CANADIAN JOURNAL OF AFRICAN STUDIES
Scope & Guideline
Championing Academic Excellence in African Studies
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Decentralization and Governance:
The journal frequently explores themes related to decentralization, local governance, and political agency, examining how these processes impact communities across the continent. - Cultural Studies and Identity:
A significant focus is placed on cultural representations, identity formation, and the complexities of belonging in various African contexts, often analyzing literature, music, and the arts. - Social Movements and Resistance:
Research on social movements, youth activism, and resistance strategies to political and economic challenges highlights the dynamic nature of African societies in response to both historical and contemporary pressures. - Economic Development and Globalization:
The journal investigates economic transformations, the effects of globalization, and the interactions between local economies and global forces, particularly in the context of resource management and labor. - Intersectionality of Gender, Race, and Class:
The journal addresses the intersections of gender, race, and class, focusing on how these factors shape experiences and social dynamics within African societies. - Historical Perspectives:
Historical analysis provides a foundation for understanding contemporary issues, with studies that trace the legacies of colonialism, conflict, and state formation across different regions of Africa.
Trending and Emerging
- Digital Activism and Technology:
There is an increasing focus on how digital technologies and social media are reshaping political engagement, activism, and social movements in Africa, highlighting the role of youth in these dynamics. - Environmental Issues and Governance:
Emerging studies on environmental governance, climate change, and resource management reflect a growing awareness of ecological challenges and their socio-political implications in African contexts. - Post-Colonial and Decolonial Studies:
The journal is increasingly featuring discussions around post-colonial theory and decolonial practices, examining how these concepts influence contemporary African identities and politics. - Health and Society:
Research addressing health issues, including the interplay between traditional and modern healthcare systems, maternal health, and public health crises, has gained prominence, reflecting the urgent health challenges faced by African societies. - Migration and Mobility:
The themes of migration, displacement, and the experiences of refugees have become more prominent, exploring the complexities of identity, belonging, and the socio-economic impacts of migration across and beyond Africa.
Declining or Waning
- Traditional Political Structures:
There seems to be a waning interest in traditional political structures and systems of governance, as contemporary studies increasingly focus on modern state dynamics and local governance models. - Historical Narratives of Colonialism:
Although historical narratives remain vital, the specific focus on colonialism as a standalone topic appears to be decreasing, with more integrative approaches that link past and present taking precedence. - Static Representations of African Societies:
Research that presents static or monolithic views of African societies is declining, as there is a growing emphasis on the dynamism and complexities within these societies.
Similar Journals
AFRICAN AFFAIRS
Pioneering Research, Elevating African Perspectives.AFRICAN AFFAIRS, published by Oxford University Press, stands as a premier journal dedicated to the comprehensive exploration of political, social, and geographical issues across the African continent. With an ISSN of 0001-9909 and an E-ISSN of 1468-2621, this esteemed journal has been a cornerstone of African studies since its inception in 1901, continuing to shape discussions through 2024. Recognized within the Q1 quartile in both Geography, Planning and Development and Sociology and Political Science as of 2023, AFRICAN AFFAIRS boasts impressive Scopus rankings, placing it in the 82nd percentile for Sociology and Political Science and the 74th percentile for Geography. While it operates under a non-open access model, the journal is committed to presenting rigorous research and insightful analyses that contribute to a deeper understanding of Africa's complex landscapes. As such, AFRICAN AFFAIRS is an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike, promoting scholarly dialogue and advancing policy considerations across a variety of disciplines.
African Security
Exploring critical issues in security and policy-making.African Security is a prestigious academic journal dedicated to advancing the discourse on security studies within the African context. Published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, it serves as a leading platform for researchers and practitioners interested in the complex political and security landscape of the African continent. With an impressive impact factor and recognized status as a Q1 journal in Political Science and International Relations, it ranks among the top resources for current research in the field, positioned in the 86th percentile for Political Science and 72nd percentile for Safety Research within their respective categories. Although the journal does not currently offer Open Access options, its rich content, ranging from theoretical frameworks to empirical studies, addresses critical issues in security, policy-making, and international relations. Since its inception in 2008 and continuing through 2024, African Security remains an essential resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of security dynamics in Africa, making it invaluable to students, policymakers, and scholars alike.
Journal of African American Studies
Advancing Knowledge on Culture and IdentityThe 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.
African Journal of Rhetoric
Amplifying Voices, Shaping DialoguesThe African Journal of Rhetoric, ISSN 1998-2054, is a leading publication dedicated to the study and advancement of rhetorical theory and practice within the African context. Published by the African Association of Rhetoric, this journal seeks to amplify diverse voices and perspectives, fostering critical dialogue and innovative research in the fields of communication, linguistics, and social sciences. With a commitment to promoting open discourse, the journal provides valuable insights into rhetorical strategies, cultural narratives, and their implications on society, making it an indispensable resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. The journal is based in Cape Town, South Africa, an epicenter of cultural and intellectual exchange, and encourages submissions that explore the intersection of rhetoric and contemporary issues. As we embrace the evolving landscape of communication, the African Journal of Rhetoric aims to be a pivotal platform for scholarship that bridges local and global dialogues in the study of rhetoric.
