JOURNAL OF AMERICAN CULTURE

Scope & Guideline

Decoding the Complexity of American Identity

Introduction

Explore the comprehensive scope of JOURNAL OF AMERICAN CULTURE 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 JOURNAL OF AMERICAN CULTURE in depth and align your research initiatives with current academic trends.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1542-7331
PublisherWILEY
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1996 to 1999, from 2003 to 2024
AbbreviationJ AM CULTURE / J. Am. Cult.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of American Culture aims to explore the multifaceted dimensions of American culture through a diverse range of topics. It emphasizes the intersection of various cultural forms, historical contexts, and social issues, utilizing interdisciplinary approaches to enrich understanding of the American experience. Below are the core areas of focus for the journal.
  1. Cultural Criticism and Analysis:
    The journal engages in critical examinations of cultural artifacts such as literature, film, music, and visual arts, analyzing their impact on American identity and societal norms.
  2. Historical Contextualization:
    It emphasizes the historical contexts of cultural phenomena, exploring how past events and movements shape contemporary American culture.
  3. Diversity and Representation:
    The journal addresses themes of race, gender, and sexuality, focusing on underrepresented voices and narratives in American cultural discourse.
  4. Media Studies:
    A significant focus is placed on the role of media in shaping public perception, identity formation, and cultural practices, particularly in relation to television, film, and digital platforms.
  5. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    The journal encourages interdisciplinary research that combines methodologies from fields such as sociology, history, literary studies, and cultural studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of American culture.
The Journal of American Culture is adapting to current societal changes and cultural dynamics, leading to the emergence of new themes and research areas. The following points outline these trending topics that reflect contemporary concerns and interests.
  1. Digital Culture and Technology:
    There is a noticeable increase in studies exploring the impact of digital culture and technology on American social life, identity, and cultural production, reflecting the growing influence of the internet and social media.
  2. Intersectionality in Cultural Studies:
    Research emphasizing intersectionality—how race, gender, sexuality, and class intersect in shaping experiences—is gaining traction, highlighting the complexities of identity in American culture.
  3. Cultural Memory and Trauma:
    Emerging themes focus on cultural memory, collective trauma, and how these concepts inform contemporary American identity, particularly in the context of historical injustices.
  4. Globalization and American Culture:
    The journal is increasingly examining the effects of globalization on American culture, including cross-cultural influences and the hybridization of cultural forms.
  5. Activism and Social Justice in Media:
    There is a growing interest in the role of media as a platform for activism and social justice, analyzing how cultural products can reflect and influence societal change.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal of American Culture continues to evolve, certain themes that were once prominent appear to be gaining less attention in recent publications. The following points highlight these waning topics.
  1. Traditional Narratives of American History:
    There seems to be a decline in papers focused on conventional narratives of American history, particularly those that do not engage with contemporary issues or marginalized perspectives.
  2. Purely Genre-Based Studies:
    Research that solely focuses on genre conventions without intersecting social or cultural implications is becoming less common, as the journal shifts towards more analytical and contextual approaches.
  3. Static Representations of American Identity:
    Themes that depict a monolithic view of American identity are waning, reflecting a broader shift towards recognizing the complexities and diversities within American culture.
  4. Conventional Gender Studies:
    While gender remains a key focus, traditional approaches that do not incorporate intersectionality or contemporary feminist discourse are becoming less prevalent.
  5. Nostalgic Cultural Critiques:
    Papers that rely heavily on nostalgia without critical engagement or relevance to current cultural dynamics are seeing a decrease in favor of more progressive and contemporary analyses.

Similar Journals

Bulletin of Spanish Studies

Bridging Literature and Culture in Spanish Studies
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1475-3820Frequency: 10 issues/year

Bulletin of Spanish Studies is a prominent academic journal dedicated to the exploration and discourse of Spanish studies within the diverse realms of Cultural Studies and Literature and Literary Theory. Published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, this journal serves as a crucial platform for scholars, researchers, and students to disseminate their findings and engage in scholarly debates related to Spanish literature, culture, and linguistics. With an emphasis on high-quality, peer-reviewed research, the journal holds a reputable Q3 ranking in Cultural Studies and a commendable Q2 ranking in Literature and Literary Theory, reflecting its significant impact within the academic community. The Bulletin is indexed in notable databases, achieving a rank of #314 out of 1106 in Literature and Literary Theory and #738 out of 1304 in Cultural Studies, signaling its vital role in advancing knowledge in these fields. Although it does not currently offer open access options, the journal remains an essential resource for those passionate about the study of Spanish culture and literature from 2010 to 2024 and beyond.

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.

LEGACY

Cultivating Critical Thought in the Realm of Literature and Gender
Publisher: UNIV NEBRASKA PRESSISSN: 0748-4321Frequency: 2 issues/year

LEGACY is a prominent journal published by University of Nebraska Press, dedicated to exploring the multifaceted relationships between literature, culture, and gender studies. With an ISSN of 0748-4321, this journal has established itself as a platform for critical discourse since its inception in 2002. As a Q4 ranked publication in both Gender Studies and Literature and Literary Theory, LEGACY engages with diverse perspectives and timely topics, providing a unique opportunity for scholars to contribute to ongoing debates in these fields. Although it does not operate under an open access model, its content remains essential for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to expand their knowledge and understanding of complex literary and gender issues. With a commitment to enriching the academic landscape, LEGACY aims to foster dialogue and inspire future scholarship through its thoughtful articles and critical analyses.

