Prof. Cuthbertson, known affectionately as “Doc C,” came to Rice University in 1963 after receiving his PhD in political science from Harvard University. His areas of specialization include Political Philosophy, Texas Politics, and American Constitutional Law. Doc C is the recipient of many honors and wards, including the Lifetime George R. Brown Teaching Award as well as the Mentor Award of the Rice Student Association. He has developed and teaches courses on American Constitutional Law, Introduction to Constitutionalism and Modern Political Thought, and Ancient and Medieval Political Theory.

Cuthbertson has distinguished himself as a local and nationally known expert and lecturer on topics such as “Myth in Texas Political Writing,” and “Myth Making in American Politics.” He is currently working on essays in the history of political theory viewed as “myth-power-value.”

Cuthbertson is well known for his involvement in the Houston community and the Rice University community. Since 1964 he has served as Resident Associate of Will Rice College. He played a big role in nurturing Will Rice’s growth. He thinks that undergraduates remain Rice’s best resource and the college system is at the heart of Rice’s undergraduate education. The College honored him in 2002 with a mural and a named room. Capt. Moses Scheinfeld established a Cuthbertson Award for college service. Currently he is working with a group of Rice students which is developing a program on the 50th Anniversary of the Rice college system.