Focus and Scope
Focus and Scope
UMMA: Journal of Contemporary Literature and Creative Arts is a bi-annual peer-reviewed publication jointly published by the Departments of Literature and Creative Arts of the University of Dar es Salaam. The main objective of the journal is to stimulate and encourage debate on key themes in Literature and the Creative Arts.
Moreover, UMMA seeks to foster critical discussion about literatures and the Creative Arts in their diversity as informed and influenced by the African socio-cultural and artistic contexts. Our mission is to publish, disseminate and make accessible worldwide, quality information, research and knowledge about literature and the creative arts. Also, it strives to accommodate work covering a broad spectrum of topics in the areas of literature, the creative arts, and related fields. The journal is generally cross-disciplinary and provides an important forum for thought-provoking analyses, research, and critical outlay on literature and the creative arts.
Furthermore, the journal seeks to cover recent trends in theory and research in the fields of literature, the creative arts, and related fields. A wide range of formats and methodologies is accepted, including qualitative research, narrative research, ethnography, content analysis, discourse analysis, surveys, mixed methods research, conceptual and theoretical pieces, and meta-analyses in literature, the creative arts and related fields.
All the manuscripts are subject to a blind review process. The review criteria in appraising manuscripts include: (a) significance/relevance of the work to literature and the creative arts; (b) appropriateness, clarity, and rigour of the approaches; (c) conceptual/theoretical soundness; (d) connection to relevant literature in discussion and implications; and (e) clarity of writing style and rigour of argumentation. Upon completion of the review, the editors evaluate the reviewers’ comments alongside the manuscript and make a recommendation regarding submission that may be:
- Accept (as is or with minor revisions)
- Accept conditionally with revisions (only editors should determine whether the revisions are acceptable)
- Revise and Resubmit (editors and original reviewers determine whether the revisions are acceptable)
- Reject Outright
Contributors to the journal can send materials on diverse topics such as: Violence, migration and exile; Language and exile; Gender and sexuality; Autobiographical reflections on conflict; Dislocation and displacement genres and trends in narratives of conflict; Trends in narrative of conflict; Literatures on peace and conflict; Contemporary literature; Pageantry; Community cultural festivals; Studio recordings; Exhibitions; Radio and TV shows; Music; Visual arts (painting, photography, sculpture, graphics, etc); Ethnomusicology; Contemporary African/Tanzanian music; Film and music festivals (Sauti za Busara/Ziff/Fiesta); Theatre and communication for development; Art and tourism; Design and painting; Documentary production; Film and theatre production design; Media and development; Social media; Fashion and galas.
Apart from critical works/articles, research-based papers, and reviews, the journal also envisages to publish poetry and short fiction in English, as well as creative artworks in pictorial form from diverse sources and inspirations.
Section Policies
Articles
 Open Submissions |
Indexed |
Peer Reviewed |
Open Access Policy
This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.