How to Apply
In additional to applying via the University of Michigan Careers website, applicants are required to fill out the departmental application: https://webapps.lsa.umich.edu/Apply/2328. In order to be considered for this position, both applications must be completed by the deadline. The departmental application includes:
- Basic academic and professional information
- A resume/CV
- An unofficial transcript
Graduate Student Instructor positions are only open to current or matriculating University of Michigan graduate students.
Questions may be directed to [email protected]
Responsibilities*
Students who apply to this posting will be considered for up to a 35% GSI position in MIDEAST 200: Introduction to the Middle East and/or 50% GSI position in MIDEAST 207: The Land of Israel/Palestine through the Ages based on applicant interest and enrollment numbers.
In consultation with the lead instructor, prepare course materials in the weeks immediately preceding the beginning of the term, attend all lectures, lead two or three discussion sections a week, grade homework, quizzes and tests, create and implement teaching plans in consultation with the lead instructor of the course, attend weekly staff meetings with the lead instructor, proctor two midterm exams, and hold at least two office hours each week in the South Thayer Building.
Required Qualifications*
Previous coursework in Middle Eastern studies, Judaic studies, and/or political science focused on the Middle East. Students whose undergraduate degree is from an institution where the language of instruction is not English must have already taken or be currently enrolled in the English Language Institute's ELI 994. The student must have a passing score of 4 on the Oral English Test (OET).
Students who have not previously been a GSI for the College of LSA will be required to attend the online CRLT GSI Teaching Orientation as an online program. GSIs who are new to teaching in MES are required to attend the MES New GSI Orientation at 10:00-11:30 a.m. on Friday, August 28. GSIs are expected to be on campus and available to work no later than Monday, August 31, 2026, the first day of classes.
To be appointed as a GSI or GSSA, a graduate student must be in good standing in their degree program and for Terms I and II, must be registered for not less than six (6) credit hours. With written approval of the student's faculty advisor, five (5) credit hours may be acceptable.
Desired Qualifications*
Undergraduate degree in Near Eastern Studies, Political Science, Judaic Studies, or Education. Enrollment in a graduate program focused on Near Eastern studies or a discipline found within the topics of the course. Previous experience in higher education instruction, preferably within the Department of Near Eastern Studies or a related discipline. LSA student enrolled in a graduate program.
Course Description
Graduate Student Instructor, Middle East Studies, Fall 2026
The Department of Middle East Studies is currently accepting applications for Fall 2026 semester GSI available positions:
One 35% GSI position in MIDEAST 200: Introduction to the Middle East
One 50% GSI position in MIDEAST 207: The Land of Israel/Palestine Through the Ages
Course descriptions and additional course information for each course can be found on the LSA Course Guide: www.lsa.umich.edu/cg.
MIDEAST 200: Introduction to the Middle East
This course introduces students to the political, social, and cultural history of the Middle East, spanning from the emergence of written cultures in Mesopotamia and Egypt (c. 3200 BCE) to the early twenty-first century CE. The course lectures, readings, and visuals are geared toward providing students with a grounding in the historical avenues of demographic movement and cultural exchange, formations of power and authority, innovations in science and technology, and interactions with global events that have distinguished the diverse experiences and heritages of people who live or have lived in the lands between the Nile and Oxus Rivers, a region generally referred to as the "Middle East." Through this overview, students will gain an understanding of the significant impact that this region has had on the course of world events and cultural development from the Bronze Age to the present day.
MIDEAST 207: The Land of Israel/Palestine through the Ages
This course explores the region of the Middle East known as Israel by some and Palestine by others. It outlines the historical events that occurred in that territory from the earliest days of the past to the present, analyzes the various factors (political, economic, cultural, and religious) that shaped its development, and introduces empires and nations that ruled the land as well as the people who inhabited its cities and villages. The course will pay careful attention to matters related to issues of Race and Ethnicity; the volatile story of this land will here serve as a laboratory for examining the interrelation between race, ethnicity, and religion across three millennia.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Contact Information
Contact [email protected] with any questions related to your application.
Decision Making Process
All applications will be forwarded to the primary instructors of MIDEAST 200 and/or MIDEAST 207. The instructor will make a hiring recommendation to the department. Once the recommendation is reviewed, an offer letter will be authorized.
Selection Process
All applications will be forwarded to the primary instructors of MIDEAST 200 and/or MIDEAST 207. The instructor will make a hiring recommendation to the department. Once the recommendation is reviewed, an offer letter will be authorized.
GEO Contract Information
The University will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, familial status, parental status or pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression (whether actual or perceived), sexual orientation, age, height, weight, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, HIV antibody status, political belief, membership in any social or political organization, participation in a grievance or complaint whether formal or informal, medical conditions including those related to pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, arrest record, or any other factor where the item in question will not interfere with job performance and where the employee is otherwise qualified. The University of Michigan agrees to abide by the protections afforded employees with disabilities as outlined in the rules and regulations which implement Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Information for the Office for Institutional Equity may be found at https://oie.umich.edu/ and for the University Ombuds at https://ombuds.umich.edu/
Unsuccessful applications will be retained for consideration in the event that there are last minute openings for available positions. In the event that an employee does not receive their preferred assignment, they can request a written explanation or an in-person interview with the hiring agents(s) to be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon time.
This position, as posted, is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between the Regents of the University of Michigan and the Graduate Employees' Organization, American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO 3550.
Standard Practice Guide 601.38, Required Disclosure of Felony Charges and/or Felony Convictions applies to all Graduate Student Assistants (GSAs). SPG 601.38 may be accessed online at https://spg.umich.edu/policy/601.38 , and its relation to your employment can be found in MOU 10 of your employment contract.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.