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Dr. Rafael M. Major

Principal Lecturer

University of North Texas

Department of Honors College

Email: Rafael.Major@unt.edu

Education

  • PhD, University of North Texas, 2002
    Major: Political Theory & Methodology
    Dissertation: "Wisdom and the Law: Political Thought in Shakespeare's Comedies"
  • MA, University of Dallas, 1994
    Major: Political Philosophy
  • BA, University of Dallas, 1990
    Major: Philosophy

Professional Positions

  • Lecturer, University of North Texas. University of North Texas. (2013 - 2015).
  • Lecturer, Ursinus College. Ursinus College. (2010 - 2013).
  • Director, Jack Miller Center. Jack Miller Center. (2008 - 2013).
  • Post Doctoral Fellow, Michigan State University. Michigan State University. (2007 - 2008).
  • Visiting Assistant Professor, Rhodes College. Rhodes College. (2006 - 2007).
  • Visiting Assistant Professor, Trinity College (Hartford, CT). Trinity College (Hartford, CT). (2005 - 2006).

    • Academic - Post-Secondary

  • Visiting Faculty, National University of Ireland, Galway. National University of Ireland, Galway. (2020 - 2020).

    • Professional

  • Principle Lecturer, University of North Texas. University of North Texas. (2020 - Present).
  • Senior Lecturer, University of North Texas. University of North Texas. (2015 - 2020).
  • Research Fellow, Trinity College, Dublin. Trinity College, Dublin. (2020 - 2020).

Development Activities

  • Faculty Development Leave, Religious Toleration: John Locke and William Molyneux, University of North Texas. Oxford University,United Kingdom. (January 2024 - May 2024).
  • Faculty Development Leave, Religious Toleration: John Locke and William Molyneux, University of North Texas. Dublin,Ireland. (January 2020 - May 2020).
  • Conference Attendance, Midwest Political Science Conference, Midwest Political Science Association. Chicago,IL,United States of America. (April 4, 2019 - April 7, 2019).
  • Conference Attendance, Do Economics and and Business Studies Advance the Liberal Arts?, STRATA. Logan,UT,United States of America. (November 3, 2016 - November 6, 2016).
  • Conference Attendance, Lincoln Symposium on American Political Thought, Jack Miller Center. Philadelphia,PA,United States of America. (August 10, 2016 - August 14, 2016).
  • Conference Attendance, Religion and Rousseau, Salvatori Center. Claremont,CA,United States of America. (March 6, 2014 - March 8, 2014).

Teaching

Teaching Experience

    University of North Texas

  • HNRS 1100 - The Good Society, 32 courses.
  • HNRS 1500 - Introduction to Research : An Interdisciplinary Perspective, 7 courses.
  • HNRS 3996 - Honors College Mentored Research Experience, 1 course.
  • HNRS 4000 - Honors Capstone Seminar : Global Perspectives, 9 courses.
  • HNRS 4100 - Honors Colloquium, 1 course.
  • PSCI 1040 - American Government: Laws and Institutions, 7 courses.
  • PSCI 1041 - Honors American Government, 6 courses.
  • PSCI 1050 - American Government: Process and Policies, 2 courses.
  • PSCI 1051 - Honors American Government, 2 courses.
  • PSCI 2305 - US Political Behavior and Policy, 7 courses.
  • PSCI 2306 - US and Texas Constitutions and Institutions, 7 courses.
  • PSCI 2315 - Honors US Political Behavior and Policy, 7 courses.
  • PSCI 2316 - Honors US and Texas Constitutions and Institutions, 17 courses.
  • PSCI 3700 - Area Politics, 2 courses.
  • PSCI 4332 - Critique, Revolution and Reaction, 1 course.
  • PSCI 5900 - Special Problems, 1 course.

Directed Student Learning

  • Dissertation Committee Member, "God is Dead? The Holy, Justice, and Reason in Plato’s Euthyphro," Political Science. (June 10, 2024).

