The Madison Journal of Literary Criticism

The Madison Journal of Literary Criticism is an international publication of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. We operate first and foremost as an abolitionist study group. Through our lessons, readings, and discussions, we aim to create a foundational understanding of ecological abolition, the carceral state, and systemic harm. This foundation then influences how we curate an anthology of works for publication. We (in both the study group and the magazine) are committed to investigating why things exist the way they are and how else they might be. Following Summer of 2022, we have expanded our form to better carry out our intended purpose. Literary criticism is never isolated to an academic setting or format. Literary criticism examines things as they are and asks why it is/was established in such a way. It consists of asking questions, dreaming big, engaging in conversations, producing art, and thinking critically in all environments. To better showcase the vast potential of literary criticism and promote the study of critical thinking, the MJLC has transitioned from being a publication to being a study group that works to create. We have transitioned from being a collection to becoming a collective. Meeting once a week, the MJLC is composed of students, activist stakeholders, and community members from the University of Wisconsin Madison. Our group engages in contemporary literary debates in the form of open forums, discussions on weekly readings, and written reflections. Simultaneously, our group’s executive board works to read and review submissions in poetry, prose, fiction, nonfiction, academic essays, and art. Our final journals hope to serve as an anthology whose production is a form of literary criticism itself. It will soon be composed of submitted works, staff-written features, and collaborative spreads with other community organizations. We cannot wait to share our forthcoming journals with you.