Dr Mark McLay
Lecturer in 20th Century US HistoryResearch Overview
My main research interests lie in the post-1960s United States.
Primarily, I am interested in the extent to which the United States has polarised since 1960, and the ways in which this has manifested in American politics, society, and culture. I am currently working on a project exploring why the US continued to polarise in an era of relative prosperity (1992-2008).
I have a long held interest and expertise in US Elections and I have done multiple public engagement events in US election years.
My other interests lie in the effect that wars have had in reshaping US politics, society, and culture. In this regard, I have a special interest in both the Vietnam War and the most recent Iraq War.
I also have some niche interests in anything to do with the history of sleep, the history of fertility/surrogacy, and the history of neuroscience.
Career Details
In 2016, I received my PhD in History from the University of Edinburgh, before taking up lecturer positions at Glasgow Caledonian University (2015-2018) & the University of Glasgow (2016-2021).
In January 2022, I joined Lancaster University as Lecturer in 20th Century US History.
Current Teaching
HIST360 - American Carnage: The United States in the Age of Polarisation, 1960-Present
HIST269 - The Quagmire: The Vietnam War in US History and Culture, 1964-1975
HIST300 - Dissertation
HIST251 - Writing History: Questions, Methods, Conclusions
HIST119 - 1968, Dates Module
PhD Supervision Interests
I am delighted to talk to any students interested in conducting a PhD in post-WWII US history or any of the interests I list above.
Contemporary America: Perspectives from the Past
Invited talk
Academic Lecture for A-Level Students
Consultancy
Textbook Reviewer
Consultancy