Journal of Contemporary Archaeology

Scope & Guideline

Fostering Interdisciplinary Dialogue in Archaeology

Introduction

Welcome to the Journal of Contemporary Archaeology 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 Journal of Contemporary Archaeology, 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
ISSN2051-3429
PublisherEQUINOX PUBLISHING LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2014 to 2024
AbbreviationJ CONTEMP ARCHAEOL / J. Contemp. Archaeol.
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address415, THE WORKSTATION, 15 PATERNOSTER ROW, SHEFFIELD S1 2BX, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of Contemporary Archaeology aims to explore the intersections of archaeology with contemporary societal issues, emphasizing the relevance of archaeological inquiry in understanding modern human experiences and environmental challenges. Its scope spans various methodologies, including material culture studies, ethnography, and interdisciplinary approaches that engage with historical narratives, heritage, and urban landscapes.
  1. Contemporary Material Culture:
    The journal focuses on analyzing objects and materials from contemporary contexts, exploring how they reflect social, political, and cultural dynamics.
  2. Archaeology of Memory and Trauma:
    It addresses themes of memory, trauma, and the legacy of conflict, particularly through the study of sites and artifacts related to war, repression, and societal upheaval.
  3. Environmental Archaeology:
    The journal investigates the relationship between humans and their environments, particularly in the context of waste management, sustainability, and the Anthropocene.
  4. Cultural Heritage and Identity:
    It emphasizes the role of archaeology in understanding cultural heritage and identity, especially in post-colonial and marginalized contexts.
  5. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    The journal promotes interdisciplinary research that integrates archaeology with other fields such as anthropology, sociology, and environmental studies.
The Journal of Contemporary Archaeology is actively engaging with new and emerging themes that reflect the evolving landscape of archaeological research. These trends highlight the journal's commitment to addressing contemporary challenges and societal concerns through archaeological perspectives.
  1. Waste and Environmental Issues:
    There is an increasing focus on waste archaeology and the environmental impacts of human activities, reflecting global concerns about sustainability and ecological degradation.
  2. Cold War and Post-Colonial Studies:
    Research examining the legacies of the Cold War and post-colonial contexts is trending, as scholars seek to understand the complexities of these historical periods and their ongoing influence on contemporary societies.
  3. Health and Medical Archaeology:
    Emerging themes in health and medical archaeology are gaining traction, particularly in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and its material culture implications.
  4. Heritage and Identity in Urban Contexts:
    The journal is seeing a rise in studies that explore the intersections of heritage, identity, and urban landscapes, reflecting contemporary issues of migration, gentrification, and social justice.
  5. Interactivity and Digital Archaeology:
    There is a growing interest in interactive and digital methodologies within archaeology, exploring how technology can enhance our understanding of cultural heritage and archaeological practices.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal of Contemporary Archaeology continues to thrive in several research areas, certain themes appear to be diminishing in frequency or emphasis. This decline may reflect shifts in scholarly focus or changing societal concerns.
  1. Traditional Archaeological Methods:
    There has been a noticeable decrease in papers focusing solely on traditional excavation and artifact analysis, as the journal increasingly prioritizes contemporary issues and interdisciplinary methods.
  2. Historical Archaeology of Pre-20th Century Contexts:
    Research centered on historical contexts prior to the 20th century is becoming less prominent, possibly due to a growing interest in modern and contemporary issues.
  3. Narrowly Defined Regional Studies:
    Studies that focus on specific regions without broader implications or connections to contemporary issues are less frequently published, indicating a shift towards more global and thematic inquiries.

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