Research

Published Intellectual Contributions

    Book

  • n/a. (2013). Leo Strauss's Defense of the Philosophic Life: Reading "What is Political Philosophy?". Chicago, IL, University of Chicago Press. http://www.amazon.com/Leo-Strausss-Defense-Philosophic-Life/dp/0226924211/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417724347&sr=1-1

    • Book Chapter

  • Shozo IIJIMA. (2014). "What is Political Philosophy?: and Other Studies": Introduction to Japanese Translation. http://www.academia.edu/5897456/Japanese_Introduction_to_What_Is_Political_Philosophy_and_Other_Studies_
  • n/a. (2013). Shakespeare's Venice and the Dawn of Secularism. 31-42. Lexington Books. http://www.amazon.com/Enlightenment-Secularism-Essays-Mobilization-Reason/dp/0739177478/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417724347&sr=1-2

    • Book Review

  • Major, R.M. (2018). Slouching Toward Bethlehem. XVIII (2) 79-80.
  • Major, R.M. (2016). It Was a Very Good Year. XVI (3) 70-71.
  • Major, R.M. (2016). Review of "Leo Strauss on the Borders of Judaism, Philosophy, And History". 69 (3) 617-618.
  • n/a. (2015). Recovering Shakespeare's Political Wisdom. Interpretation: A Journal of Political Philosophy. 41 (3) https://www.academia.edu/13846805/Recovering_Shakespeares_Wisdom
  • n/a. (2015). Review of "Leo Strauss and the Problem of Political Philosophy" by Catherine and Michael Zuckert. Choice. http://choiceconnect.org/webclipping/186772/yp_e49yy179cwg1ggw261juuqli-mix_xweos3bhx-jie0olue
  • n/a. (2015). Review of "Machiavelli's Art of Politics". Choice. http://www.ala.org/acrl/choice/home
  • n/a. (2015). Review of Machiavelli Goes to the Movies. Choice. http://www.ala.org/acrl/choice/home
  • n/a. (2014). Review of Maurizio Viroli's "Redeeming 'The Prince'" (Princeton University Press). Choice. 51 (12) http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA377665328&v=2.1&u=txshracd2679&it=r&p=LitRC&sw=w&asid=65bbc911af89fa60b3d719b3aa4d89ab
  • n/a. (2014). Review of Waller Newell's "Tyranny: A New Interpretation" (Cambridge University Press) April 2014, Vol. 51, No. 8.. Choice. 51 (8) http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA363515881&v=2.1&u=txshracd2679&it=r&p=LitRC&sw=w&asid=46e3657f6d4ddf9827b70a1fdf388fc7
  • Major, R.M. (2012). "A Free Soul," a Review of Shakespeare's Freedom by Stephen Greenblatt in Claremont Review of Books. (Spring 2012, Vol. XII, No. 2) pp. 73-4.. XII (2) 73-4.
  • Major, R.M. (2010). Review of Cynics, by William Desmond in Review of Politics (Vol. 72, No. 2: pgs. 376-378, 2010).. Review of Politics. 72 (2)
  • Major, R.M. (2008). "Tanguay's Birds-Eye View," Featured Review Essay of Leo Strauss: An Intellectual Biography by Daniel Tanguay in Perspectives on Political Science (Volume 37, No. 2: pgs. 109-111, 2008).. Perspectives on Political Science. 37 (2) 109-111.
  • Major, R.M. (2005). Review of The Statesman's Science: History, Nature, and Law in the Political Thought of Samuel Taylor Coleridge," by Pamela Edwards (Columbia University Press) in Perspectives on Political Science (Winter 2005, Vol. 34, No. 1).. Perspectives on Political Science. 34 (1)
  • Major, R.M. (2003). Review of Leo Strauss, Max Weber, and the Scientific Study of Politics, by Nasser Behnegar (University of Chicago Press), in Perspectives on Political Science (Fall, 2003).. Perspectives on Political Science.

