Popular V. Scholarly Journals: Characteristics

Popular Magazines and Scholarly Journals: Characteristics and Differences Not all periodical literature available to you in the Harvard College Libraries will be appropriate to the kinds of research assignments you receive; depending on the topic, in fact, some publications may have neither the complexity of argument, the degree of detail, nor the undisputed “authority” to adequately meet your research needs. In order to separate acceptable from questionable source material, you must learn to recognize the differences between scholarly and popular periodicals—between the journal and the magazine. Their main characteristics can be outlined as follows: GENERAL INTEREST/ POPULAR MAGAZINES

REFEREED/SCHOLARLY JOURNALS

Author

a professional journalist; layperson; sometimes anonymous

recognized expert; working scholar or professor; credentials are identified

Notes/Bibliographic Apparatus

few or no notes or bibliographic citations

many, often detailed footnotes; bibliography included; rigorous attention to detail and verification of information

Audience, Style, and Contents

aimed at a wide audience of “general” readers; language is usually straightforward and non-technical; topics usually current events or general interest news items, distilled to their basics; prior knowledge of the topic not generally assumed

written for a more narrow audience of scholars with a particular interest in the field; language may be technical or highly specialized; depth of learning usually apparent; topic may be highly erudite; some prior knowledge of the topic may be assumed

Editing

reviewed or proofed by persons employed by the magazine; often, general fact-checking

often “refereed” (i.e., evaluated and either accepted or rejected by a scholarly editorial board or panel of experts). Often, an accepted article will still need to undergo several serious revisions, based on the referees’ comments, before it actually appears in print.

Advertisements

many, scattered throughout, often in color, and aimed at the typical “consumer”

fewer in number, sometimes relegated to a particular place in the journal (e.g. the beginning or end); products advertised are more “specialized”—and often take the form of professional announcements (new books, upcoming conferences, new databases or other research apparatus for purchase)

Frequency & Availability

usually weekly or monthly; available for subscription, but can also be purchased at newsstands, supermarkets, or bookstores

varies; often quarterly or monthly, rather than weekly; some available only by subscription or through membership in an academic organization or society

Not every scholarly journal or popular magazine will exhibit absolutely all of these identifying features; certain periodicals may even fall somewhere in-between [read more on the back page]. You should simply look for a majority of the traits listed above to “place” a particular publication. When in doubt, of course, consult with your professor or a reference librarian.

Between Scholarly and Popular: Writings of Public Intellectuals Professional writing by academics is rarely intended for non-expert audiences, and mass-market popular writing is often superficial. Fortunately, there's an isthmus between the two landmasses: the writings of what are called "public intellectuals." The following journals and magazines are a few examples of the type. They are worth consulting if you need accessible, intelligent (and often provocative) commentary on issues of interest. Many of these titles are now available online and can be searched—for free—through the Find E-Journals link on the Harvard Libraries page (http://lib.harvard.edu). And incidentally, many of these titles can also be browsed on Lamont’s shelves.                        

