Early American Voices
Publisher: UNIV NORTH CAROLINA PRESSISSN: 0012-8163Frequency: 3 issues/year

EARLY AMERICAN LITERATURE, published by the University of North Carolina Press, stands as a pivotal journal in the field of American literary studies. With an ISSN of 0012-8163 and E-ISSN of 1534-147X, this journal invites scholarly discourse and analysis of literary works from the early American period, effectively bridging historical context and contemporary literary theory. The journal has maintained a consistent publication history since 1973, with significant converged years, providing essential insights for researchers and students alike. Ranked Q3 in Literature and Literary Theory with an impressive Scopus rank placing it in the 66th percentile, EARLY AMERICAN LITERATURE remains an essential resource for exploring the intricacies of early American texts and their implications. Although not an open-access journal, its contributions are invaluable for anyone engaging with this rich literary tradition, fostering a deeper understanding of America's cultural and literary heritage.

MELUS

Exploring the Rich Tapestry of American Literature
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESS INCISSN: 0163-755XFrequency: 4 issues/year

MELUS (Modern English Language and Literature Studies), published by Oxford University Press Inc, is a leading academic journal dedicated to exploring the complexities and dynamics of American literature and culture from various critical perspectives. With a strong historical foundation since its inception in 1974, MELUS is recognized for its contributions to both Cultural Studies and Literature and Literary Theory, achieving notable rankings in the Q2 and Q3 quartiles respectively as of 2023. The journal's articles are essential for scholars and practitioners seeking to engage with contemporary literary discourse, featuring innovative research that challenges conventional understandings of cultural identity and representation. Although it does not offer Open Access options, MELUS remains a crucial resource for academic libraries and research institutions in the United States and beyond, providing access to cutting-edge scholarship that informs the study of literature in a global context. For those invested in the field, MELUS serves as an invaluable platform for disseminating transformative ideas and fostering discussions that shape the future of literary studies.

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.