CRITICAL INQUIRY

Scope & Guideline

Innovating Perspectives on Cultural Studies

Introduction

Explore the comprehensive scope of CRITICAL INQUIRY through our detailed guidelines, including its aims and scope. Stay updated with trending and emerging topics, and delve into declining areas to understand shifts in academic interest. Our guidelines also showcase highly cited topics, featuring influential research making a significant impact. Additionally, discover the latest published papers and those with high citation counts, offering a snapshot of current scholarly conversations. Use these guidelines to explore CRITICAL INQUIRY in depth and align your research initiatives with current academic trends.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0093-1896
PublisherUNIV CHICAGO PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Converge1976, from 1985 to 1987, from 1996 to 2024
AbbreviationCRIT INQUIRY / Crit. Inq.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address1427 E 60TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60637-2954

Aims and Scopes

CRITICAL INQUIRY is a journal dedicated to the exploration of critical theory across various disciplines, emphasizing literary studies, cultural criticism, and philosophical inquiry. Its aim is to interrogate and analyze the interplay between culture, politics, and aesthetics, often through innovative methodologies that challenge traditional narratives.
  1. Interdisciplinary Critical Theory:
    The journal publishes works that draw from multiple fields including literature, philosophy, political theory, and cultural studies, promoting a cross-disciplinary approach to understanding contemporary issues.
  2. Cultural Criticism:
    CRITICAL INQUIRY focuses on critical examinations of cultural artifacts, practices, and ideologies, analyzing how they shape and reflect societal values and power dynamics.
  3. Innovative Literary Analysis:
    The journal emphasizes new methodologies in literary studies, often exploring the intersections of literature with technology, politics, and identity, and seeking to redefine the parameters of what constitutes literary criticism.
  4. Engagement with Contemporary Issues:
    Papers frequently address urgent social and political topics, such as race, gender, and globalization, making the journal relevant to current debates and cultural phenomena.
  5. Exploration of Aesthetics and Ethics:
    The journal investigates the ethical implications of artistic and cultural practices, often questioning the role of aesthetics in shaping moral and philosophical discourses.
CRITICAL INQUIRY has increasingly embraced new themes and methodologies, reflecting contemporary issues and the changing dynamics of cultural and literary studies. The following emerging scopes highlight the journal's adaptability and responsiveness to current scholarly trends.
  1. Queer Theory and LGBTQ+ Studies:
    There is a growing focus on queer theory and LGBTQ+ studies, exploring themes of identity, sexuality, and representation, as the journal seeks to amplify voices and experiences that challenge heteronormative frameworks.
  2. Digital Humanities and Media Studies:
    As digital technologies continue to transform cultural production, the journal has seen an increase in works that examine the implications of digital media, including the impact of social media and algorithmic culture.
  3. Environmental and Ecocritical Perspectives:
    Emerging themes in environmental criticism and ecocriticism reflect a heightened awareness of ecological issues, with papers exploring the relationships between literature, culture, and the environment.
  4. Posthumanism and Non-Human Agency:
    The journal has begun to explore posthumanist perspectives, examining the role of non-human entities and the implications of technology on human experience, challenging anthropocentric views.
  5. Globalization and Transnationalism:
    Increased attention is being paid to globalization and transnationalism, with research that interrogates cultural exchanges and the complexities of identity in a globalized world.

Declining or Waning

While CRITICAL INQUIRY continues to thrive in many areas, certain themes have shown a decline in prominence over recent years. This reflects shifting scholarly interests and the evolving landscape of critical theory.
  1. Traditional Literary Canon:
    There appears to be a reduced focus on the traditional literary canon, as the journal increasingly emphasizes marginalized voices and contemporary texts rather than classical literature.
  2. Historical Narratives:
    Papers centered on straightforward historical narratives have become less frequent, with a noticeable shift towards more complex, fragmented, and non-linear approaches to history.
  3. Formalism in Literary Studies:
    The reliance on formalist approaches, which prioritize the structure and form of texts over context and content, has waned in favor of more contextual, interdisciplinary analyses.
  4. Conventional Criticism:
    There is a declining interest in conventional criticism that does not engage with broader socio-political contexts, as the journal seeks to push boundaries and challenge established norms.
  5. Eurocentric Perspectives:
    The journal has moved away from Eurocentric analyses, focusing more on global perspectives and the implications of postcolonial thought, leading to a decrease in papers that center solely on Western literary traditions.

Similar Journals

Revista de Letras

Fostering Scholarly Dialogue in Literary Discourses
Publisher: UNIV ESTADUAL PAULISTA-UNESPISSN: 0101-3505Frequency: 2 issues/year

Revista de Letras is an esteemed academic journal published by Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), dedicated to the fields of Literature and Literary Theory, as well as Philosophy. With its ISSN 0101-3505 and E-ISSN 1981-7886, the journal serves as a significant platform for the dissemination of scholarly research and critical thought, particularly within the Brazilian context and beyond. Operating from Araraquara, SP, Brazil, the journal spans the period from 2004 to 2023, featuring a diverse array of articles aiming to explore various literary and philosophical discourses. Despite its current Q4 ranking in both the Literature and Literary Theory and Philosophy categories, the journal continues to foster a vibrant academic community, promoting rigorous scholarship and intellectual engagement. Researchers, professionals, and students alike are invited to contribute to and engage with the evolving narratives presented in this publication, aiming to enhance understanding and facilitate discussions within these crucial fields.

