CLA JOURNAL-COLLEGE LANGUAGE ASSOCIATION

Scope & Guideline

Connecting Educators and Researchers in Language and Literature.

Introduction

Welcome to your portal for understanding CLA JOURNAL-COLLEGE LANGUAGE ASSOCIATION, featuring guidelines for its aims and scope. Our guidelines cover trending and emerging topics, identifying the forefront of research. Additionally, we track declining topics, offering insights into areas experiencing reduced scholarly attention. Key highlights include highly cited topics and recently published papers, curated within these guidelines to assist you in navigating influential academic dialogues.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0007-8549
PublisherCOLL LANGUAGE ASSOC
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2002 to 2020 (coverage discontinued in Scopus)
AbbreviationCLA J / CLA J.-Coll. Lang. Assoc.
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressCLA JOURNAL MOREHOUSE COLLEGE, ATLANTA, GA 30314

Aims and Scopes

The CLA Journal - College Language Association focuses on the intersection of language, literature, and cultural studies, with a strong emphasis on African American and marginalized voices. The journal serves as a platform for critical discourse on various literary and cultural topics, particularly those that challenge traditional narratives.
  1. African American Literature and Cultural Studies:
    The journal emphasizes the exploration of African American literature, its historical context, and its cultural significance, often engaging with themes of identity, race, and social justice.
  2. Speculative Fiction and Afrofuturism:
    A notable focus on speculative fiction, particularly Afrofuturism, is prevalent, examining how these genres challenge existing paradigms and envision new futures for marginalized communities.
  3. Disability Studies and Intersectionality:
    The journal addresses the intersections of race, disability, and gender, contributing to a broader understanding of how these identities interact and influence cultural production.
  4. Pedagogy and Creative Writing:
    The journal discusses innovative pedagogical approaches in literary studies and creative writing, highlighting the importance of culturally relevant teaching methods and the role of literature in education.
  5. Historical and Contemporary Analysis:
    The journal frequently analyzes both historical and contemporary texts, drawing connections between past literary movements and current cultural phenomena.
Recent publications in the CLA Journal indicate a dynamic shift towards emerging themes that reflect contemporary societal issues and innovative literary forms. These trends highlight the journal's commitment to addressing current cultural dialogues.
  1. Afrofuturism and Speculative Narratives:
    There is a significant increase in articles exploring Afrofuturism and speculative fiction, showcasing how these genres provide frameworks for imagining futures that empower marginalized voices and challenge dominant narratives.
  2. Black Disability Studies:
    The emergence of Black disability studies as a vital area of research indicates a growing recognition of how disability intersects with race and culture, fostering discussions around representation and the lived experiences of disabled individuals.
  3. Intersectional Feminism in Literature:
    A rising trend in the exploration of intersectional feminism within literature highlights the ways in which gender, race, and sexuality intersect, particularly in the works of Black women authors.
  4. Pedagogical Innovations and Creative Writing:
    An increasing focus on innovative pedagogical methods in literature and creative writing reflects a commitment to enhancing educational practices and making literature accessible and relevant to diverse student populations.
  5. Cultural and Social Justice Themes:
    A surge in publications addressing social justice themes within literature suggests a strong alignment with contemporary movements for equity and justice, emphasizing literature's role in activism and advocacy.

Declining or Waning

While certain themes remain robust, some areas within the CLA Journal's discourse are showing signs of decline. These waning scopes reflect shifts in scholarly focus and changing cultural conversations.
  1. Traditional Literary Canon:
    There appears to be a declining interest in the traditional literary canon, as scholars increasingly prioritize diverse voices and narratives that challenge established literary hierarchies.
  2. Generalized Race Studies:
    Broader discussions on race that do not specifically engage with African American literature or culture are becoming less prominent, as the focus sharpens on more specific and nuanced topics within the African diaspora.
  3. Cultural Studies without Intersectionality:
    Cultural studies approaches that fail to incorporate intersectional analysis are waning in favor of frameworks that consider the complexities of identity, including race, gender, and disability.
  4. Historical Fiction without Contemporary Relevance:
    There is a noticeable decrease in publications centered solely on historical fiction that lacks contemporary relevance, as the journal shifts towards works that connect past narratives to current social issues.

