MISSISSIPPI QUARTERLY

Scope & Guideline

Fostering Intellectual Exchange in Literary Theory

Introduction

Welcome to the MISSISSIPPI QUARTERLY 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 MISSISSIPPI QUARTERLY, 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
ISSN0026-637x
PublisherJOHNS HOPKINS UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Converge1964, 1982, from 2002 to 2017, from 2020 to 2024
AbbreviationMISS QUART / Mississippi Q.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressJOURNALS PUBLISHING DIVISION, 2715 NORTH CHARLES ST, BALTIMORE, MD 21218-4363

Aims and Scopes

The Mississippi Quarterly is dedicated to the exploration of Southern literature, culture, and history, with a particular emphasis on African American narratives and the complexities of Southern identity. It fosters interdisciplinary approaches while maintaining a strong literary focus.
  1. Southern Literary Studies:
    The journal publishes scholarly articles that delve into the works of prominent Southern authors, critically analyzing their contributions to literature and culture.
  2. African American Narratives:
    There is a consistent focus on African American literature and the exploration of themes such as race, identity, and the historical context of the South.
  3. Cultural and Historical Contexts:
    The journal examines the cultural and historical dimensions of Southern life, including the impact of social issues like Jim Crow, environmental justice, and the legacy of slavery.
  4. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    Contributions often integrate methodologies from various disciplines, including literary criticism, history, sociology, and cultural studies, providing a multifaceted view of Southern literature.
  5. Emerging Authors and New Perspectives:
    The journal highlights contemporary voices and lesser-known authors, contributing to a more inclusive understanding of Southern literary heritage.
The Mississippi Quarterly has shown a dynamic evolution in its thematic focus, with several emerging trends reflecting contemporary issues and scholarly interests. These themes resonate with current cultural conversations.
  1. Environmental Justice:
    Recent publications increasingly address themes of environmental justice, particularly in the context of Southern literature, highlighting the relationship between place and socio-political issues.
  2. Posthumanism and Nonhuman Narratives:
    There is a growing interest in posthumanist perspectives, examining the role of nonhuman entities and environmental concerns in literary narratives.
  3. Intersectionality of Race and Gender:
    Emerging studies focus on the intersectionality of race, gender, and sexuality, particularly in the works of contemporary authors, enriching discussions around identity.
  4. Digital Humanities:
    The incorporation of digital humanities methodologies, such as the digitization of literary works, reflects a trend towards innovative approaches in literary studies.
  5. Contemporary Southern Voices:
    A notable increase in the exploration of contemporary Southern authors and their unique contributions to literature indicates a shift towards inclusivity and relevance in current Southern studies.

Declining or Waning

While the Mississippi Quarterly continues to thrive in its core themes, certain topics that were once prevalent are now appearing less frequently in recent publications. This shift may reflect changing academic interests or broader cultural trends.
  1. Traditional Southern Gothic:
    There seems to be a decline in the focus on traditional Southern Gothic literature, as newer works tend to explore broader themes beyond the gothic conventions.
  2. Historical Figures and Retrospectives:
    Interest in retrospective analyses of historical figures, such as early 20th-century Southern writers, has waned, possibly due to a shift towards contemporary relevance.
  3. Conventional Regionalism:
    The journal appears to be moving away from conventional regionalist narratives that simply depict Southern life, favoring instead more complex and interdisciplinary approaches.
  4. Biographical Studies:
    There is a noticeable decrease in biographical studies of individual authors, suggesting a shift towards thematic or comparative analyses.
  5. Purely Historical Contextualization:
    While historical context remains important, there seems to be less emphasis on purely historical narratives without a strong literary analysis or connection.

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