American Literary Scholarship

Scope & Guideline

Cultivating Innovative Interpretations in Literary Studies

Introduction

Welcome to the American Literary Scholarship information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of American Literary Scholarship, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0065-9142
PublisherDUKE UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2002 to 2006, from 2008 to 2022
AbbreviationAM LIT SCHOLARSH / Am. Lit. Scholarsh.
Frequency1 issue/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 Literary Scholarship' serves as a critical platform for exploring and analyzing the diverse landscape of American literature. Its focus encompasses a wide range of literary periods, genres, and figures, providing scholars with a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of literary thought and expression in the United States.
  1. Historical Literary Analysis:
    The journal emphasizes the importance of historical contexts in understanding American literature, covering a broad spectrum from early works to contemporary writings.
  2. Focus on Major Literary Figures:
    It consistently highlights influential authors such as Whitman, Dickinson, Faulkner, and Hemingway, facilitating in-depth studies of their contributions and impacts on American literature.
  3. Genre-Specific Studies:
    The journal includes a variety of genres, such as fiction, poetry, and drama, allowing for specialized discussions on the characteristics and developments within each genre.
  4. Transcendentalism and American Thought:
    There is a notable focus on key philosophical movements, particularly Transcendentalism, as reflected in studies of Emerson, Thoreau, and Fuller, which shape the understanding of American literary identity.
  5. International Perspectives:
    The inclusion of international scholarship broadens the discourse, fostering cross-cultural dialogues and highlighting the global influences on American literary traditions.
Recent publications in 'American Literary Scholarship' indicate several emerging themes and trends that reflect the evolving landscape of American literature and its scholarship. These trends highlight areas of increased interest and scholarly exploration.
  1. Contemporary Fiction Analysis:
    There is a noticeable uptick in studies focusing on contemporary fiction from the 1980s to the present, reflecting a growing interest in modern narratives and their socio-cultural implications.
  2. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    Emerging themes showcase a trend towards interdisciplinary studies, where literature intersects with fields such as history, philosophy, and cultural studies, enriching the contextual understanding of texts.
  3. Thematic Studies of Identity:
    Recent publications increasingly explore themes of identity, including race, gender, and class within American literature, indicating a shift towards more inclusive and diverse literary analyses.

Declining or Waning

While 'American Literary Scholarship' maintains a robust focus on various literary themes, certain areas appear to be losing prominence over recent years. This decline may indicate a shift in scholarly interests or a saturation of previously explored topics.
  1. Early-19th-Century Literature:
    Studies focusing specifically on early-19th-century literature have seen a decrease, potentially as scholars move towards more contemporary analyses or seek to integrate early works into broader thematic discussions.
  2. Poetry: 1900 to the 1950s:
    Although poetry remains a significant part of the journal, the specific focus on works from 1900 to the 1950s has diminished, possibly due to a growing emphasis on modern and contemporary poets.
  3. General Reference Works:
    The frequency of publications related to general reference works has waned, suggesting a shift towards more targeted research articles rather than comprehensive reference materials.

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