James MacLeod, PhD
Associate Professor of History

James MacLeod was born in Greenock, Scotland, the youngest of seven children. His father was a minister and his mother a schoolteacher. "My mum probably gave me an interest in and love of history," he says. "She would read me history books when I was a little boy and I just loved it."

MacLeod studied history at the University of Edinburgh, where his doctoral research led to his book, The Second Disruption: The Free Church in Victorian Scotland and the Origins of the Free Presbyterian Church. The book deals with social and religious issues facing late nineteenth-century Scotland.

MacLeod, who accepted a position at Harlaxton College in 1994, compares living and working at Harlaxton to a fairy tale. His time spent there was, he says, magical, full of good times and great friends. After five years at Harlaxton, MacLeod started teaching at Evansville. MacLeod says his students often tell him history was the dullest subject they had in high school. This is the reason that he tries so hard to convey something of his own passion for and excitement about history to his students.

His current research is on the memorials of World War I. He teaches courses that deal with many aspects of war and memory, in addition to courses on both world wars. According to MacLeod, "It has never been more important to understand war. History provides many insights into why the world is the way it is today, and into the causes and roots of conflict. These are vital lessons for us all to learn."

According to Daniel Gahan, history department chair, MacLeod takes a human approach to history and is good at relating studies to human experience. "It is very clear that he is unusually gifted as a teacher," he said. Gahan explained that MacLeod is a hardworking and extremely intelligent teacher who loves history and enjoys working with young people.

It is not unusual to find MacLeod at the latest UE theatre production, soccer games, or other student events. He says it is important for students to see their professors at a range of activities outside of class. He enjoys that side of his job, but it is in the classroom – teaching history – that MacLeod is happiest.