AMERICAN LITERATURE

Scope & Guideline

Advancing Critical Conversations in Literary Studies

Introduction

Delve into the academic richness of AMERICAN LITERATURE 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
ISSN0002-9831
PublisherDUKE UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1968 to 1969, 1981, 1983, from 1985 to 1986, 2000, from 2002 to 2024
AbbreviationAM LIT / Am. Lit.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address905 W MAIN ST, STE 18-B, DURHAM, NC 27701

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'American Literature' serves as a critical platform for exploring the multifaceted dimensions of American literary studies. It emphasizes the interplay of literature with social, political, and cultural contexts, offering innovative methodologies and perspectives.
  1. Intersectionality in Literature:
    The journal frequently examines literature through the lenses of race, gender, sexuality, and class, highlighting how these identities shape narratives and literary forms.
  2. Cultural and Historical Contexts:
    There is a strong emphasis on situating literary works within their historical and cultural contexts, including colonialism, war, and social movements, to better understand their implications.
  3. Critical Theory and New Methodologies:
    The journal engages with contemporary critical theories, including posthumanism, digital humanities, and affect theory, to offer new insights into literary analysis.
  4. Focus on Marginalized Voices:
    A consistent focus on underrepresented authors and narratives, particularly those from African American, Indigenous, Asian American, and other marginalized communities, is a hallmark of the journal.
  5. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    The journal encourages interdisciplinary studies, integrating insights from fields such as history, sociology, and cultural studies to enrich literary analysis.
Recent publications in 'American Literature' indicate a dynamic evolution in research themes, reflecting contemporary societal issues and literary innovations. This section outlines the emerging trends that are gaining prominence.
  1. Pain and Trauma in Literature:
    There is an increasing focus on themes of pain, trauma, and psychological injury in literature, particularly in the context of race and historical injustices, reflecting a broader societal interest in mental health and healing.
  2. Digital Humanities and Literature:
    The integration of digital humanities tools and methodologies is on the rise, as scholars explore how technology influences literary studies and the production of texts.
  3. Environmental and Ecocritical Perspectives:
    Emerging discussions around environmental literature and ecocriticism are gaining traction, as authors explore the intersections of nature, culture, and climate change within literary narratives.
  4. Global and Transnational Perspectives:
    There is a growing trend towards examining American literature in a global context, exploring transnational influences and the interconnectedness of literary traditions across borders.
  5. Disability Studies and Literature:
    A notable increase in the exploration of disability within literary texts reflects a broader cultural shift towards inclusivity and representation, examining how disability shapes identity and narrative.

Declining or Waning

While 'American Literature' continues to evolve, certain themes have become less prominent in recent publications. This section highlights areas that appear to be waning, reflecting shifts in scholarly interest and focus.
  1. Traditional Canonical Texts:
    There seems to be a noticeable decline in the focus on traditional canonical texts and authors, as the journal increasingly prioritizes contemporary and diverse voices.
  2. Formalism and Aestheticism:
    The emphasis on strict formalist analysis and aesthetic appreciation of literature is diminishing, giving way to more contextual and critical approaches that interrogate broader societal issues.
  3. Regionalism in American Literature:
    The exploration of regional literature, which was once a significant area of interest, appears to be less frequently addressed in favor of more global and transnational perspectives.
  4. Historical Literary Movements:
    Discussions centered around specific historical literary movements, such as Modernism or the Harlem Renaissance, are becoming less common as the journal shifts towards more thematic and interdisciplinary frameworks.

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