About
Scott Cleary is a Professor of English at Iona University, specializing in 18th-century British and American literature, poetry, and book history. He has taught at Iona since 2006, offering courses in his areas of expertise as well as interdisciplinary topics like Law and Literature, Science Fiction, and modern superhero films.
- Education:
- Ph.D., New York University (2005)
- MA, English Literature, New York University (2002)
- BA, English Literature, St. Francis Xavier University (2000)
Dr. Cleary's research focuses on 18th-century British literature, particularly the works of Thomas Paine, Alexander Pope, and Walter Savage Landor. His current monograph explores Paine's influence on 18th-century poetry, and he has served on multiple institutional committees, including the Faculty Senate and Strategic Planning Committee.
Dr. Cleary's recent publications and teaching emphasize intersections between literature and political ideology, with a notable focus on pop culture interpretations of Enlightenment thought (e.g., the film Death Race 2000 as a metaphor for Paine's philosophy).
- Leadership:
- Faculty Director, Institute for Thomas Paine Studies (since 2013)
Outside academia, Dr. Cleary combines his passion for storytelling with personal life, creating tales about rocketships and robots for his young son.
