Research essays (5-20 pgs) An in-depth essay that presents substantial research, source evaluation, and critical thinking on a topic. Research papers contain an argument and are intended to advance a given field in some way, usually by presenting some original research or ideas. Research papers are welcome to consult primary material but not required to do so. Research papers must contain an abstract (100-250 words). An abstract is a short, cogent summary of the essay. It should state the essay's argument, conclusion, and purpose, and may discuss how it fits into the existing literature.
Opinion essays (1-5 pgs) These pieces are intended to be concise and accessible. They can consider multiple perspectives or advance only the author's opinion. We encourage these shorter articles to respond to contemporary issues. Opinion essays can be less formal or humorous! They may be available for public discussion on the blog.
Literature reviews / historiography (1-10 pgs) A summary of the existing scholarly writing and discussion on a given topic or field. Literature reviews should critically assess existing contributions, outline broad debates or consensuses, and may suggest areas for future research. As this journal is directed to an undergraduate audience, the aim of both literature reviews and historiographies here is to guide students toward good sources for a given topic or field. A historiography will discuss how the study of topic or field has changed over time. Historiographies might consider the way broad themes in the literature have changed, with respect to the context of the time of writing. Literature reviews and historiographies must contain an abstract (100-250 words).
Critical book or cultural reviews (1-5 pgs) Book reviews evaluate an academic book (or selection of related books) based on its value and contribution to the field. They should consider the argument's strength and its support, the book's organization, and the book's style. Book reviews should also consider the author's purpose and background (incl. research background, time period, nationality etc.). They should include an appraisal that recommends or doesn't recommend the book. Cultural reviews analyze an emerging contemporary cultural trend. Cultural reviews may discuss topics like film, fashion, communication (incl. memes), popular ideology, activism etc. We consider reviews of fiction to be cultural reviews. Cultural reviews should discuss the topic's importance and context historically and in broader cultural movements, or relevance to the study of human society. They may be available for public discussion on the blog. Roundtable discussions We may host a number of roundtable discussions during the year, for several people to discuss a topic. These discussions are informal, and allow quick responses from multiple perspectives on a particular argument or topic. They may be available for public discussion on the blog. Participants for roundtable discussions are invited.