Discourse-Journal for Theoretical Studies in Media and Culture

Scope & Guideline

Engaging scholars in the evolution of cultural theory.

Introduction

Welcome to your portal for understanding Discourse-Journal for Theoretical Studies in Media and Culture, 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
ISSN1522-5321
PublisherWAYNE STATE UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
Country-
Type-
Converge-
AbbreviationDISCOURSE-J THEOR ST / Discourse-J. Theor. Stud. Media Cult.
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address4809 WOODWARD AVE, DETROIT, MI 48201-1309

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Discourse-Journal for Theoretical Studies in Media and Culture' focuses on the critical exploration of media and cultural studies through a theoretical lens. It aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogues that challenge conventional narratives and engage with contemporary issues in society, technology, and representation.
  1. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Media Studies:
    The journal emphasizes the integration of various theoretical frameworks from disciplines such as film studies, cultural studies, sociology, and philosophy, allowing for a rich analysis of media artifacts and cultural phenomena.
  2. Exploration of Digital and Technological Culture:
    A significant focus is placed on the impact of digital technologies and cyberspace on culture, with discussions surrounding machine learning, virtuality, and the implications of new media on human experiences.
  3. Critical Engagement with Historical Contexts:
    The journal frequently examines historical events and their representation in media, addressing how cultural narratives are shaped by socio-political contexts, such as the legacy of 1968 or the portrayal of marginalized communities.
  4. Aesthetic and Political Dimensions of Media:
    The scope includes an investigation into the aesthetics of film and media, exploring how visual and auditory elements contribute to political discourse and cultural critique.
  5. Intersectionality and Representation:
    The journal prioritizes discussions on intersectionality, particularly in relation to race, gender, and sexuality, examining how these identities are represented and constructed in various media forms.
The journal is witnessing a rise in interest around various emerging themes that reflect current societal issues and theoretical advancements. This section outlines these trending topics, highlighting their significance in contemporary discourse.
  1. Posthumanism and Digital Culture:
    Recent publications are increasingly engaging with posthumanist perspectives, exploring how technology, artificial intelligence, and digital environments reshape human experience and identity in profound ways.
  2. Environmental and Ecological Critique:
    The examination of ecological issues within media and culture is gaining traction, reflecting a broader societal concern about climate change and environmental justice, as seen in discussions of films and media representations.
  3. Affect Theory and Emotional Engagement:
    There is a growing focus on affect theory, investigating how media evoke emotional responses and engage audiences, contributing to a deeper understanding of spectatorship and cultural consumption.
  4. Global and Transnational Cinema:
    Emerging themes include analyses of cinema beyond national boundaries, emphasizing transnational influences and the complexities of globalized cultural exchanges in film and media.
  5. Social Media and New Forms of Activism:
    The impact of social media on culture and activism is increasingly highlighted, examining how digital platforms facilitate new forms of resistance, community building, and cultural expression.

Declining or Waning

As the journal evolves, certain themes that once held prominence appear to be diminishing in focus. This section highlights these waning areas, which may reflect broader shifts in academic interests or societal relevance.
  1. Traditional Film Theory:
    There is a noticeable decline in papers that strictly adhere to classical film theory paradigms, as the journal increasingly embraces more contemporary and interdisciplinary approaches that challenge established frameworks.
  2. Historical Film Analysis:
    While historical context remains important, the focus on specific historical films or movements is waning, replaced by broader thematic explorations that emphasize contemporary relevance and theoretical innovation.
  3. Static Representations of Identity:
    Discussions centered around fixed or traditional representations of identity are becoming less common, as the journal shifts towards fluid and intersectional analyses that consider the complexities of identity in modern contexts.
  4. Single-Medium Focus:
    Papers concentrating solely on one medium (e.g., film alone) are less prevalent, as the journal increasingly promotes analyses that consider cross-media interactions and the convergence of different cultural forms.

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