Journal of African American Studies

Scope & Guideline

Connecting Scholars Through the Lens of African American Studies

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of Journal of African American Studies with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1559-1646
PublisherSPRINGER
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Converge1996, from 2003 to 2005, from 2008 to 2024
AbbreviationJ AFR AM STUD / J. Afr. Am. Stud.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressONE NEW YORK PLAZA, SUITE 4600 , NEW YORK, NY 10004, UNITED STATES

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of African American Studies is dedicated to advancing the understanding of African American culture, history, and social issues through rigorous scholarship. Its core aims and scopes encompass a wide range of interdisciplinary approaches that reflect the complexities of African American experiences and the dynamics of race in the United States.
  1. Interdisciplinary Research on African American Experiences:
    The journal publishes research that spans various fields, including sociology, history, education, psychology, and cultural studies, focusing on the diverse experiences of African Americans.
  2. Critical Examination of Racial Injustice:
    A consistent focus is placed on analyzing systemic racism and social injustices faced by African American communities, with a particular emphasis on historical and contemporary issues.
  3. Cultural Representation and Identity:
    The journal explores themes of identity, representation, and cultural expression among African Americans, including the impact of media, arts, and literature on societal perceptions.
  4. Health Disparities and Well-being:
    Research addressing health disparities within African American populations is a significant area, highlighting the intersection of race, mental health, and community well-being.
  5. Activism and Social Movements:
    The journal emphasizes the role of activism and social movements in the African American community, examining both historical and modern forms of resistance and advocacy.
The Journal of African American Studies is witnessing a dynamic evolution in its thematic focus, with several emerging trends reflecting the current socio-political landscape and scholarly interests. These themes indicate a shift towards more nuanced and intersectional analyses.
  1. Environmental Justice and Racism:
    Recent publications highlight the growing concern around environmental racism, focusing on how environmental policies disproportionately affect African American communities, as seen in studies like the Flint Water Crisis.
  2. Mental Health and Community Well-being:
    There is an increasing emphasis on mental health issues within African American populations, exploring the intersections of race, culture, and psychological well-being.
  3. Intersectionality and Identity Politics:
    Emerging discussions around intersectionality in relation to race, gender, and class are gaining traction, reflecting a more nuanced understanding of African American identities.
  4. Restorative Justice and Community Healing:
    Recent studies advocate for restorative justice approaches within African American communities, emphasizing healing and reconciliation as essential components of social justice.
  5. Impact of Technology and Media:
    The influence of digital media and technology on African American cultural expression and activism is becoming a prominent area of study, particularly how these tools shape identity and community engagement.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal of African American Studies continues to thrive in many areas, certain themes appear to be losing prominence in recent publications. This section highlights topics that have seen a decline in focus or frequency over time.
  1. Historical Narratives of Early Civil Rights:
    Research focusing on the early narratives of the civil rights movement, while still relevant, has seen less attention in favor of contemporary issues and intersectional analyses.
  2. Traditional Educational Methods:
    Studies centered around conventional educational practices and their impacts on African American students are becoming less frequent as the journal shifts towards innovative pedagogical approaches and community-based education.
  3. Generalized Discussions of African American Literature:
    While literature remains a critical area, broad discussions of African American literature without specific thematic or analytical frameworks are appearing less often, as more focused studies gain prominence.
  4. Individual Biographical Studies:
    In-depth biographical studies of singular historical figures are declining in favor of collective analyses that address broader social and cultural movements.
  5. Static Historical Accounts:
    Research that presents static, uncritical historical accounts without engaging contemporary implications or intersections with current social issues is less prevalent.

Similar Journals

SHENANDOAH

Advancing Dialogue on American Studies and Ecology
Publisher: WASHINGTON LEE UNIVISSN: 0037-3583Frequency: 2 issues/year

SHENANDOAH is a prestigious journal published by Washington Lee University, focusing on the rich tapestry of American literature, culture, and environmental studies. With its ISSN 0037-3583, this journal has served as a vital platform for the dissemination of scholarly research from 2002 to 2010 and again in 2012, although it has since discontinued its coverage in Scopus. The journal's commitment to exploring the intersections between literary expression and ecological awareness fosters a unique dialogue among researchers, professionals, and students interested in the human experience in relation to the natural world. By engaging with a diverse range of topics, SHENANDOAH not only enriches academic discourse but also invites contributions that illuminate the dynamic interplay between culture and environment. This makes it an essential resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of American studies and ecological literature.

South Central Review

Illuminating Innovations in Cultural Discourse
Publisher: JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV PRESSISSN: 0743-6831Frequency: 3 issues/year

South Central Review, a distinguished academic journal published by Johns Hopkins University Press, serves as a vital platform for scholarly discourse in the fields of cultural studies, literature and literary theory, philosophy, and the visual and performing arts. With an ISSN of 0743-6831 and an E-ISSN of 1549-3377, this journal is dedicated to highlighting innovative research and critical analyses that explore the complexities of Southern culture and its broader implications. Although it operates without an open access option, the journal is recognized for its rigorous peer-review process and contributions to contemporary academic dialogue, holding Q3 and Q4 rankings across several disciplines as of 2023. The convergence of ideas and perspectives from diverse academic backgrounds positions the South Central Review as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to deepen their understanding of the cultural narratives shaping our world today.