Journal of Africana Religions
Illuminating Diverse Religious Practices Across the DiasporaJournal of Africana Religions, published by Penn State University Press, serves as a vital platform for scholarly discourse in the fields of Anthropology, Cultural Studies, and Religious Studies. This peer-reviewed journal, operating since 2017, provides a rigorous examination of the diverse religious traditions and practices within the African diaspora. With an H-index that reflects the journal’s growing impact, it currently holds a Q3 ranking in Anthropology and Q2 rankings in both Cultural Studies and Religious Studies, indicating its esteemed position in contemporary academia. Its inclusion in the Scopus rankings further reinforces its relevance, notably with a 75th percentile placement in Religious Studies. While not an open-access journal, the Journal of Africana Religions remains committed to presenting high-quality research that enriches understanding of Africana religious practices, engages with pressing cultural issues, and fosters interdisciplinary dialogue. This makes it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students aiming to deepen their knowledge and contribute to ongoing discussions in these dynamic fields.
Politikon
Illuminating Contemporary Issues in Politics and SocietyPolitikon is a prestigious journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, focusing on the dynamic fields of Political Science and International Relations as well as Sociology. With an impressive history dating back to 1974, the journal has established itself as a significant contributor to scholarly discourse, reflected in its 2023 categorization within Q2 quartiles in both the Political Science and International Relations category and the Sociology and Political Science category. Although Open Access options are not currently available, Politikon provides valuable insights and rigorous research that are instrumental for academics, practitioners, and students alike. The journal has also achieved notable Scopus rankings, showcasing its relevance in the social sciences arena. By exploring contemporary political issues and sociopolitical phenomena, Politikon continues to be a vital resource for those seeking to understand the complexities of governance, policy-making, and societal dynamics on a global scale.
AFRICAN STUDIES
Navigating the Complexities of African ResearchAFRICAN STUDIES, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a leading academic journal that has been at the forefront of African research since its inception in 1942. With an impressive convergence of interdisciplinary insights covering Anthropology, Cultural Studies, History, and Political Science, this journal serves as an essential resource for scholars and practitioners alike. It boasts a notable impact within its field, ranking in the Q1 quartile for Cultural Studies and History and achieving a commendable Q2 for Anthropology, and Political Science and International Relations according to the 2023 category quartiles. Researchers can benefit from the journal's rigorous peer-review process, which ensures high-quality and impactful research dissemination. While it is not an open-access journal, it offers various subscription options for accessing its wealth of scholarly articles. With a commitment to advancing understanding of African contexts and perspectives, AFRICAN STUDIES plays a crucial role in shaping contemporary debates and fostering intellectual engagement within the academic community.
AFRICAN AMERICAN REVIEW
Celebrating Diversity in Literary and Artistic ExpressionAFRICAN AMERICAN REVIEW, published by the Johns Hopkins University Press, stands as a pivotal journal since its inception, dedicated to exploring the multifaceted aspects of African American literature, culture, and artistic expression. With an ISSN of 1062-4783 and an E-ISSN of 1945-6182, this journal provides a critical platform that delves into the rich tapestry of African American experiences, bridging gaps across literary, cultural, and visual arts disciplines. Its latest impact metrics position it in esteemed quartiles, achieving Q2 rank in both Literature and Literary Theory and Visual Arts and Performing Arts, alongside a strong presence in Cultural Studies with a Q3 classification. The journal’s commitment to high-quality scholarship is reflected in its Scopus rankings, drawing attention from researchers and scholars invested in cultural narratives and historical contexts. Although not currently open access, the journal's comprehensive analyses contribute significantly to discussions in academia and beyond, making it an essential resource for researchers, educators, and students alike looking to deepen their understanding of African American contributions to the arts and humanities.
International Journal of African Renaissance Studies
Nurturing Multidisciplinary Perspectives on African RenaissanceThe 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.
African Historical Review
Connecting Histories: Past, Present, and FutureAfrican Historical Review is an influential journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, dedicated to advancing the field of African history and cultural studies. With an ISSN of 1753-2523 and an E-ISSN of 1753-2531, this publication serves as a critical platform for scholars to disseminate original research spanning a diverse range of topics related to the continent's historical narratives and cultural dynamics. Operating from the United Kingdom, the journal plays a pivotal role in shaping dialogues around Africa's past and present, reflected in its categorization within the Q3 quartile for both Cultural Studies and History as of 2023. Although not an open-access journal, its comprehensive analyses and thought-provoking articles are crucial for researchers, professionals, and students who seek to deepen their understanding of African historical contexts. As the journal transitions through converged years, fostering interdisciplinary connections, it aspires to elevate the discourse in the humanities, proving resourceful for those engaged in historical studies across academia.