America in the 30s: culture and society

Mark is the Principal of City Lit, having previously been the Director of Executive Education at London Business School and President of the New York Institute of Finance. He teaches American history and politics at City Lit, concentrating on the lives of Presidents, as well as how the US political system and institutions work. He has lived and worked in both New York and Chicago, is married to an American and visits regularly. Mark possesses a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Edinburgh; a Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Strathclyde; and a Masters in International Relations from the University of Kent. Mark was recognised in the 2017 Queen’s New Year’s Honours as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to adult education.

Mick McAloon has 18 years’ experience in cinema exhibition – running cinemas, programming events and film series. His writing has appeared in numerous publications including the books Movie Star Chronicles and 1001 Movies. Previously he was a Visiting Lecturer at Kingston University on the Media & Communications degree.

Dale joined City Lit in 2010 and has taught a range of courses in the history and politics programmes. She also teaches in the Politics and Geography Departments at Birkbeck, University of London. She has a PhD in Politics from the University of Durham, and has taught at the Universities of Durham, Limerick, Bedfordshire, and has guest lectured at the University of Birmingham. She has a keen interest in American history/politics, European history/politics, democratic transitions & states, and global issues like the environment, migration and civic edudation. When not teaching, Dale is usually found buried in books (both textbooks and fiction!), baking, still making attempts to learn French, hiking, or squeeking away as a beginner - learning to play the violin.

Trish trained as a violinist, singer and historical musicologist, with a specialism in music since 1900. She has worked variously as a university and college lecturer, choral conductor and arranger, and orchestral violinist, and has taught a wide range of subjects including choral singing and conducting, composition techniques, music theory, analysis and musicianship, music history, violin and chamber music. She has published and presented at conferences on French music (especially Ravel), and Australian music and cultural history. At City Lit, Trish currently teaches Choir at Lunchtime and Composition techniques, and supports Orchestra workshop. Her interests in the arts also include contemporary theatre, dance and visual arts.

Patricia Sweeney is Programme Coordinator for Literature and Film at City Lit, with specialist teaching interests in American cultural studies, modern and contemporary literature, drama and film adaptation. In addition to her work at City Lit, Patricia has taught literature courses for the Open University and Literature, Drama and Film courses for Birkbeck, University of London.

Ian is a cultural theorist and creative practitioner, with 15 years experience of teaching & managing in the areas of contemporary art, critical, cultural and communication theory, and art history. Ian has taught at City Lit for over 10 years, and has previously been Programme Manager for the Foundation Diploma in Art & Design and Art History departments, and Head of School for the Humanities & Sciences. Ian's current interests include creative learning and transformative education; contemporary art and theory; and mental health in relation to education and the arts. Alongside his teaching and management work, Ian is an arts based life coach, creative practioner and poet, and is currently training in Arts Psychotherapy.