PAPERS OF THE BIBLIOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA

Championing Excellence in Bibliographic Research
Publisher: UNIV CHICAGO PRESSISSN: 0006-128XFrequency: 4 issues/year

Papers of the Bibliographical Society of America, published by University of Chicago Press, is an esteemed scholarly journal that focuses on the realms of bibliographic research, literature, and literary theory. With a rich history dating back to its inception in 1941, this journal has evolved to cover a wide spectrum of bibliographical scholarship, drawing contributions from leading researchers and practitioners in the field. The journal holds a prominent position in the academic community, evidenced by its Q2 ranking in Literature and Literary Theory and Q3 ranking in Library and Information Sciences as of 2023, reflecting its rigorous academic standards and influence. Although it is not an open access journal, its publications are vital for those engaged in literary studies and library sciences, offering critical insights and fostering interdisciplinary discussions. The journal's unique intersection of literature and bibliographic analysis makes it an invaluable resource for scholars, professionals, and students seeking to deepen their understanding of texts and their historical contexts.

CANADIAN REVIEW OF AMERICAN STUDIES

Decoding the Layers of American Experience
Publisher: UNIV TORONTO PRESS INCISSN: 0007-7720Frequency: 3 issues/year

Canadian Review of American Studies, published by University of Toronto Press Inc, stands as a vital scholarly outlet in the fields of American studies, literature, cultural studies, and history. With its origins tracing back to 1973, this journal provides a platform for innovative research and critical discourse, appealing to a wide audience of researchers, professionals, and students alike. While currently indexed in Scopus with quartile rankings highlighting its position in various categories—Q4 in Cultural Studies, History, and Literature and Literary Theory—the journal embraces a robust pursuit of knowledge that examines the intricate layers of American culture and its global intersections. Although it does not offer open access, the journal's commitment to academic rigor ensures its contributions are indispensable for understanding the complex narratives that shape American identity. As it continuously evolves, the Canadian Review of American Studies serves as an essential resource for anyone engaged in this dynamic and interdisciplinary field.

RESOURCES FOR AMERICAN LITERARY STUDY

Transforming Scholarship through Diverse Methodologies
Publisher: PENN STATE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0048-7384Frequency: 1 issue/year

Resources for American Literary Study is a prominent academic journal published by Penn State University Press, focusing on critical inquiries, innovative methodologies, and diverse perspectives in American literature. Issued under the ISSN 0048-7384, this journal has developed a reputation for fostering scholarly dialogue and advancing the study of literary texts and their contexts. With a solid track record of publication spanning from 2003, and notably from 2010 to 2015, and again from 2017 to 2023, it has become a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike, seeking to engage with contemporary debates and analyses within the field. Although classified in the fourth quartile for literature and literary theory, Resources for American Literary Study offers valuable insights that challenge established narratives and promote emerging scholarship. This journal serves as an essential platform for the dissemination of knowledge and the exploration of American literary traditions, contributing to a richer understanding of its cultural implications.

AFRICAN AMERICAN REVIEW

Celebrating Diversity in Literary and Artistic Expression
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.

Spectrum

Fostering Intellectual Engagement Across Diverse Voices.
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 QUARTERLY

Illuminating Diverse Narratives in American Studies
Publisher: JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV PRESSISSN: 0003-0678Frequency: 4 issues/year

AMERICAN QUARTERLY, published by Johns Hopkins University Press, stands as a prestigious journal in the fields of Cultural Studies and History, reflecting its remarkable reputation with a Q1 ranking in both categories as of 2023. With an ISSN of 0003-0678 and an E-ISSN of 1080-6490, this journal serves as a vital platform for interdisciplinary scholarship, exploring diverse narratives and critical theories that shape the American experience. Although it does not currently offer open access, AMERICAN QUARTERLY remains an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students committed to understanding the complexities of cultural and historical dynamics. Its rich interdisciplinary approach and rigorous peer-review process ensure that the journal consistently publishes high-quality articles that resonate with contemporary global discussions, making it indispensable for anyone looking to contribute to or enhance their understanding of American culture and history.

J19-The Journal of Nineteenth-Century Americanists

Chronicling the Voices of a Transformative Era
Publisher: JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV PRESSISSN: 2166-742XFrequency: 2 issues/year

J19 - The Journal of Nineteenth-Century Americanists is a prominent academic journal published by Johns Hopkins University Press, dedicated to exploring the rich tapestry of American literature, history, and cultural studies from the 19th century. With its ISSN 2166-742X and E-ISSN 2166-7438, this journal is positioned within the scholarly landscape as an essential resource for researchers and students alike, providing critical insights and innovative scholarship that reflect the complexities of the era. Although currently categorized in Quartile 4 across various fields—including Cultural Studies, History, and Literature and Literary Theory—the journal fosters an inclusive platform for emerging voices and methodologies that interrogate the narratives and ideologies of nineteenth-century America. Its convergence of perspectives, from literary analysis to historical critique, is vital for advancing discussions in this pivotal period of literature and culture. By prioritizing open dialogue and interdisciplinary approaches, J19 serves as a crucial forum for academics interested in the evolution of American thought and creativity during one of its most transformative centuries.

EARLY AMERICAN LITERATURE

Bridging History and Theory in Early American Texts
Publisher: UNIV NORTH CAROLINA PRESSISSN: 0012-8163Frequency: 3 issues/year

EARLY AMERICAN LITERATURE, published by the University of North Carolina Press, stands as a pivotal journal in the field of American literary studies. With an ISSN of 0012-8163 and E-ISSN of 1534-147X, this journal invites scholarly discourse and analysis of literary works from the early American period, effectively bridging historical context and contemporary literary theory. The journal has maintained a consistent publication history since 1973, with significant converged years, providing essential insights for researchers and students alike. Ranked Q3 in Literature and Literary Theory with an impressive Scopus rank placing it in the 66th percentile, EARLY AMERICAN LITERATURE remains an essential resource for exploring the intricacies of early American texts and their implications. Although not an open-access journal, its contributions are invaluable for anyone engaging with this rich literary tradition, fostering a deeper understanding of America's cultural and literary heritage.