Similar Journals

NEOPHILOLOGUS

Illuminating Insights in Linguistics and Literary Discourse
Publisher: SPRINGERISSN: 0028-2677Frequency: 4 issues/year

NEOPHILOLOGUS, published by Springer, stands as a pivotal journal in the fields of Linguistics and Language as well as Literature and Literary Theory. With an illustrious history dating back to 1916 and continuing through various phases until 2024, this journal has entrenched itself as a crucial platform for scholarly discussion and research dissemination. NEOPHILOLOGUS is recognized for its high academic standards, as evidenced by its impressive category quartiles, ranking in the Q2 tier for Linguistics and Language and Q1 for Literature and Literary Theory as of 2023. Notably, it ranks in the 81st percentile for Arts and Humanities in the Scopus database, underscoring its significant contribution to the humanities discourse. While the journal does not currently offer open access options, it remains a valuable resource for researchers, professionals, and students seeking in-depth analyses and insights within its specialized domains. Based in Dordrecht, Netherlands, NEOPHILOLOGUS invites contributions that advance our understanding of linguistic and literary phenomena, ensuring its relevance and impact in these dynamic fields.

REVISTA DE ESTUDIOS HISPANICOS

Cultivating Interdisciplinary Insights into Hispanic Arts
Publisher: REVISTA DE ESTUDIOS HISPANICOSISSN: 0034-818XFrequency: 3 issues/year

REVISTA DE ESTUDIOS HISPANICOS is a distinguished academic journal published in the United States, dedicated to the exploration of Hispanic studies through a multifaceted lens that encompasses literature, cultural studies, and the performing arts. Established to serve as a platform for innovative research and critical discourse, this journal presents a vibrant collection of peer-reviewed articles that contribute to the understanding of Hispanic cultures and their global impact. With an ISSN of 0034-818X, the journal operates from the esteemed Washington University in St. Louis, providing a scholarly refuge for researchers and students alike. Despite its Q4 status in Cultural Studies, it boasts commendable positions in both Literature and Literary Theory and Visual Arts and Performing Arts (Q3), reflecting its evolving influence in these fields. Although currently not an open-access publication, it remains accessible for institutional subscribers and dedicated scholars eager to delve into its rich content. The REVISTA DE ESTUDIOS HISPANICOS aims to foster dialogue and interdisciplinary research, making it an essential resource for anyone committed to advancing knowledge and appreciation of Hispanic heritage and arts.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE NOTES

Inspiring Critical Thought in English Literary Studies
Publisher: UNIV COLORADOISSN: 0013-8282Frequency: 2 issues/year

ENGLISH LANGUAGE NOTES is a premier journal published by the University of Colorado, dedicated to the field of literature and literary theory. With a strong impact in academia, it holds a prestigious Q2 ranking in the 2023 category, emphasizing its importance among scholarly publications. The journal, indexed under ISSN 0013-8282 and E-ISSN 2573-3575, has been a crucial resource since its inception in 1969, featuring converged years from 1969, 1977, and 1982, through to 2024. The editorial board promotes rigorous scholarship and encourages contributions that explore the complexities of the English language across diverse literary contexts. While it does not offer open access, ENGLISH LANGUAGE NOTES remains a vital source for researchers, professionals, and students invested in the sustained exploration of literary arts, evidenced by its strong Scopus ranking in the 79th percentile in its field. For those committed to advancing literary scholarship, this journal serves as an invaluable platform for discussion and dissemination of influential ideas.

MELUS

Engaging with the Complexities of Cultural Narratives
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

Provoking Thought and Discussion in Literary Analysis
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.

English in Education

Transforming Perspectives on Language and Literature in Education
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0425-0494Frequency: 3 issues/year

English in Education, published by Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a premier journal dedicated to the broad field of education, with a specific focus on the interplay of language, literature, and pedagogy. Since its inception in 1964, this esteemed journal has become a vital resource for researchers, educators, and students alike, offering a platform for innovative research and scholarly discourse. With an impressive impact factor and categorized in the top quartiles of both Linguistics and Language, and Literature and Literary Theory, it ranks among the top journals in its field, denoting its significance and influence. The journal aims to advance understanding and practice in English education through rigorous peer-reviewed articles, theoretical explorations, and empirical studies that address contemporary challenges and developments in these intertwined disciplines. The journal’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its Scopus rankings, highlighting its critical role in fostering research that informs and enriches educational practices. Although currently not open access, English in Education remains an essential outlet for professionals seeking to contribute to the evolving landscape of English language and literature education.