BRITISH JOURNAL OF AESTHETICS

Illuminating the Intersection of Art and Thought
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESSISSN: 0007-0904Frequency: 4 issues/year

BRITISH JOURNAL OF AESTHETICS is a prestigious academic publication focusing on the diverse and intricate field of aesthetics and philosophy. Published by Oxford University Press, this journal has established itself as a leading platform for scholarly discourse since its inception in 1960, boasting an impressive Q1 ranking in Philosophy for 2023. With its commitment to publishing rigorous research and critical analyses, it addresses essential questions encountered in contemporary aesthetic thought, making significant contributions to both theoretical and practical dimensions in the field. While the journal is not open access, its subscription-based model ensures high quality and peer-reviewed content that serves researchers, professionals, and students eager to explore and engage with cutting-edge ideas and discussions in aesthetics. With an extensive archival depth projected through to 2024, BRITISH JOURNAL OF AESTHETICS remains an invaluable resource for anyone committed to the advancement of aesthetic knowledge.

RARITAN-A QUARTERLY REVIEW

Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of Artistic Dialogue
Publisher: RARITAN-A QUARTERLY REVIEWISSN: 0275-1607Frequency: 4 issues/year

RARITAN-A QUARTERLY REVIEW is a distinguished academic journal published by RARITAN-A QUARTERLY REVIEW and based in the United States, focusing on the diverse intersections of literature, philosophy, and the visual and performing arts. Operating since 2002, this publication aims to foster critical discourse and enrich the intellectual landscape by showcasing innovative scholarship from a variety of perspectives. Although currently ranked in the fourth quartile in its respective categories—literature and literary theory, philosophy, and visual arts and performing arts—RARITAN remains committed to elevating robust dialogues within the humanities. The journal appeals to a spectrum of scholars, professionals, and students who seek to explore the complexities of cultural and artistic expression. Submissions are encouraged to contribute to the journal’s evolving narrative while adhering to rigorous academic standards. With no open access option currently available, the journal maintains a traditional subscription model, ensuring quality and integrity in the dissemination of knowledge.

OCTOBER

Unveiling New Insights in Interdisciplinary Research
Publisher: MIT PRESSISSN: 0162-2870Frequency: 4 issues/year

OCTOBER is a seminal journal published by MIT PRESS that spans a diverse array of interdisciplinary themes within the humanities, specifically focusing on literature and literary theory, music, and the visual arts and performing arts. Established in 2002, this journal has become a cornerstone for scholars and practitioners seeking critical discourse and innovative research across its converged fields, maintaining a respectable impact factor that attests to its influence in academic circles. While OCTOBER currently does not offer open access, it provides valuable insights and analysis that drive contemporary thought and discussion, positioned in the Q2 and Q3 quartiles of Scopus rankings. The journal’s commitment to high-quality scholarship makes it an essential resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of cultural and artistic practices, reflecting the evolving landscape of the arts and humanities from a rigorously theoretical perspective.

Co-herencia

Enriching academic discourse with cutting-edge insights.
Publisher: UNIV EAFITISSN: 1794-5887Frequency: 2 issues/year

Co-herencia, an esteemed academic journal published by UNIV EAFIT, is dedicated to advancing the fields of History, Literature and Literary Theory, Music, Philosophy, as well as the Visual Arts and Performing Arts. Since its launch as an Open Access journal in 2004, it has provided a platform for innovative research and interdisciplinary dialogue, facilitating the dissemination of knowledge from its base in Medellín, Colombia. With a commendable range of Scopus rankings, including a Q2 category in Literature and Literary Theory and Visual Arts and Performing Arts, Co-herencia is recognized as a vital resource for scholars aiming to explore cultural narratives and theoretical frameworks. It not only enriches academic discourse but also serves as a significant conduit for emerging ideas that connect art, culture, and social consciousness. Researchers, professionals, and students alike will find Co-herencia a necessary addition to their scholarly pursuits, emphasizing its critical role in the evolving landscape of the arts and humanities.

