RUAHA CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY

The Ruaha Journal of Arts and Social Sciences (RUJASS) is a multidisciplinary, peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to the publication and dissemination of high-quality, original, and scholarly research in the fields of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. The journal provides an inclusive platform for scholars, researchers, academics, practitioners, and emerging researchers to examine contemporary issues from diverse theoretical, methodological, cultural, interdisciplinary, and geographical perspectives.

RUJASS aims to advance knowledge by publishing original research articles, theoretical and conceptual studies, critical reviews, case studies, and other scholarly works that demonstrate academic rigour, scientific integrity, methodological soundness, ethical responsibility, and relevance to society. The journal promotes research that contributes to evidence-based policymaking, social transformation, cultural understanding, innovation, sustainable development, and the improvement of communities at local, national, regional, and international levels.

In line with the mission and vision of Ruaha Catholic University (RUCU), RUJASS supports the development of competent, productive, ethical, innovative, and socially responsible scholars and professionals. The journal promotes critical inquiry, analytical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research that addresses emerging societal challenges. Through the publication of high-quality scholarship, RUJASS seeks to advance knowledge and strengthen research culture in Tanzania, Africa, and the wider global community.

RUJASS welcomes manuscripts from scholars and researchers worldwide. The journal particularly encourages research on African perspectives, local and indigenous knowledge, social development, governance, education, culture, technology, public policy, and contemporary global challenges. However, submissions are not limited to these areas, provided that they fall within the journal's broader scope of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

Areas of Coverage

RUJASS publishes scholarly work in, but is not limited to, the following disciplines and related interdisciplinary fields:

Arts and Humanities

• History and Heritage Studies
• Philosophy and Ethics
• Literature and Literary Studies
• Languages, Linguistics, and Translation Studies
• Religious Studies and Theology
• Cultural Studies and Indigenous Knowledge
• Fine and Visual Arts
• Music and Music Studies
• Theatre, Film, and Performing Arts
• Creative Arts and Cultural Heritage

Social Sciences

• Sociology and Social Change
• Psychology and Human Behaviour
• Economics and Development Economics
• Political Science and Governance
• Human and Social Geography
• Anthropology and Cultural Studies
• Development Studies and Sustainable Development
• International Relations and Global Studies
• Social Work and Community Development
• Public Administration and Public Policy
• Education and Educational Studies
• Gender and Social Inclusion
• Peace, Conflict, and Security Studies
• Human Rights, Law, and Social Justice
• Media, Journalism, and Communication Studies
• Population Studies, Migration, and Urban Development

Research Priorities

RUJASS welcomes theoretical, empirical, qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, comparative, interdisciplinary, and policy-oriented research. The journal encourages studies addressing contemporary issues, including:

• Sustainable Development and Social Transformation
• Education, Innovation, and Knowledge Development
• Governance, Democracy, and Public Policy
• Poverty, Inequality, and Social Protection
• Culture, Identity, Language, and Heritage Preservation
• Gender Equality, Social Inclusion, and Human Rights
• Peacebuilding, Conflict Resolution, and Social Cohesion
• Digital Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Society
• Social Media, Communication, and Misinformation
• Climate Change, Environmental Sustainability, and Communities
• Migration, Urbanisation, Population, and Demographic Change
• Community Development and Local Knowledge Systems

Peer-Review and Editorial Process

All manuscripts submitted to RUJASS undergo an initial editorial assessment to determine their relevance to the journal's scope, compliance with the submission guidelines, academic quality, originality, and adherence to publication ethics. Manuscripts that meet the journal's initial requirements proceed through the following process:

1. Initial Editorial Screening: The editorial team assesses the manuscript's relevance, originality, quality, compliance with the journal's guidelines, and adherence to ethical standards.
2. Peer Review: Manuscripts that pass the initial screening are normally evaluated by at least two independent reviewers with relevant subject expertise.
3. Review and Revision: The authors may be required to revise their manuscripts in response to the reviewers' comments and recommendations.
4. Editorial Evaluation: The Editorial Board considers the reviewers' recommendations together with the manuscript's academic quality, originality, methodological rigour, ethical compliance, and contribution to knowledge.
5. Final Decision: The final decision regarding acceptance, revision, or rejection rests with the Editor-in-Chief.

Target Audience

RUJASS serves a diverse academic and professional audience, including academics, researchers, university lecturers, policymakers, practitioners, development professionals, educators, subject experts, undergraduate students, postgraduate students, and doctoral researchers with an interest in Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

The journal aims to promote a strong and sustainable research culture, support continuous academic and professional development, encourage scholarly dialogue, and facilitate the exchange of knowledge across disciplines, institutions, and geographical regions.