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Rafael M. Major

Title: Principal Lecturer

Department: Honors College

College: University of North Texas

Curriculum Vitae

Curriculum Vitae Link

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

Current Scheduled Teaching

PSCI 4332.001Critique, Revolution and ReactionFall 2024 Syllabus
PSCI 2316.001Honors US and Texas Constitutions and InstitutionsFall 2024 Syllabus
PSCI 2316.004Honors US and Texas Constitutions and InstitutionsFall 2024 Syllabus
PSCI 5900.007Special ProblemsFall 2024
HNRS 1100.001The Good SocietyFall 2024 Syllabus

Previous Scheduled Teaching

HNRS 4000.888Honors Capstone Seminar : Global PerspectivesSummer 5W1 2024 SPOT
PSCI 2316.001Honors US and Texas Constitutions and InstitutionsFall 2023 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1100.001The Good SocietyFall 2023 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1100.002The Good SocietyFall 2023 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2306.001US and Texas Constitutions and InstitutionsFall 2023 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 3700.888Area PoliticsSummer 5W2 2023 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 4000.888Honors Capstone Seminar : Global PerspectivesSummer 5W2 2023 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2315.001Honors US Political Behavior and PolicySpring 2023 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1100.001The Good SocietySpring 2023 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1100.002The Good SocietySpring 2023 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2305.004US Political Behavior and PolicySpring 2023 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2316.001Honors US and Texas Constitutions and InstitutionsFall 2022 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2316.003Honors US and Texas Constitutions and InstitutionsFall 2022 SPOT
HNRS 1100.001The Good SocietyFall 2022 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2306.001US and Texas Constitutions and InstitutionsFall 2022 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 3700.888Area PoliticsSummer 8W2 2022 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 4000.888Honors Capstone Seminar : Global PerspectivesSummer 8W2 2022 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2315.001Honors US Political Behavior and PolicySpring 2022 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1500.002Introduction to Research : An Interdisciplinary PerspectiveSpring 2022 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1100.001The Good SocietySpring 2022 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2305.010US Political Behavior and PolicySpring 2022 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2316.002Honors US and Texas Constitutions and InstitutionsFall 2021 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2316.004Honors US and Texas Constitutions and InstitutionsFall 2021 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1100.002The Good SocietyFall 2021 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2306.003US and Texas Constitutions and InstitutionsFall 2021 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2316.006Honors US and Texas Constitutions and InstitutionsSpring 2021 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2316.007Honors US and Texas Constitutions and InstitutionsSpring 2021 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2315.001Honors US Political Behavior and PolicySpring 2021 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2315.003Honors US Political Behavior and PolicySpring 2021 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2315.004Honors US Political Behavior and PolicySpring 2021 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1100.001The Good SocietySpring 2021 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1100.002The Good SocietySpring 2021 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2305.009US Political Behavior and PolicySpring 2021 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2305.013US Political Behavior and PolicySpring 2021 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2305.014US Political Behavior and PolicySpring 2021 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2316.002Honors US and Texas Constitutions and InstitutionsFall 2020 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2316.005Honors US and Texas Constitutions and InstitutionsFall 2020 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2316.006Honors US and Texas Constitutions and InstitutionsFall 2020 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1100.001The Good SocietyFall 2020 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1100.002The Good SocietyFall 2020 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1100.003The Good SocietyFall 2020 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1100.004The Good SocietyFall 2020 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2306.003US and Texas Constitutions and InstitutionsFall 2020 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2316.002Honors US and Texas Constitutions and InstitutionsFall 2019 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1100.002The Good SocietyFall 2019 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1100.003The Good SocietyFall 2019 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2306.003US and Texas Constitutions and InstitutionsFall 2019 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 4000.601Honors Capstone Seminar : Global PerspectivesSummer 3W1 2019 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 4000.001Honors Capstone Seminar : Global PerspectivesSpring 2019 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2315.001Honors US Political Behavior and PolicySpring 2019 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1100.001The Good SocietySpring 2019 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2305.010US Political Behavior and PolicySpring 2019 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2316.002Honors US and Texas Constitutions and InstitutionsFall 2018 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1100.002The Good SocietyFall 2018 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1100.003The Good SocietyFall 2018 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2306.001US and Texas Constitutions and InstitutionsFall 2018 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 4000.001Honors Capstone Seminar : Global PerspectivesSummer 5W1 2018