    • Journal Article

  • Major, R.M. (2024). Politics and Justice in Measure for Measure. Perspectives on Political Science. 53 (3) 143-9. London, Taylor and Francis. https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/vpps20
  • Major, R., Behnegar, N., Stauffer, D., Nadon, C. (2022). From Laslett to Waldmann: The Case for Reconsidering Strauss on Locke. Review of Politics. Cambridge University Press.
  • Major, R.M., Minkov, S. Discussion: An Advertisement for the publication of Abridgements of the Essay Concerning Human Understanding and Other Philosophical Writings, 1672-1689, ed. J.R. Milton. 23 Western Libraries. https://ojs.lib.uwo.ca/index.php/locke/
  • Major, R. (2022). John Locke: The “Jocose Problem” and the Theoretical Foundation of Toleration. Political Research Quarterly. Ongoing Locke and Molyneux Book Project.
  • Major, R.M. (2017). Poetry and Reason: A Midsummer Night's Dream. Interpretation: A Journal of Political Philosophy. 43 (2) 233-254. Interpretation Inc.. http://www.interpretationjournal.com/index.php
  • n/a. (2012). "Those that Have the Power to Hurt and Will Do None: Shakespearean Dimensions of Lincoln's Statesmanship". Perspectives on Political Science. 41 (2) 75-82. http://www.academia.edu/1574617/Abraham_Lincoln_and_Shakespearean_Statesmanship
  • Major, R.M. (2010). Symposium on Leo Strauss's What is Political Philosophy?: 50 Year Anniversary. Perspectives on Political Science. 39 (2) 63-96.
  • Major, R.M. (2007). "A New Argument for Morality: Machiavelli and the Ancients". Political Research Quarterly. 60 (2) 171-179.
  • Major, R.M. (2007). "Chasing Plato?" Symposium essay on Democratic Faith by Patrick Deneen. Perspectives on Political Science. 36 (4) 210-213.
  • Major, R.M. (2005). "The Cambridge School and Leo Strauss: Texts and Context of American Political Science". Political Research Quarterly. 58 (3) 477-485.
  • Major, R.M. (2003). "Politics in Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice". The Explicator. 61 (4) 198-200.

    • Textbook

  • Major, R.M. (1997). Instructor's Manual to accompany Introduction to Political Science: Reason, Reflection, and Analysis by R. Kenneth Godwin and John C. Wahlke, (Fort Worth: Harcourt Brace College Publishers, 1997).. Fort Worth, TX, Harcourt Brace College Publishers.

Presentations Given

  • Major, R.M. (Other), Cunning Comedy: Treatment of Religion in Elizabethan England, (2013 - 2013).
  • Major, R.M. (Other), Why is Shakespeare Relevant for Political Theory?, (2012 - 2012).
  • Major, R.M. (Other), Political Considerations in Shakespeare's Early and Late Plays, (2010 - 2010).
  • Major, R.M. (Other), "Death of Conservatism?", (2007 - 2007).
  • Major, R.M. (Other), "Death" in Tom Stoppard's Arcadia, (2003 - 2003).

    • Invited Talk

  • Major, R. (Author & Presenter), Shakespeare was Serious about the Comedy of Errors, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA, United States of America. (2018 - 2018).
  • Major, R.M. (Author), Lincoln Symposium on American Political Thought, Shakespeare, Lincoln, and Political Science, The Jack Miller Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America. (2017 - 2017).
  • Major, R.M. (Other), Politics Series, The Attraction and Distraction of Leo Strauss, University of Dallas, Politics Department, Irving, TX, United States of America. (2014 - 2014).

    • Lecture

  • Major, R. (Author & Presenter), Honors College Grand Challenges Forum, Sailor Talk: The R-Word Almost Never means Reform, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States of America. (2017 - 2017).

    • Paper

  • Major, R. (Author & Presenter), Midwest Political Science Conference, Men and Shakespeare's Women in the Comedies, Midwest Political Science Association, Chicago, IL, United States of America. (2019 - 2019).
  • Major, R. (Author & Presenter), Midwest Political Science Conference, Shakespeare's Daughters: Women 'Statesmen' in the Comedies, Midwest Political Science Association, Chicago, IL, United States of America. (2017 - 2017).
  • Major, R.M. (Author & Presenter), Second Biennial Shakespeare Conference, Rosalind is the Play: Or As You Like It, University of Dallas, Irving, TX, United States of America. (2016 - 2016).
  • Major, R. (Author & Presenter), Northeastern Political Science Association Meeting, Shakespeare's Comic Virtues: Self-Understanding in the Modern World, Northeast Political Science Association, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America. (2015 - 2015).

Contracts, Grants, Sponsored Research

    Fellowship

  • Major, R., "Post-Graduate Fellowship," sponsored by Liberty Fund Inc., Other, $50000 Funded. (2002 - 2003).

