SOUTHERN HUMANITIES REVIEW

Scope & Guideline

Illuminating the Human Experience Since 1967

Introduction

Welcome to the SOUTHERN HUMANITIES REVIEW 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 SOUTHERN HUMANITIES REVIEW, 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
ISSN0038-4186
PublisherAUBURN UNIV
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Converge1967, from 2002 to 2016, from 2019 to 2024
AbbreviationSOUTHERN HUMAN REV / South. Humanit. Rev.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address9088 HALEY CTR, AUBURN, AL 36849

Aims and Scopes

The Southern Humanities Review serves as a vital platform for interdisciplinary exploration, primarily focusing on creative works and critical essays that reflect the complexities of human experiences, often through the lens of Southern culture and identity.
  1. Creative Expression:
    The journal emphasizes innovative literary forms including poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, showcasing diverse voices and perspectives.
  2. Cultural and Historical Reflections:
    It often engages with themes pertinent to Southern culture, history, and identity, providing insights into the region's unique societal dynamics.
  3. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    The journal encourages submissions that blend literary analysis with other disciplines, such as history, sociology, and environmental studies, fostering a multifaceted understanding of its subjects.
  4. Exploration of Contemporary Issues:
    Submissions frequently address current societal issues, including race, gender, and environmental concerns, reflecting the journal's commitment to relevant and impactful discourse.
  5. Innovative Literary Techniques:
    The journal showcases works that employ experimental and avant-garde literary techniques, pushing the boundaries of traditional forms.
The Southern Humanities Review is currently witnessing a vibrant evolution in its thematic focus, with several emerging trends reflecting contemporary societal concerns and innovative literary practices.
  1. Mental Health and Healing:
    Recent publications increasingly explore themes of mental health, trauma, and healing, highlighting the importance of these issues in contemporary society.
  2. Identity and Intersectionality:
    There is a growing emphasis on diverse identities and intersectionality, particularly regarding race, gender, and sexuality, reflecting broader societal movements towards inclusivity.
  3. Global Perspectives and Contexts:
    A trend towards incorporating global contexts into narratives, particularly in relation to Southern identity, suggests an expanding view of cultural exchange and influence.
  4. Response to Current Events:
    Many recent works engage directly with pressing global issues, such as climate change and social justice movements, demonstrating the journal's responsiveness to contemporary events.
  5. Experimental and Hybrid Forms:
    The journal is increasingly publishing works that blend genres and incorporate multimedia elements, indicating a trend towards innovation in literary presentation.

Declining or Waning

While the Southern Humanities Review continues to thrive in its core areas, some themes and approaches appear to be diminishing in prominence. This decline may reflect broader shifts in literary trends or changing reader interests.
  1. Traditional Narrative Structures:
    There seems to be a waning focus on conventional storytelling techniques. As the journal embraces more experimental forms, traditional narratives may be seen as less innovative.
  2. Historical Literary Criticism:
    While the journal has a strong historical context, there is a noticeable decline in papers strictly adhering to historical literary criticism, suggesting a shift toward more contemporary and applied literary analysis.
  3. Regionalism as Sole Focus:
    The journal has broadened its scope beyond strictly Southern themes, which may indicate a diminishing emphasis on regionalism as the primary lens for analysis.
  4. Formal Poetry:
    There appears to be a decrease in the publication of formal poetry, as the journal increasingly favors free verse and other modern poetic forms that allow for greater personal expression.
  5. Ecocritical Approaches:
    Although environmental issues are still relevant, the specific ecocritical lens has seen less representation, possibly overshadowed by more immediate social justice themes.

Similar Journals

HUDSON REVIEW

Fostering a Love for Arts and Literature
Publisher: HUDSON REVIEW INCISSN: 0018-702XFrequency: 4 issues/year

HUDSON REVIEW is a prestigious literary journal published by HUDSON REVIEW INC, based in New York City. Established to foster an appreciation for the arts and literature, this journal provides a platform for in-depth literary analysis, critical essays, and poetry exploring the complexities of human experience. With its extensive history of publication and established reputation, HUDSON REVIEW plays a significant role in the literary field, attracting contributions from esteemed authors and scholars. While the journal operates under a traditional model without open access, it nevertheless offers valuable insights and promotes rigorous discourse among researchers, professionals, and students interested in the evolving landscape of literature and criticism. Noteworthy for its contributions from 2002 to 2011 in Scopus, the journal remains an essential resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of contemporary literary trends.

