Theoretical or Conceptual Article Template

This format supports humanities, philosophy, critical theory, cultural studies, and education faculty writing theoretical or conceptual articles. It foregrounds argument, synthesis, and disciplinary dialogue over empirical results.

Section	Guiding Questions & Prompts
Introduction	What topic or problem motivates this article? Why does it matter now (social, cultural, or disciplinary context)? What scholarly conversation are you entering or challenging? What is your thesis or central conceptual claim? How will your argument unfold?
Literature Review or Scholarly Context	What key scholars, theories, or traditions are relevant? Where does agreement, debate, or silence exist in the field? What gaps, tensions, or assumptions are you addressing? How does your work align with or diverge from existing scholarship?
Framework / Method of Analysis	What conceptual or theoretical lens are you applying? How do you approach your materials (texts, practices, concepts)? How is your method appropriate for this type of inquiry?
Argument / Development	How do you build your central claim, section by section? What examples, cases, or texts do you use to support your claims? What theoretical connections do you make along the way? How does each section deepen or challenge your core insight?
Implications	What new insight or critique does your work offer? What are the implications for your field, theory, or social context? What does your argument push scholars to reconsider or expand?
Limitations or Boundaries	What are the boundaries of your argument or claims? What questions remain open for future inquiry? Where might your framework not apply?
Conclusion	Briefly restate your central argument or finding. Reflect on the broader significance of your work. Suggest new directions or necessary conversations in your field.