JOURNAL OF THE MIDWEST MODERN LANGUAGE ASSOCIATION

Scope & Guideline

Fostering Innovation in Literary Theory and Critique

Introduction

Welcome to the JOURNAL OF THE MIDWEST MODERN LANGUAGE ASSOCIATION 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 THE MIDWEST MODERN LANGUAGE ASSOCIATION, 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
ISSN0742-5562
PublisherMIDWEST MODERN LANGUAGE ASSOC
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2002 to 2023
AbbreviationJ MIDWEST MOD LANG / J. Midwest Mod. Lang. Assoc.
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressLOYOLA UNIV CHICAGO, DEPT ENGLISH, 1032 W SHERIDAN RD, CHICAGO, IL 60660

Aims and Scopes

The JOURNAL OF THE MIDWEST MODERN LANGUAGE ASSOCIATION is dedicated to advancing the study of language, literature, and culture with a critical lens on socio-political contexts. Its contributions often intersect various disciplines, reflecting the complexities of identity, power, and cultural production.
  1. Interdisciplinary Studies:
    The journal emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating perspectives from literary studies, cultural studies, sociology, and political theory to explore contemporary and historical texts.
  2. Focus on Identity and Power Dynamics:
    A consistent theme in the journal is the exploration of identity politics, including race, gender, and class, and how these intersect with cultural narratives and literary practices.
  3. Critical Examination of Cultural Narratives:
    The journal seeks to critically analyze cultural texts and their implications on societal structures, often addressing themes of colonialism, capitalism, and neoliberalism.
  4. Engagement with Historical Contexts:
    Many articles provide historical insights into literary movements and cultural phenomena, linking contemporary issues with their historical antecedents.
  5. Exploration of Emotional and Affective Labor:
    The journal also delves into the concepts of emotional and affective labor within academic and cultural contexts, examining how these dynamics shape experiences and narratives.
Recent publications in the journal indicate a shift towards contemporary issues that resonate with current socio-political climates, highlighting emerging themes that reflect the evolving landscape of language and literature studies.
  1. Climate and Environmental Narratives:
    Recent articles reflect a growing interest in the intersection of literature and environmental issues, particularly how narratives shape and respond to climate change and ecological crises.
  2. Affective Labor and Emotional Narratives:
    There is an increasing focus on the themes of emotional and affective labor, particularly in relation to academic and literary contexts, exploring how emotions influence narratives and identity.
  3. Identity Politics and Intersectionality:
    The journal is seeing a trend towards more nuanced discussions on identity politics, particularly how intersectionality plays a role in shaping cultural narratives and literary practices.
  4. Revisiting Historical Contexts with Contemporary Relevance:
    Emerging themes include the re-examination of historical contexts in literature, linking past narratives to current societal issues, particularly in the realms of race and cultural representation.
  5. Global Perspectives on Literature:
    There is a noticeable trend towards incorporating global perspectives, especially in relation to immigrant narratives and postcolonial studies, reflecting a broader understanding of cultural dynamics.

Declining or Waning

While the journal maintains a robust focus on various themes, certain areas have seen a decrease in prominence, reflecting shifts in academic priorities and societal interests.
  1. Traditional Literary Canon:
    There has been a noticeable decline in articles focusing solely on the traditional literary canon without the critical lens of identity or socio-political contexts, as the journal moves towards more inclusive and diverse representations.
  2. Purely Historical Literary Analysis:
    The journal has shifted away from analyses that are strictly historical in nature, favoring discussions that incorporate contemporary relevance and critical theory.
  3. Minimalist Approaches to Literature:
    Themes surrounding minimalism in literature, which once held interest, are less frequently explored, as the journal increasingly addresses more complex narratives involving social justice and identity.

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