Boletin de Arte-UMA

Unveiling Cultural Narratives Through Artistry
Publisher: UNIV MALAGA, DEPT HISTORIA ARTEISSN: 0211-8483Frequency: 1 issue/year

Boletin de Arte-UMA is a distinguished academic journal published by the University of Malaga, Department of History of Art, focusing on the rich interplay between history, visual arts, and performing arts. Operating under an Open Access model since 2013, this journal ensures that valuable research is freely available for scholars and practitioners worldwide. With an impact factor currently reflecting its academic rigor through its Q2 ranking in History and Q1 ranking in Visual Arts and Performing Arts, Boletin de Arte-UMA serves as a vital platform for cutting-edge research, critical analysis, and the promotion of cultural heritage studies. Based in Malaga, Spain, the journal not only provides insights into its thematic scope but also fosters a global dialogue among researchers, professionals, and students passionate about the visual and performing arts.

MISSISSIPPI QUARTERLY

Unveiling New Perspectives in Cultural Discourse
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.

REVUE FRANCAISE D ETUDES AMERICAINES

Navigating the Rich Tapestry of American Studies
Publisher: ASSOC FRANCAISE ETUDES AMERISSN: 0397-7870Frequency: 4 issues/year

REVUE FRANCAISE D ETUDES AMERICAINES is a distinguished academic journal published by the ASSOCIATION FRANCAISE D ETUDES AMERICAINES, dedicated to the exploration of American studies from a multicultural and interdisciplinary perspective. Since its inception in 1990, this journal has provided a platform for scholarly debate and research, laying the groundwork for critical examinations of various aspects of American culture, politics, and society. Although currently classified in the lower quartiles (Q4) across several categories—Arts and Humanities, Cultural Studies, and Sociology and Political Science—its commitment to enriching academic discourse makes it a valuable resource for researchers, students, and professionals alike. The journal lacks an open-access option, but its informative content remains vital for anyone involved in the study of American influences globally. By bridging the gap between American context and global frameworks, REVUE FRANCAISE D ETUDES AMERICAINES plays a pivotal role in fostering international understanding of American studies.

Journal of African American Studies

Championing Research in Cultural Studies and Beyond
Publisher: SPRINGERISSN: 1559-1646Frequency: 4 issues/year

The Journal of African American Studies, published by SPRINGER, is a prestigious academic platform dedicated to the exploration and dissemination of research related to African American culture, history, and social issues. With an ISSN of 1559-1646 and an E-ISSN of 1936-4741, this journal has established itself as a key resource within its field, evidenced by its categorization in the Q1 tier for Cultural Studies and notable rankings in Gender and Sociology disciplines. As of 2023, it occupies competitive positions on Scopus, highlighting its valuable contributions to social sciences. The journal aims to foster scholarly dialogue and offer insights into the complexities of African American experiences, making it essential reading for researchers, professionals, and students alike. For those interested in contributing to the ongoing discourse, access options are available through institutional subscriptions, ensuring a broad reach for groundbreaking articles aimed at enriching the academic landscape.

South Central Review

Connecting Ideas that Shape Southern Cultural Identity
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.

CAMERA OBSCURA

Engaging with the Visual: A Gendered Approach
Publisher: DUKE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0270-5346Frequency: 3 issues/year

CAMERA OBSCURA, an esteemed journal published by DUKE UNIVERSITY PRESS, serves as a vital platform at the intersection of Visual Arts and Gender Studies. With its ISSN 0270-5346 and E-ISSN 1529-1510, this journal has been an influential contributor to critical discussions in cultural theory and visual culture from 2002 to 2024. Notably categorized in the Q4 quartile for Gender Studies and Q2 for Visual Arts and Performing Arts in 2023, CAMERA OBSCURA boasts a Scopus rank that reflects its growing impact within the academic community. Although currently not offered as an open-access publication, its rigorous peer-reviewed content remains crucial for researchers, professionals, and students alike, facilitating a deeper understanding of how visual representation shapes and is shaped by societal constructs. Set in the heart of the United States, the journal's commitment to exploring the complexities of gendered visuality emphasizes its importance within contemporary scholarship in these vibrant fields.

ESTUDIOS FILOLOGICOS

Unveiling New Perspectives in Philology
Publisher: UNIV AUSTRAL CHILEISSN: 0071-1713Frequency: 2 issues/year

ESTUDIOS FILOLOGICOS is a prestigious journal specialized in the fields of Linguistics and Literature, published by UNIV AUSTRAL CHILE. With an ISSN of 0071-1713 and an E-ISSN of 0717-6171, this journal serves as a vital platform for scholars, researchers, and students to disseminate their findings and foster academic discourse in philology and its related disciplines. Renowned for its rigorous peer-review process, ESTUDIOS FILOLOGICOS holds an impressive position with a Q2 ranking in Linguistics and Language and a Q1 ranking in Literature and Literary Theory as of 2023. Situated in Valdivia, Chile, and spanning from 2007 to 2023, this journal not only contributes significantly to the academic community but also engages with diverse voices in the humanities. By maintaining a balanced focus on high-quality research and accessible discourse, ESTUDIOS FILOLOGICOS continues to play an essential role in promoting scholarly information and engagement within the fields of language and literature.