PARIS REVIEW

Unveiling Voices, Shaping Literature
Publisher: PARIS REVIEWISSN: 0031-2037Frequency: 4 issues/year

The Paris Review is a distinguished literary journal published in France that has gained acclaim for its contributions to the fields of literature and literary theory. Established as a leading platform for contemporary literary discourse, this journal brings together a diverse array of voices, from emerging authors to established literary figures, offering readers rich insights into the world of literature. Despite its Scopus Rank placing it in the 2nd percentile within its category, it serves as a vital space for debate, reflection, and exploration in literary scholarship. The journal spans multiple converged years, specifically from 2002 to 2014 and from 2016 to 2024, and continues to engage its audience with thought-provoking content. Although currently not an Open Access publication, it remains accessible to a broad readership, making it an essential resource for researchers, students, and literary enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of literary trends and theory.

AMERICAN POETRY REVIEW

Illuminating the Landscape of American Poetry
Publisher: OLD CITY PUBLISHING INCISSN: 0360-3709Frequency: 6 issues/year

AMERICAN POETRY REVIEW, published by Old City Publishing Inc, is a prominent journal dedicated to the exploration and celebration of poetry within the broader field of literature and literary theory. With an ISSN of 0360-3709 and an E-ISSN of 2162-4984, this journal serves as a critical platform for both emerging and established voices in poetry, showcasing a diverse array of poetic forms and critical essays that enrich the discourse surrounding this vital art form. Despite its Q4 ranking in the 2023 Literature and Literary Theory category, the AMERICAN POETRY REVIEW plays a crucial role in democratizing literary criticism and fostering collaboration among poets, scholars, and enthusiasts. The journal not only emphasizes the innovative potential of poetry but also provides insights into its cultural significance, aligning with the ongoing academic trends towards inclusive and interdisciplinary approaches in literature studies. Although it does not offer open access options, the publication continues to engage a dedicated audience from its headquarters in Philadelphia, PA, striving to elevate the visibility of contemporary poetry and its practitioners.

MINNESOTA REVIEW

Fostering Scholarly Conversations in Literature
Publisher: DUKE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0026-5667Frequency: 2 issues/year

MINNESOTA REVIEW, published by DUKE UNIVERSITY PRESS, is a notable platform in the field of Literature and Literary Theory, signifying its commitment to advancing critical discourse and scholarship. With an ISSN of 0026-5667 and an E-ISSN of 2157-4189, this journal operates without an open access model, reflecting the traditional dissemination practices in the humanities. Covering a diverse range of topics, MINNESOTA REVIEW has been influential since its inception, showcasing exceptional literary analysis and theoretical explorations from 2002 to 2007 and again from 2009 to 2024. The journal currently holds a Q4 category ranking in Literature and Literary Theory for 2023 and ranks #470 out of 1106 in Scopus, emphasizing its academic vitality and research relevance within the 57th percentile. MINNESOTA REVIEW is dedicated to providing a critical forum for scholars, making it an essential resource for researchers, educators, and students interested in contemporary literary debates and theories.

MASSACHUSETTS REVIEW

Illuminating Contemporary Cultural Discourse
Publisher: UNIV MASSACHUSETTS MASSACHUSETTS REVIEWISSN: 0025-4878Frequency: 4 issues/year

The Massachusetts Review (ISSN: 0025-4878, E-ISSN: 2330-0485) is a prominent literary journal published by the University of Massachusetts, located in the United States. Since its inception, the journal has committed itself to fostering the arts and humanities, presenting a diverse spectrum of poetry, fiction, essays, and critical reviews that engage with contemporary cultural discourse. With a 2023 Scopus rank placing it in Q3 for Literature and Literary Theory and Q4 for Visual Arts and Performing Arts, the Massachusetts Review serves as an essential platform for both established and emerging voices, enriching the conversation in these fields. Although not an Open Access journal, it provides invaluable access to thought-provoking content that challenges and inspires its audience. Situated at the intersection of literary excellence and critical thought, this journal continues to uphold its mission to stimulate intellectual engagement and to celebrate the creative arts.

GEORGIA REVIEW

Discovering the Depths of Literary Expression.
Publisher: UNIV GEORGIAISSN: 0016-8386Frequency: 4 issues/year

Georgia Review is a distinguished literary journal published by the University of Georgia, renowned for its commitment to showcasing a diverse array of creative writing, including poetry, fiction, and essays. With its ISSN number 0016-8386, the journal has fostered a vibrant community of writers and scholars since its inception, offering a platform for emerging and established voices alike. Although the journal's coverage in Scopus was discontinued in 2012, its influence within the literary field remains significant, bolstered by a rich tradition of insightful commentary and cultural critique reflective of contemporary issues. Access to the journal is available through traditional subscription models, making it a valuable resource for researchers, students, and literary enthusiasts aiming to explore the intersections of literature and society. The Georgia Review stands out for its rigorous editorial standards and its role in advancing the appreciation of the literary arts, cementing its importance within the landscape of American literary journals.

