COMPARATIVE AMERICAN STUDIES

Scope & Guideline

Navigating the Complexities of American Studies

Introduction

Welcome to the COMPARATIVE AMERICAN STUDIES 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 COMPARATIVE AMERICAN STUDIES, 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
ISSN1477-5700
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2008 to 2024
AbbreviationCOMP AM STUD / Comp. American Studies
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Comparative American Studies' focuses on the multifaceted exploration of American culture, history, and identity through a comparative lens, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and diverse methodologies.
  1. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    The journal emphasizes the use of interdisciplinary methodologies, drawing from fields such as literary studies, cultural studies, history, and sociology to analyze American narratives.
  2. Cultural Representations:
    It explores various cultural representations and their implications, focusing on literature, film, and other media to investigate how American identity is constructed and contested.
  3. Social Justice and Activism:
    A significant focus on social justice themes, examining the intersections of race, gender, and class in American society, reflecting on historical and contemporary forms of activism.
  4. Environmental and Ecological Concerns:
    The journal addresses ecological themes, particularly in relation to the Anthropocene, exploring how environmental narratives shape American cultural discourse.
  5. Transnational Perspectives:
    It incorporates transnational perspectives, exploring how American experiences intersect with global contexts, heritage, and diasporic identities.
Recent publications in 'Comparative American Studies' reveal significant trends and emerging themes that reflect current societal issues and scholarly interests, marking a shift in the journal's focus.
  1. Anthropocene and Environmental Narratives:
    Recent papers emphasize the Anthropocene, exploring how ecological crises are represented in American literature and culture, highlighting the urgency of environmental themes.
  2. Racial and Ethnic Identity:
    There is a growing focus on racial and ethnic identities, particularly in relation to historical and contemporary social justice movements, reflecting ongoing dialogues about race in America.
  3. Gender Studies and Queer Theory:
    The journal shows an increasing engagement with gender studies and queer theory, investigating how gender identities and expressions are represented across various media.
  4. Digital Culture and New Media:
    Emerging themes around digital culture and new media reflect the impact of technology on American identity, including analyses of gaming, social media, and online activism.
  5. Indigenous Perspectives and Decolonization:
    There is a rising trend in incorporating Indigenous perspectives, focusing on decolonization narratives and the representation of Indigenous experiences within American culture.

Declining or Waning

While 'Comparative American Studies' continues to engage with diverse topics, certain themes appear to be diminishing in prominence, reflecting shifts in academic interests and societal relevance.
  1. Traditional Western Narratives:
    There is a noticeable decline in the exploration of traditional Western narratives, as the focus shifts toward more contemporary and diverse representations of American identity.
  2. Classic American Literature:
    The journal has moved away from an emphasis on canonical texts within American literature, indicating a broader interest in marginalized voices and contemporary issues.
  3. Nostalgia for Historical Events:
    Themes centered around nostalgia for historical events, particularly those glorifying past American triumphs, are becoming less common, as critical perspectives on history gain traction.
  4. Simplistic National Identity Constructs:
    There is a waning interest in simplistic constructs of national identity, as scholars increasingly seek to unpack complex and multifaceted narratives of American experience.

Similar Journals

Early American Studies-An Interdisciplinary Journal

Unveiling Interdisciplinary Insights into Early America
Publisher: UNIV PENNSYLVANIA PRESSISSN: 1543-4273Frequency: 4 issues/year

Early American Studies - An Interdisciplinary Journal, published by University of Pennsylvania Press, offers a unique platform for the exploration of the multifaceted dimensions of early American history, culture, and literature. With an ISSN of 1543-4273 and an E-ISSN of 1559-0895, this journal stands out in the academic community, holding a Q3 ranking in Cultural Studies, History, Music, Philosophy, and Religious Studies, while achieving Q2 in Literature and Literary Theory and Visual Arts and Performing Arts for 2023. The journal’s commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship is reflected in its diverse range of topics that span from the colonial period to the antebellum era, making it a pivotal resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. Though it currently does not operate under an open access model, the prestigious analysis provided through its Scopus rankings—including a commendable 55th percentile in Literature and Literary Theory—affirms its influence within the field. With a structured publication timeline from 2019 to 2024, Early American Studies invites contributions that challenge conventional narratives and foster progressive dialogue surrounding early American contexts.

AMERICAN LITERATURE

Advancing Critical Conversations in Literary Studies
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.

REVIEWS IN AMERICAN HISTORY

Illuminating the Stories that Shape Our Nation.
Publisher: JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV PRESSISSN: 0048-7511Frequency: 4 issues/year

REVIEWS IN AMERICAN HISTORY is a distinguished scholarly journal published by Johns Hopkins University Press, focusing primarily on the intricate narratives and critical analyses within the field of American history. Commencing its publication journey in 1975, the journal serves as a vital platform for historians and researchers, facilitating in-depth reviews and discussions that explore a broad spectrum of historical topics. With an esteemed impact factor that places it in the Q2 category of History, this journal not only contributes to academic discourse but also engages with contemporary issues reflected through a historical lens. Although it currently operates under a traditional subscription model, the breadth of knowledge encapsulated within its pages greatly benefits students, professionals, and scholars alike. The journal’s archives span multiple decades, showcasing a commitment to preserving and critiquing the evolving narratives that shape American historiography. By connecting academic research with practical insights, REVIEWS IN AMERICAN HISTORY remains an essential resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of America's past.

