Journal of Concepts in Communication
A major project of SCLCR is the Journal of Concepts in Communication. SCLCR was founded to analyze the uses of research terminology. As SCLCR's journal, JCC is designed to encourage extended critical discussions of "conceptual controversies." It publishes contributions concerning research problematics — articulations of questions researchers develop for the conduct of their projects.
An open access journal leveraging the power of modern web technologies, JCC is a home to transdisciplinary research in human communication.
Motivation and Aims
Many contemporary linguists argue that the meaning of concepts cannot be separated from their uses. In current research practices, however, terms are usually abstracted from their contexts of use and presented as definitions. Considered in their context of use, on the other hand, terms need to be treated as conceptualizations of particular situations (see "Conceptual Logistics"). This is the aim of JCC.
There are three motivating goals that drive the JCC
- Multimodal: We believe it is important to recognize the uses of print-oriented journals but to move towards digital formats that provide more utility and opportunity. As such, the JCC is a multimodal and multimedia journal where authors can contribute images, video, interactive showcases, hypertext documents, sounds, text, in any combination via several formats. The goal is to move away from the limitations of print culture and embrace the opportunities afforded to us by modern technology.
- Open: The JCC is an open access journal meaning it is completely free to contribute, completely free to read, and completely free to share. Further, authors who contribute do so under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported license meaning they do not lose their rights and privileges as authors.
- Collaborative: While we accept and publish single-author works, we encourage authors to work with one another to create powerful contributions to communication research since collaborative work helps to generate, investigate, and explicate new conceptions.
Editorial Policy
JCC is an extension of the values SCLCR has been relying on since its inception:
- Concepts are not, nor should they be, set in stone. Concepts are configured and conceptualized in an on-going process in communication research.
- Visualization is an important part of studying human communication. We encourage work that engages media and information beyond the textual.
- We encourage work submitted by graduate students, faculty, researchers, and practitioners. And while academic research does require specificity and accuracy, we value language accessible to those who study communication.
It is our goal to integrate the various projects of SCLCR so that no opportunities to explore concepts are ignored. Information submitted to the JCC should be connected to relevant entries in the Concept Database, appropriate visualizations, and the Multimedia Library.
Submission Process and Information
We encourage submissions of quality work from any authors studying human communication, regardless of their academic fields or university departments. Psychologists, sociologists, neurolinguists, and others studying communication are welcome in the SCLCR and JCC community. And we do not limit the methodological approach of contributions.
JCC is a peer reviewed journal. There are no deadlines for submission, we accept contributions on a continuous basis.
Each contribution should highlight some sort of conceptual controversy and include at least the following components in an easily accessible format:
- Problematic: We call the articulation of research issues or questions a problematic. This component can include a review of research literature on the problem.
- Concept: What is the communication concept you are addressing? Are you re-conceptualizing an established concept, or are you introducing your own new concept into communication research?
- Conception: After you identify the concept you are describing, the bulk of your contribution ought to explain how you conceptualize it in the context of the problematic. Essentially, your contribution engages a new conception of a particular communication concept in the context of a research problematic.
Anyone can access and read the JCC. SCLCR members can contribute to JCC and post comments or responses to journal contributions creating a powerful dialogue not available in print journals.
Three Types of Contributions
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Closest to traditional journal articles, these are single works authored by one or more persons that employ any mix of text and multimedia. Because of the diversity of media and approaches there are no hard minimum or maximum lengths. As a guideline: |
Similar to panels at a conference, Forums are collections of 3-6 individual presentations centered on a specific conceptual controversy. Because of the diversity of media and approaches there are no hard minimum or maximum lengths. As a guideline:
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Similar to opinion pieces or public arguments, Debates are 2 individual position papers that take opposing viewpoints on the same resolution or thesis. Because of the diversity of media and approaches there are no hard minimum or maximum lengths. Authors are not limited to text and are encouraged to present their arguments using multimedia support. As a guideline:
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Papers should use the APA format where possible. Submissions with multiple typos, misspellings, grammatical errors, or formatting errors will be returned for re-submission.
Advisory Board
We are proud to work with our Advisory Board comprised of experts in teaching, researching, and practicing communication and visualization. It is a wonderful opportunity working with such high caliber individuals.
- Joshua Barbour ~ Texas A&M University
- Bryan Carter ~ University of Central Missouri
- Tom DeFanti ~ University of California, San Diego
- Jeffrey Di Leo ~ University of Houston-Victoria
- David Downing ~ Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- Susan Page Estes ~ OnCom Partners
- Trischa Goodnow ~ Oregon State University
- Patricia Harkin ~ University of Illinois at Chicago
- Andrew Johnson ~ University of Illinois at Chicago
- Steve Jones ~ University of Illinois at Chicago
- Jason Leigh ~ University of Illinois at Chicago
- Ken McAllister ~ University of Arizona
- Zizi Papacharissi ~ University of Illinois at Chicago
- Takis Poulakos ~ University of Iowa
- Chris White ~ Weta Digital











