About the Journal

The Digital Literature Review is an undergraduate journal featuring peer-reviewed research by multiple contributors from various universities and academic disciplines. Each issue of the DLR will focus on a compelling theme that inspires original, thought-provoking research. In its current theme of Smooth Criminals, this journal will feature pieces that examine crime in various aspects of culture, such as film, literature, and television. This annual, student-run journal is a product of Ball State University’s immersive learning initiative and is supported by the BSU English Department and the Office of the Provost.

The Digital Literature Review is looking for submissions for our tenth issue, titled “Smooth Criminals.” This year, we are looking for thought-provoking, well-researched submissions that explore the complexities of the crime fiction and true crime genres from a wide range of academic disciplines, including literary, historical, gender, and race studies as well as criminal justice, anthropology, psychology, and philosophy. Crime fiction refers to the genre of fiction in which the plot centers around some aspect of criminal activity, which includes numerous subgenres such as detective fiction and murder mysteries. True crime is a genre of nonfiction that takes real crimes and details of investigations and uses literary techniques to report the information. These genres can extend past literary forms and include media such as television and podcasts. We welcome scholarly works of literary criticism that explore the different aspects of these genres and what they reveal about their historical and contemporary contexts. Read the full submission guidelines here.

If you are a Ball State student and are looking for an immersive learning experience, e-mail dlr@bsu.edu to get involved.

Publishing is supported by Ball State University Libraries in Muncie, Indiana.