MODERN LANGUAGE QUARTERLY

Scope & Guideline

Illuminating the Intersection of Language and Society.

Introduction

Welcome to the MODERN LANGUAGE 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 MODERN LANGUAGE 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
ISSN0026-7929
PublisherDUKE UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1996 to 2024
AbbreviationMOD LANG QUART / Mod. Lang. Q.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address905 W MAIN ST, STE 18-B, DURHAM, NC 27701

Aims and Scopes

MODERN LANGUAGE QUARTERLY (MLQ) focuses on the intersections of literature, language, and cultural studies, emphasizing critical theory, historical context, and interdisciplinary approaches. The journal serves as a platform for innovative scholarship that interrogates literary texts through various lenses, fostering dialogue among scholars from diverse fields.
  1. Interdisciplinary Literary Studies:
    MLQ emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from fields such as history, philosophy, and cultural studies to deepen the understanding of literary texts.
  2. Critical Theory and Cultural Analysis:
    The journal frequently engages with contemporary critical theories, exploring how these frameworks can be applied to historical and modern literary works, thus enriching the discourse on literature's social and cultural implications.
  3. Historical Contextualization:
    A consistent focus on the historical contexts of literary works allows for a nuanced understanding of texts, particularly in relation to their socio-political environments across different time periods.
  4. Focus on Marginalized Voices:
    MLQ is committed to exploring the works and contributions of marginalized authors, including women, LGBTQ+ writers, and postcolonial voices, thereby broadening the scope of literary studies.
  5. Innovative Methodologies:
    The journal encourages the use of innovative methodologies, including digital humanities and new media studies, to analyze texts and their cultural significance in contemporary society.
Recent publications in MODERN LANGUAGE QUARTERLY indicate a dynamic shift towards new themes and areas of inquiry that reflect contemporary cultural and academic discussions. These emerging scopes highlight the journal's responsiveness to current trends in literary studies.
  1. Ecocriticism and Environmental Studies:
    There is a growing interest in ecocriticism and environmental themes, as seen in works that explore the relationship between literature and ecological issues, signaling an increased awareness of climate change and its cultural implications.
  2. Gender Studies and Queer Theory:
    Research focusing on gender and queer identities is increasingly prevalent, reflecting a trend towards exploring the complexities of gender representation in literature and its intersection with other social categories.
  3. Digital Humanities and New Media:
    The integration of digital humanities and new media studies is emerging as a key focus, with scholars examining the impact of digital culture on literary production and reception, highlighting the relevance of technology in contemporary literary analysis.
  4. Postcolonial and Transnational Studies:
    Postcolonial and transnational perspectives are gaining traction, with a rising number of publications that analyze literature in the context of globalization, migration, and cultural exchange, thus enriching the understanding of literary texts in a global framework.
  5. Intermediality and Genre Blending:
    There is an increasing exploration of intermediality and genre blending in literature, as scholars investigate how different media forms intersect and influence literary expression, reflecting the complexities of contemporary cultural production.

Declining or Waning

While MODERN LANGUAGE QUARTERLY continues to evolve, certain themes have become less prominent in recent publications. This decline may reflect shifting academic interests or changes in the broader cultural landscape.
  1. Traditional Literary Canon:
    There is a noticeable decline in the focus on the traditional literary canon, which includes classic texts and authors, as the journal increasingly prioritizes contemporary works and underrepresented voices.
  2. Formalism and Close Reading:
    Formalism, once a dominant methodology in literary studies, appears to be waning in favor of more contextual and theoretical approaches, suggesting a shift away from purely textual analysis.
  3. Historical Literary Criticism:
    The emphasis on strict historical literary criticism has diminished, with fewer articles focusing solely on the historical significance of texts without integrating contemporary theoretical frameworks.

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