American Studies Journal: A History of Academic Evolution
The American Studies journal serves as a vital platform for scholarly discourse, documenting the evolution of cultural, historical, and social research. Since its inception in the mid-20th century, the publication has transitioned from a regional focus to an internationalized academic resource, reflecting the broadening scope of the field.
The Evolution of the Publication
The journal began its journey in 1959, originally titled the Journal of the Central Mississippi Valley American Studies Association. As the publication grew, it underwent several name changes to better reflect its reach and identity. By 1962, it was renamed the Midcontinent American Studies Journal, and in 1971, it adopted its current title, American Studies.
Since 1971, the journal has been published by the Mid-America American Studies Association, a regional chapter of the ASA.
Expanding Scope and Internationalization
A pivotal shift occurred in 2005 when the journal transitioned from a tri-annual to a quarterly publication. This change was driven largely by a merger with American Studies International (ASI), which had ceased publication in 2004. This merger was not merely administrative; it represented a strategic commitment to internationalizing the editorial board and increasing the visibility of scholarship produced outside the United States.
Furthermore, the integration of ASI allowed the journal to maintain teaching-focused features, ensuring that pedagogical value remained a core part of its mission.
Current Leadership and Digital Presence
In 2022, the journal strengthened its academic ties by forming a partnership with the Department of American Studies at the University of Minnesota. The current editorial leadership is headed by editors-in-chief Sherrie Tucker and Christopher Perreira.
To complement its formal publications, the journal revamped its digital outreach in 2020 with the launch of Dialogues: Blog of the American Studies Journal. Since 2022, this blog has been edited by Nishani Frazier, providing a more dynamic space for academic conversation.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1959
- Current Publisher: Mid-America American Studies Association
- Publication Frequency: Quarterly (since 2005)
- Review Process: Double-anonymous peer-review (where both the author and reviewer remain anonymous to prevent bias)
- Access Model: Open-source with a 3-year rolling embargo
- Circulation: Approximately 1,200 in the U.S. and 500 internationally
Journal Specifications and Accessibility
The journal maintains a rigorous standard of quality through a double-anonymous peer-review process. This ensures that scholarship is evaluated based on merit without the influence of the author's identity or reputation.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| U.S. Circulation | ~1,200 |
| International Circulation | ~500 |
| Database Availability | JSTOR, Project Muse, ProQuest, EBSCO |
| Open Access Policy | Open-source (3-year rolling embargo) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the journal first published?
The journal was first published in 1959 under the name Journal of the Central Mississippi Valley American Studies Association.
What happened during the 2005 merger?
The journal merged with American Studies International (ASI), which led to an increase in publication frequency to quarterly and a commitment to include more international scholarship and teaching-focused content.
Who currently leads the editorial team?
The editors-in-chief are Sherrie Tucker and Christopher Perreira, while Nishani Frazier has edited the Dialogues blog since 2022.
How can researchers access the journal's full text?
Full text is available through major databases including JSTOR, Project Muse, ProQuest, and EBSCO, as well as via open-source access following a 3-year rolling embargo.
What is the peer-review process for American Studies?
The journal utilizes a double-anonymous peer-review process to ensure objective evaluation of submitted research.