MASSACHUSETTS REVIEW

Advancing the Dialogue in Arts and Literature
Publisher: UNIV MASSACHUSETTS MASSACHUSETTS REVIEWISSN: 0025-4878Frequency: 4 issues/year

The Massachusetts Review (ISSN: 0025-4878, E-ISSN: 2330-0485) is a prominent literary journal published by the University of Massachusetts, located in the United States. Since its inception, the journal has committed itself to fostering the arts and humanities, presenting a diverse spectrum of poetry, fiction, essays, and critical reviews that engage with contemporary cultural discourse. With a 2023 Scopus rank placing it in Q3 for Literature and Literary Theory and Q4 for Visual Arts and Performing Arts, the Massachusetts Review serves as an essential platform for both established and emerging voices, enriching the conversation in these fields. Although not an Open Access journal, it provides invaluable access to thought-provoking content that challenges and inspires its audience. Situated at the intersection of literary excellence and critical thought, this journal continues to uphold its mission to stimulate intellectual engagement and to celebrate the creative arts.

Quaderns de Filologia-Estudis Literaris

Advancing Philological Insights and Literary Discourse
Publisher: UNIV VALENCIA, FAC FILOLOGIAISSN: 1135-4178Frequency: 1 issue/year

Quaderns de Filologia-Estudis Literaris is an esteemed open-access journal published by the University of Valencia, Faculty of Philology, focused on the vibrant intersections of linguistics and literary studies. Since its inception, this journal has served as a critical platform for scholars, offering in-depth analyses and innovative research from the realms of literature and language. With an ISSN of 1135-4178 and an E-ISSN of 2444-1457, it boasts a commendable standing within the academic community, reflected in its rankings: Q4 in Linguistics and Language, as well as Q4 in Literature and Literary Theory for 2023. Although it operates in the lower quartiles, the journal maintains a rightful place, evidencing its significant contribution to ongoing discourse in these fields, particularly evident through its Scopus rankings—rankings that convey a 60th percentile position in Literature and Literary Theory. Established as an open-access journal since 2012, it encourages a global exchange of ideas, making scholarly work accessible to a wider audience. Based in Valencia, Spain, it welcomes submissions that explore diverse theoretical and methodological approaches, enhancing the landscape of philological and literary scholarship.

AMERICAN LITERATURE

Charting New Territories in Literary Theory and Tradition
Publisher: DUKE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0002-9831Frequency: 4 issues/year

AMERICAN LITERATURE is a premier academic journal published by DUKE UNIVERSITY PRESS, dedicated to enhancing the understanding of literature produced in the United States from the colonial period to contemporary works. With its ISSN 0002-9831 and E-ISSN 1527-2117, this influential journal has maintained its status as a leader in the field, achieving a commendable Q1 ranking in Literature and Literary Theory for 2023, and holding a notable position (ranked #169 out of 1106) within its Scopus category. Since its inception in 1968, the journal has committed to publishing innovative research that explores diverse literary traditions, critical theories, and cultural contexts, making it an essential resource for researchers, scholars, and students alike. Although not available as an open-access publication, AMERICAN LITERATURE continues to play a critical role in shaping conversations around the complex narratives that define American literary heritage, inviting contributions that push the boundaries of literary studies.

MFS-Modern Fiction Studies

Fostering Innovative Conversations in Literature
Publisher: JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV PRESSISSN: 0026-7724Frequency: 4 issues/year

MFS-Modern Fiction Studies is a premier journal in the field of literature and literary theory, published by Johns Hopkins University Press. With an impressive impact factor and a 2023 classification in Q1, this journal stands out as a vital resource for scholars, researchers, and practitioners interested in contemporary fiction analysis and criticism. The journal aims to foster innovative scholarship, enhance discussions around literary trends, and explore the intricacies of modern narrative forms. Notably, it ranks #119 among 1,106 in the Scopus Arts and Humanities category, placing it within the top 89th percentile. Published four times a year, MFS is committed to making significant contributions to the understanding of modern fiction, making it a must-read for anyone vested in the evolution of literature. Access options are available through institutional subscriptions, ensuring that readers can engage with cutting-edge research and discourse in the literary community.