American: A Magazine of Ideas: Explores domestic and worldwide issues from the perspective of public policy analysts and those who form such policies. Aims to be nonpartisan, even on controversial issues. Produced by the American Enterprise Institute; before 2006, it was known as the American Enterprise.. The American Scholar: Contains essays by contemporary writers on current affairs, the cultural scene, politics, science, religion, philosophy, literature and the arts. Produced by the Phi Beta Kappa Society in Washington DC. The American Spectator: Features investigative reporting, comprehensive book reviews, and informed analysis of current political and cultural affairs. Viewpoint is considered conservative. The Atlantic Monthly: Intelligent discussions of a broad range of topics of current, political, and cultural interest. Commentary: Thoughtful essays, from a moderate viewpoint, on political, social, theological and cultural themes; especially focused on Jewish concerns in the U.S. and abroad. Viewpoint tends to be moderate. Commonweal: Opinions on a wide variety of issues: public affairs, social affairs, religion, literature and the arts. Published by Catholic lay people, it tends toward a “slightly liberal Catholic perspective,” but represents other viewpoints as well. Critical Review: An interdisciplinary journal covering politics and society; articles typically focus on the theoretical or historical dimensions of an issue under discussion. Its origins and viewpoint are libertarian, but not dogmatically so. Dissent: Political and cultural journal that seeks to foster an appreciation of the importance of democracy in all areas of social life. Advertises itself as a magazine “of the left” for “independent minds.” Harper's Magazine: The oldest U.S. general monthly magazine, covering politics, society, the environment, and cultures. Many articles are excerpted from longer works, including scholarly ones; often honored for its high quality writing. Mother Jones: Magazine of politics and award-winning investigative journalism; devotes itself to “progressive causes,” social justice, and liberal viewpoints. The Nation: America's oldest weekly magazine and one of its premier journals of opinion. Established by abolitionists in 1865, The Nation has long been regarded as one of the country's definitive journalistic voices on topics related to economics, education, foreign policy, labor, law and social issues. Viewpoint is identified as progressive and left-leaning. The National Interest: Aims to provide informed analysis and frank but reasoned exchanges on foreign policy and international affairs. Tries especially to encourage submissions by those with a “realist” perspective. National Review: A weekly provides first hand reports of national, international and cultural affairs; its special focus is on Washington and other political hot spots. Considered America's most widely read and influential magazine for Republican/conservative news, commentary, and opinion. The New Criterion: A monthly magazine that critically examines cultural and artistic life in America; geared at the informed reader rather than the scholar. Its stated mission is “to pose hard questions, challenge current orthodoxies, and speak out for the values of high culture.’ The New Republic: A journal of opinion, comment, and criticism in politics, economics, foreign affairs, literature, and the arts. Makes an effort to be even-handed, rather than partisan in its treatment of contemporary issues. The New York Review of Books: Thoughtful essays on important current issues by some of the best and best-known writers of the day. Its lengthy book reviews and commentaries attempt to position scholarly research within the broader context of public affairs. The New Yorker: Essays by well-respected writers on domestic and international topics and events; also known for its cartoons, poetry, short fiction, criticism and comment on sports, fashion, the arts. NPQ [New Perspectives Quarterly]: Widely read and respected magazine that takes on cutting-edge global topics. Essays in each issue are grouped around one or more common theme; articles are drawn from numerous viewpoints and thus enable readers to see a topic from its many sides. Authors are often internationally recognizable figures. The Progressive: Political, social, and economic analysis, investigative reporting, and commentary. Viewpoint tends to the left; advertises itself as “one of the leading voices for peace and social justice in America.” Tikkun: Aims to “question traditional liberal and progressive approaches to political and social issues” in its articles; advertises itself as a publication for “spiritual progressives”; traditionally, has also focused on contemporary Jewish concerns. TLS: Times Literary Supplement: Lengthy book reviews and erudite and informative commentary on wide range of social, political, cultural, and artistic topics. TLS tends toward the conservative, but its stated position is non-partisan. Widely admired. Utne Reader: Feature articles and cover stories on a range of current issues; material is culled from alternative and independent press publications. Washington Monthly: A publication which prides itself on provocative, original, and ideological coverage of politics, government, culture and the media; claims to provide “journalism that isn't afraid to shake some sense into the [Beltway] system.” The Wilson Quarterly: Produced by the Woodrow Wilson Society of Independent Scholars, it aims to provide a “nonpartisan and nonideological window on the world of ideas” by publishing the “best writing and thing. By presenting the best writing and thinking of academics, specialists, and others to a broad audience.” Topics are wide ranging, but usually relate to questions of public life.

OTHER HARVARD E-RESOURCES TO CHECK: LexisNexis Academic (especially for newspaper editorials and commentary written by prominent figures); Factiva (for magazine and newspaper editorials and coverage); Left Index Online. GOOD PRINT RESOURCES TO CHECK: Humanities Index (available in Widener’s Loker Reading Room); Social Sciences Index (available in Widener’s Loker Reading Room). Susan Gilroy, Research Services, Lamont Library 08.04.09

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