    • Grant - Research

  • Gruver, E.L. (Principal), Major, R. (Co-Principal), "Teaching the Humanities via World War II," sponsored by Unschwoke Charn Fund, University of North Texas, $6333.00 Funded. (2016).
  • Major, R., "Hayek Fund for Scholars," sponsored by Institute for Humane Studies, National, $1000 Funded. (2019 - 2020).
  • Major, R., "Earhart Foundation Research Grant," sponsored by Earhart Foundation, Other, $12000 Funded. ( - 2006).
  • Major, R., "Hayek Fund for Scholars," sponsored by Institute for Humane Studies, National, Funded. (2019 - 2020).

    • Grant - Service

  • Borck, C.A. (Co-Principal), Duff, A.S. (Co-Principal), Ruderman, R. (Co-Principal), Major, R. (Co-Principal), "Constitutionalism and Democracy Forum," sponsored by Jack Miller Foundation, National, $10000 Funded. (2021 - 2022).
  • Major, R.M. (Principal), "Constitution Day Programming," sponsored by Jack Miller Center, NFP, Funded. (2015 - 2016).

    • Grant - Teaching

  • Major, R., "Constitution Day Grant," sponsored by Jack Miller Center, National, $2000 Funded. (2024).
  • Major, R., "Constitution Day Grant," sponsored by Jack Miller Center, National, $2000 Funded. (2023).
  • Major, R., "Constitution Day Grant," sponsored by Jack Miller Center, National, $2000 Funded. (2020).
  • Major, R., "Constitution Day Grant," sponsored by Jack Miller Center, National, $2000 Funded. ( - 2021).
  • Major, R., "Constitution Day Grant," sponsored by Jack Miller Center, National, $2000 Funded. (2019 - 2019).
  • Major, R., "Constitution Day Grant," sponsored by The Jack Miller Center, Other, $2000 Funded. ( - 2018).
  • Major, R., "Constitution Day Grant," sponsored by The Jack Miller Center, Other, $2000 Funded. ( - 2017).
  • Major, R., "Constitution Day Grant," sponsored by The Jack Miller Center, Other, $2000 Funded. ( - 2016).
  • Major, R., "Constitution Day Grant," sponsored by The Jack Miller Center, Other, $2000 Funded. ( - 2015).
  • Major, R., "American Studies Center Summer Institute," sponsored by James Madison Program at Princeton University, Other, $4000 Funded. ( - 2007).
  • Major, R., "Constitution Day Grant," sponsored by Jack Miller Center, National, Funded. (2020).
  • Major, R., "Constitution Day Grant," sponsored by Jack Miller Center, National, Funded. (2019 - 2019).
  • Major, R., "Constitution Day Grant," sponsored by The Jack Miller Center, Other, Funded. ( - 2018).
  • Major, R., "Constitution Day Grant," sponsored by The Jack Miller Center, Other, Funded. ( - 2017).
  • Major, R., "Constitution Day Grant," sponsored by The Jack Miller Center, Other, Funded. ( - 2016).
  • Major, R., "Constitution Day Grant," sponsored by The Jack Miller Center, Other, Funded. ( - 2015).
  • Major, R., "American Studies Center Summer Institute," sponsored by James Madison Program at Princeton University, Other, Funded. ( - 2007).

Service

University Service

  • Committee Member, UNT Constitution Day. (September 2024 - Present).
  • Committee Member, UNT Constitution Day. (September 2023 - Present).
  • Member, Inclusive Curriculum Committee. (February 2022 - Present).
  • Member, Honors College Admissions Committee. (August 2021 - Present).
  • Committee Member, University Undergraduate Curriculum Committee. (December 2020 - Present).
  • Member, RICCO Ethics Award Committee. (October 2020 - Present).
  • Committee Member, Rhodes, Marshall, and Mitchell Scholarship Nominating and Mentoring Committee. (August 2020 - Present).
  • Member, Honors College Curriculum Committee. (February 2015 - Present).
  • Committee Member, UNT Constitution Day. (September 2014 - Present).
  • Director, Honors College Study Abroad Program. (January 2014 - Present).
  • Director, UNT Scholars Day. (January 2014 - Present).
  • Student Org Advisor (Non-Professional Org), North Texas Emeralds. (August 2013 - Present).
  • Member, Faculty Senate. (November 2017 - August 2018).
  • Other (Faculty in Residence, Honors Hall), Honors College, UNT Student Life. (July 17, 2016 - July 2018).
  • Member, University Undergraduate Curriculum Committee. (September 2016 - February 2018).
  • Committee Member, University Study Abroad Committee. (August 2015 - August 2016).