Call for Papers
ARAS is constantly seeking articles in the field of African studies and welcomes contributions from all over the world. The following formats will be considered for publication:
- Scholarly articles: original, research-based articles between 1000-6000 words. Please include all relevant material such as graphs, maps and tables.
- Generalist articles, opinion pieces or debates between 1000-6000 words, relevant to African studies, African politics, society, economics, religion, literature or other relevant areas of interest to AFSAAP members.
- Field Notes of 1000-2000 words: any African fieldwork experiences or observations that would make an interesting contribution to the field of African studies. Please submit any photos that might be relevant.
- Book reviews between 300-1000 words.
- Review Essays between 1000-2000 words.
- Short notes / news / comments on reports 300-1000 words
Guidelines
ARAS uses the APA 6th edition citation system (in-text citations).
Read the Ethical Guidelines.
Please submit 2 copies – one copy with all of your details, and one copy ‘blinded’ (ie. Please remove your name and any identifying features from the article that would suggest the author’s identity). Send to editor@afsaap.org.au
Book Reviews
The Australasian Review of African Studies (ARAS) aims to publish relevant and timely reviews of books dealing with various African Studies issues. However, in submitting book reviews it is important for reviewers to be aware of not only the journal’s style of citations, but also its style guidelines for the writing of book reviews. Read the Guidelines Here.
While some journals aim for publishing largely descriptive reviews which serve to inform the reader about the content of the book and its main ideas, ARAS does not. Therefore, what we are looking for is:
- An intellectual engagement with the text which should be primarily reflective and critical, rather than a wholly descriptive book review, and
- A critical assessment of the ideas and hypotheses presented in the book
Publishing critical and inquisitive book reviews is an intellectually rewarding endeavour, and more importantly the state of academic inquiry and knowledge in general progresses through the process of discussion and argument, and not regurgitation.
The journal welcomes unsolicited reviews, and for all book review related queries please contact bookreviews@afsaap.org.au.
Deadlines
ARAS is published in June and December each year. Articles can be submitted anytime. Book reviews, news and opinion pieces should be submitted by March 15th or September 15th.