Journal of Literary Studies

Exploring the depths of literature and theory.
Publisher: UNISA PRESSISSN: 0256-4718Frequency: 4 issues/year

Journal of Literary Studies, published by UNISA PRESS, is a premier open access journal dedicated to advancing the field of literature and literary theory. With its ISSN 0256-4718 and E-ISSN 1753-5387, the journal has established itself as a leading platform for innovative research since its inception in 1985, with a notable convergence period running through to 2024. Recognized in the Q1 quartile of literature and literary theory, the journal ranks impressively at #236 out of 1106 in its category according to Scopus, highlighting its impact in the arts and humanities with a percentile rank of 78th. The journal's open access model, adopted in 2022, reflects its commitment to accessibility and dissemination of knowledge globally, making it an essential resource for researchers, academics, and students alike. With an editorial focus on interdisciplinary approaches and contemporary critical discourse, the Journal of Literary Studies serves as a vital vessel for the exchange of ideas and scholarly dialogue in the intricate landscape of literary studies.

CRITICAL INQUIRY

Advancing Discourse in Arts and Humanities
Publisher: UNIV CHICAGO PRESSISSN: 0093-1896Frequency: 4 issues/year

CRITICAL INQUIRY, published by University of Chicago Press, is a leading academic journal dedicated to the exploration of Cultural Studies and the broader Arts and Humanities landscape. With its ISSN 0093-1896 and E-ISSN 1539-7858, the journal has been at the forefront of critical discourse since its inception in 1976, cementing its reputation through rigorous scholarship and innovative contributions to the field. The journal is ranked Q1 in Cultural Studies and Q2 in Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous) as of 2023, underscoring its significance in shaping contemporary cultural critique. Currently positioned in the 95th percentile among Arts and Humanities journals and the 92nd percentile in Cultural Studies according to Scopus rankings, CRITICAL INQUIRY offers a platform for researchers and professionals to engage with cutting-edge theories and methodologies. Although it does not offer open access, its curated content remains essential for scholars aiming to deepen their understanding of complex cultural phenomena. By facilitating critical dialogue and interdisciplinary research, CRITICAL INQUIRY plays a pivotal role in advancing knowledge and insight within its academic areas.

RARITAN-A QUARTERLY REVIEW

Advancing Intellectual Conversations Through Diverse Lenses
Publisher: RARITAN-A QUARTERLY REVIEWISSN: 0275-1607Frequency: 4 issues/year

RARITAN-A QUARTERLY REVIEW is a distinguished academic journal published by RARITAN-A QUARTERLY REVIEW and based in the United States, focusing on the diverse intersections of literature, philosophy, and the visual and performing arts. Operating since 2002, this publication aims to foster critical discourse and enrich the intellectual landscape by showcasing innovative scholarship from a variety of perspectives. Although currently ranked in the fourth quartile in its respective categories—literature and literary theory, philosophy, and visual arts and performing arts—RARITAN remains committed to elevating robust dialogues within the humanities. The journal appeals to a spectrum of scholars, professionals, and students who seek to explore the complexities of cultural and artistic expression. Submissions are encouraged to contribute to the journal’s evolving narrative while adhering to rigorous academic standards. With no open access option currently available, the journal maintains a traditional subscription model, ensuring quality and integrity in the dissemination of knowledge.

SHENANDOAH

Illuminating the Ties Between Culture and Environment
Publisher: WASHINGTON LEE UNIVISSN: 0037-3583Frequency: 2 issues/year

SHENANDOAH is a prestigious journal published by Washington Lee University, focusing on the rich tapestry of American literature, culture, and environmental studies. With its ISSN 0037-3583, this journal has served as a vital platform for the dissemination of scholarly research from 2002 to 2010 and again in 2012, although it has since discontinued its coverage in Scopus. The journal's commitment to exploring the intersections between literary expression and ecological awareness fosters a unique dialogue among researchers, professionals, and students interested in the human experience in relation to the natural world. By engaging with a diverse range of topics, SHENANDOAH not only enriches academic discourse but also invites contributions that illuminate the dynamic interplay between culture and environment. This makes it an essential resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of American studies and ecological literature.