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN CULTURE

Charting the Landscape of American Cultural Discourse
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 1542-7331Frequency: 4 issues/year

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN CULTURE is a distinguished academic journal published by Wiley, focusing on the rich tapestry of American culture through various lenses including history, literature, visual arts, and cultural studies. Established in 1996 and continuing its scholarly contributions through 2024, the journal serves as a vital platform for researchers, professionals, and students to disseminate their work and engage with critical discussions surrounding American cultural narratives. With an impressive impact reflected in its 2023 quartile rankings — Q2 in Literature and Literary Theory and Q3 in Cultural Studies, History, and Visual Arts and Performing Arts — the journal enhances scholarly dialogue across diverse disciplines. Although it does not offer Open Access options, its rigorous peer-review process ensures high-quality research dissemination. It is a go-to resource for those aiming to explore the evolving dynamics of American culture within a global context.

Studies in American Jewish Literature

Unveiling Cultural Narratives Through Jewish Literature
Publisher: PENN STATE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0271-9274Frequency: 2 issues/year

Studies in American Jewish Literature, published by Penn State University Press, is a premier academic journal that delves into the rich tapestry of Jewish literary expression in America. With an ISSN of 0271-9274 and an E-ISSN of 1948-5077, this journal serves a vital role in the fields of Literature and Literary Theory, Cultural Studies, and Anthropology, as evidenced by its placement in the Q1 to Q3 quartiles across various categories in 2023. The journal is a key platform for researchers, professionals, and students interested in exploring the intersection of Jewish identity and American literature, contributing to a deeper understanding of cultural narratives and societal impacts. The publisher's commitment to scholarly excellence ensures that each issue is meticulously curated, showcasing innovative research and critical analysis. While not open access, the journal provides essential insights for anyone engaged in the study of Jewish literature or the broader cultural dynamics at play in American society. Stay informed on contemporary themes and historical contexts that shape literary discourse through this commendable publication.

AMERASIA JOURNAL

Exploring the Intersections of Culture and History
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS INCISSN: 0044-7471Frequency: 3 issues/year

AMERASIA JOURNAL, published by Taylor & Francis Inc, serves as a vital platform for interdisciplinary discourse in the fields of Cultural Studies and History. With an ISSN of 0044-7471, this esteemed journal has established a presence since its inception in 1971, reflecting on the dynamic interplay of cultural narratives and historical contexts, particularly in the Asian American experience. Despite operating under a non-open access model, the journal boasts significant academic rigor, positioned within the Q3 quartile of its categories according to 2023 metrics. Aimed at researchers, professionals, and students engaged in exploring cultural dynamics, social history, and identity formation, AMERASIA JOURNAL features scholarly articles that respond to contemporary issues while informing both academic and public discourse. With its multidisciplinary focus and robust impact, it remains a noteworthy resource for those looking to enrich their understanding of the complex narratives that shape our world today.

AFRICAN AMERICAN REVIEW

Unpacking the Layers of African American Experience
Publisher: JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV PRESSISSN: 1062-4783Frequency: 4 issues/year

AFRICAN 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.

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.

Spectrum

Illuminating the Spectrum of Art, Literature, and Society.
Publisher: INDIANA UNIV PRESSISSN: 2162-3244Frequency: 2 issues/year

Spectrum, published by Indiana University Press, is a prestigious journal in the interdisciplinary field of cultural studies, exploring the intersections of art, literature, and society. With ISSN 2162-3244 and E-ISSN 2162-3252, this journal serves as a platform for innovative research and critical discourse that reflects the evolving landscapes of culture in contemporary society. Although currently not available as an open-access publication, Spectrum aims to enrich the academic community by featuring contributions from diverse voices in academia, catering to researchers, professionals, and students alike. Its objective is to foster intellectual engagement and debate, making it an essential resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of cultural phenomena. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant academic environment at Indiana University, this journal stands out as a vital contribution to scholarship in its field.

AMERICAN LITERARY REALISM

Connecting Past Narratives to Contemporary Contexts
Publisher: UNIV ILLINOIS PRESSISSN: 0002-9823Frequency: 3 issues/year

AMERICAN LITERARY REALISM is a distinguished journal published by University of Illinois Press, focusing on the field of American literature and narrative realism from the 19th and 20th centuries. With an ISSN of 0002-9823 and an E-ISSN of 2326-9235, this journal serves as a vital platform for scholarly discourse, fostering critical analysis and innovative scholarship in literary studies. Although it operates under a traditional subscription model, the journal’s contributions are invaluable in promoting a deeper understanding of realist literature’s complexities, cultural contexts, and impact on contemporary narratives. With a commitment to upholding high academic standards, AMERICAN LITERARY REALISM is instrumental for researchers, students, and professionals looking to explore the rich tapestry of realism in American literary tradition, making it an essential resource in the humanities.