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/2141. 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].
Course Description
Applicants to this posting will be considered for up to two GSI positions in ASIAN 334, each up to 0.5 FTE. Position assignments and FTE levels depend on enrollment numbers and may be adjusted as we approach the fall term.
NOTE: If this will be the student?s first time teaching a course that meets the LSA Upper-Level Writing Requirement (ULWR), they must enroll in WRITING 993 for Fall 2025, unless they have already completed it. This is a 1-credit graduate seminar required for first-time GSIs teaching ULWR courses.
ASIAN 334: Race, Religion, and Caste in India and America - ULWR
This course examines the relationship between Race, Caste and Religion in two very different democracies, India and the United States. To do this, in the first part of the course, we shall compare the historical struggles of two geographically disparate populations in India and the United States, namely, Indian Dalits (once known as Untouchables) and African Americans, Through this comparison, we probe the language and construction of race, nation, religion, color, and ethnicity, as well as the linkages between these categories. The juxtaposition of these very different locations and histories, each with its own public and private narratives of struggle, will allow us to analyze and discuss issues at the heart of public policy agenda, such as asylum, immigration, hate crimes and citizenship. The second part of the course will look at more recent forms of racial and religious profiling related to the effects of the post 9/11 War on Terror in both India and the United States. In this way the course will introduce students to systematic patterns of intolerance and chauvinism in Europe, India and the US?hence covering both Asia and the West.
Responsibilities*
Key Responsibilities: lead two discussion sections weekly, grade homework, presentations, student participation and attendance, papers, and quizzes; upload grades to the course website weekly; attend lecture weekly; create and implement teaching plans in consultation with the lead instructor; attend meetings weekly with the instructor; address emails from students in consultation with the instructor; hold two (2) office hours each week.
Required Qualifications*
Previous coursework in South Asian studies, Asian religions and/or Hinduism.
Desired Qualifications*
Undergraduate degree in Asian Studies, Philosophy, or Religion. Enrollment in a graduate program focused on Asian studies or religion. Previous experience in higher education instruction, preferably within the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures or a related discipline.
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).
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.
Contact Information
Contact [email protected] with any questions related to your application.
Decision Making Process
All applications will be forwarded to the primary instructor of ASIAN 334. The instructor will make a hiring recommendation. Once the recommendation is reviewed, an offer letter will be authorized.
Selection Process
All applications will be forwarded to the primary instructor of ASIAN 334. The instructor will make a hiring recommendation. 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 employment opportunity employer.