Global events over the past five years have disrupted routines and prompted individuals and communities to rethink and reimagine their lives. This has led to various acts of renewal and reinvention, causing people to re-evaluate how they see their past and their hopes for the future.
The concept of renewal embodies the hope and possibility of starting over – by rebuilding after a natural disaster, the resurgence of cultural traditions, or changes that reshape personal identities. Renewal offers a way of understanding the dynamics of change and continuity, and how societies and individuals work to reclaim and reinvent themselves in response to challenges and opportunities.
The MHJ invites papers for its next issue on the theme of ‘Renewal’. We welcome submissions that critically engage with the concept of renewal in its various forms. Possible topics include, but are not limited to:
- Cultural and artistic renaissances and their impacts
- Re-emergence of traditional practices in science and culture
- Societal and community rebuilding post-crisis
- Personal renewal and identity transformation
- The role of nostalgia in contemporary culture
- Historical perspectives on renewal and reform movements
- The role of renewal in social justice and equity
- Intersectionality in renewal practices and narratives
- The influence of technology on the processes of renewal
- Methodological challenges in studying renewal phenomena
MHJ invites submissions from MA, PhD and Early Career Researchers in historical disciplines including the history of science, heritage, classics, and archeology. In addition to traditional scholarly articles, we encourage submissions that explore novel methods of presenting historical research. These could include reflective pieces, thematic or book review essays, interviews or conversations, primary source translations and commentaries, creative responses, and contributions which incorporate visual art.
The MHJ also accepts book reviews that are consistent with the scope of the journal. We are able to source review copies of books from publishers for our authors. Reviews are due in October each year.
If you are interested in contributing to Volume 49, please contact us at mhjcollective@gmail.com. The deadline for paper submissions is 15th September 2024.
Please visit the website for submission instructions and style guide.
Image: Urban Renewal. Local History, Sutherland Shire Libraries