Metacritic Journal for Comparative Studies and Theory

Exploring the Intersection of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
Publisher: UNIV BABES-BOLYAI, FAC LETTERS, PHANTASMA CTR IMAGINATION STUDIESISSN: Frequency: 2 issues/year

Metacritic Journal for Comparative Studies and Theory is a premier scholarly publication focusing on interdisciplinary research within the fields of Arts and Humanities, as well as Social Sciences. Published by UNIV BABES-BOLYAI, FAC LETTERS, PHANTASMA CTR IMAGINATION STUDIES, this Open Access journal has made significant strides since its inception in 2015, providing a platform for innovative comparative studies that inspire critical discourse. With an impressive Q2 ranking in both Arts and Humanities and Social Sciences, the journal showcases high-quality research that engages contemporary issues and theoretical frameworks. Its Scopus rankings further highlight its impact, with a noteworthy position in the 78th percentile for Arts and Humanities and 40th percentile for Social Sciences. As an accessible resource for researchers, professionals, and students, the journal encourages contributions that navigate complex themes of interpretation and imagination that resonate within and beyond Romanian scholarship. Discover the latest insights and foster collaborations in a dynamic academic landscape.

REVISTA DE OCCIDENTE

Cultivating Insightful Analyses of Visual and Performing Arts.
Publisher: FUNDACION JOSE ORTEGA Y GASSETISSN: 0034-8635Frequency: 12 issues/year

REVISTA DE OCCIDENTE, published by the FUNDACION JOSE ORTEGA Y GASSET, is a distinguished scholarly journal based in Spain that explores a myriad of topics within the realms of Cultural Studies, History, Literature and Literary Theory, and Visual Arts and Performing Arts. With its ISSN 0034-8635, the journal has made significant contributions to the discourse in these fields from its established years of convergence spanning from 2002 to 2004 and 2007 to the present. Although designated in the lower quartiles of the Scopus rankings, with notable distinctions in Q4 and Q3 categories as of 2023, REVISTA DE OCCIDENTE is recognized for its commitment to fostering critical dialogue and interdisciplinary research. Readers can delve into rich analyses and diverse perspectives that engage with contemporary cultural phenomena and historical narratives, aiming to enrich academic pursuits and professional practice. Located at REVISTA DE OCCIDENTE, FORTUNY 53, 28010 MADRID, SPAIN, the journal seeks submissions from scholars worldwide eager to contribute to its mission, despite operating under a traditional access model, thus ensuring content rigor and quality.

Monteagudo

Advancing Scholarly Conversations from Murcia to the World
Publisher: UNIV MURCIAISSN: 0580-6712Frequency: 1 issue/year

Monteagudo, published by UNIV MURCIA, is an important academic journal dedicated to the fields of Arts and Humanities, particularly focusing on Literature, Literary Theory, Visual Arts, and Linguistics. Since its inception in 2019, it has aimed to provide a scholarly platform for innovative research and critical discourse within these disciplines. With an ISSN of 0580-6712 and an E-ISSN of 1989-6166, the journal seeks to enhance the visibility of emerging ideas and methodologies, while fostering an inclusive academic dialogue. Although Monteagudo does not currently offer Open Access options, its significance is reflected in its Scopus rankings, which position it within the 14th to 32nd percentile across various categories. With its operations based in the heart of Murcia, Spain, the journal is poised to influence both regional and international scholarly conversations, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students aiming to expand their understanding of contemporary issues in Arts and Humanities.

LITTERATURES

Challenging Paradigms, Inspiring New Narratives
Publisher: UNIV TOULOUSE MIRAILISSN: 0563-9751Frequency: 2 issues/year

LITTERATURES is a distinguished academic journal dedicated to the exploration of literature and literary theory, published by UNIV TOULOUSE MIRAIL. With its ISSN 0563-9751, this journal provides a platform for innovative research and critical analysis in the humanities, particularly within the field of literature. Although currently not indexed with an official e-ISSN and with a history of coverage discontinued from Scopus from 2004 to 2015, LITTERATURES continues to contribute valuable insights and scholarly discourse in contemporary literary studies. Researchers will find its publications vital for examining the intersections of literary theory and practice, while students and professionals can benefit from its rigorous academic contributions. While the journal's Scopus rank places it within the 14th percentile among literature journals, its focus on French and international literature enriches the global literary landscape and encourages meaningful scholarly exchange. The journal is based in Toulouse, France, and invites contributions that challenge existing paradigms and inspire new interpretations within the realm of literature.

Logos-Vilnius

Connecting Scholars Through Interdisciplinary Insights
Publisher: LOGOSISSN: 0868-7692Frequency: 4 issues/year

Logos-Vilnius, published by LOGOS, is a prominent journal dedicated to the exploration of Arts and Humanities as well as Cultural Studies. With a location in Lithuania, the journal has made significant contributions to academic discourse since its inception in 2008, and it continues to hold a respected position in the field, achieving a Q2 ranking in both relevant categories in 2023. Scholars and researchers will find this publication an invaluable resource for disseminating and engaging with diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary methodologies. While the journal does not currently offer open access, it adheres to rigorous academic standards and is indexed in Scopus, providing a platform for innovative research and critical analysis. As an important conduit for scholarly exchange, Logos-Vilnius aims to deepen the understanding of cultural dynamics and artistic expression, bridging theory and practice for both emerging and established academics.