HNRS 4000.001Honors Capstone Seminar : Global PerspectivesSpring 2018 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 3996.703Honors College Mentored Research ExperienceSpring 2018
PSCI 2315.001Honors US Political Behavior and PolicySpring 2018 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1100.001The Good SocietySpring 2018 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2305.010US Political Behavior and PolicySpring 2018 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2316.002Honors US and Texas Constitutions and InstitutionsFall 2017 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1100.002The Good SocietyFall 2017 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1100.003The Good SocietyFall 2017 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 2306.001US and Texas Constitutions and InstitutionsFall 2017 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 4000.001Honors Capstone Seminar : Global PerspectivesSummer 5W1 2017 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 1040.004American Government: Laws and InstitutionsSpring 2017 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 1041.002Honors American GovernmentSpring 2017 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1100.001The Good SocietySpring 2017 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 1040.001American Government: Laws and InstitutionsFall 2016 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 1051.001Honors American GovernmentFall 2016 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1100.002The Good SocietyFall 2016 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1100.003The Good SocietyFall 2016 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 1040.004American Government: Laws and InstitutionsSpring 2016 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 1041.002Honors American GovernmentSpring 2016 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1500.002Introduction to Research : An Interdisciplinary PerspectiveSpring 2016 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1100.001The Good SocietySpring 2016 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 1040.014American Government: Laws and InstitutionsFall 2015 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 1041.001Honors American GovernmentFall 2015 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1100.001The Good SocietyFall 2015 Syllabus SPOT
HNRS 1100.003The Good SocietyFall 2015 Syllabus SPOT
PSCI 1050.006American Government: Process and PoliciesSpring 2015 Syllabus
PSCI 1051.001Honors American GovernmentSpring 2015 Syllabus
HNRS 1500.002Introduction to Research : An Interdisciplinary PerspectiveSpring 2015 Syllabus
HNRS 1100.001The Good SocietySpring 2015 Syllabus
PSCI 1040.002American Government: Laws and InstitutionsFall 2014 Syllabus
PSCI 1040.864American Government: Laws and InstitutionsFall 2014 Syllabus
PSCI 1041.001Honors American GovernmentFall 2014 Syllabus
HNRS 1500.001Introduction to Research : An Interdisciplinary PerspectiveFall 2014 Syllabus
HNRS 1100.003The Good SocietyFall 2014 Syllabus
HNRS 4000.001Honors Capstone Seminar : Global PerspectivesSummer 5W1 2014 Syllabus
PSCI 1040.008American Government: Laws and InstitutionsSpring 2014 Syllabus
PSCI 1041.001Honors American GovernmentSpring 2014 Syllabus
HNRS 1500.002Introduction to Research : An Interdisciplinary PerspectiveSpring 2014 Syllabus
HNRS 1100.001The Good SocietySpring 2014 Syllabus
PSCI 1050.009American Government: Process and PoliciesFall 2013 Syllabus
PSCI 1041.002Honors American GovernmentFall 2013 Syllabus
HNRS 1500.001Introduction to Research : An Interdisciplinary PerspectiveFall 2013 Syllabus
HNRS 1500.002Introduction to Research : An Interdisciplinary PerspectiveFall 2013 Syllabus

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.

Contracts, Grants and 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).
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Overall
Summative Rating
Challenge and
Engagement Index
Response Rate

out of 5

out of 7
%
of
students responded
  • Overall Summative Rating (median):
    This rating represents the combined responses of students to the four global summative items and is presented to provide an overall index of the class’s quality. Overall summative statements include the following (response options include a Likert scale ranging from 5 = Excellent, 3 = Good, and 1= Very poor):
    • The course as a whole was
    • The course content was
    • The instructor’s contribution to the course was
    • The instructor’s effectiveness in teaching the subject matter was
  • Challenge and Engagement Index:
    This rating combines student responses to several SPOT items relating to how academically challenging students found the course to be and how engaged they were. Challenge and Engagement Index items include the following (response options include a Likert scale ranging from 7 = Much higher, 4 = Average, and 1 = Much lower):
    • Do you expect your grade in this course to be
    • The intellectual challenge presented was
    • The amount of effort you put into this course was
    • The amount of effort to succeed in this course was
    • Your involvement in course (doing assignments, attending classes, etc.) was
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