GSI - Judaic 218 (Winter 2027)

University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Michigan is seeking a 35% Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) for Winter 2027 in Judaic Studies to support two minicourses. You will assist in teaching responsibilities, attend lectures, hold office hours, and help with grading under supervision of the course instructor.

Applicants must be currently enrolled graduate students in good standing at UM, with prior Judaic Studies coursework. A minimum of six credit hours is required, with potential exception of five hours with advisor

Qualifications

• Prior coursework and/or familiarity with Judaic Studies.
• Current enrolled graduate student in good standing at the University of Michigan.
• To be appointed as a GSI or GSSA, a graduate student must be in good standing and registered for not less than six credit hours; five may be acceptable with advisor approval.

Responsibilities

• Attend one to two class lectures per week per course.
• Hold regular office hours weekly and be available by email.
• Grade assignments in a timely manner and keep records.
• Attend regular meetings with the course instructor.
• Assist in final grading and assessment at the end of each half-term.

Skills

Judaic Studies familiarity

Graduate student in good standing

Credit-hour requirement

Job description

Responsibilities*

This position will serve as a Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) for two minicourses in Winter 2027, both under the supervision of Julian Levinson. The first course, The Book of Genesis, will run from January 13 to March 5, 2027. The second course, The Merchant of Venice: Shakespeare and the Jewish Question, will take place from March 15, 2025, to April 27, 2027. Each course represents a half-term commitment, requiring 35% effort. This position is a 35% GSI appointment for the entire Winter 2027 term, entailing approximately 15 hours of effort per week.

GSI duties will include, but are not limited to:

• attending one to two class lectures per week (depending on course)
• holding regular office hours weekly and being available over email for questions or concerns
• grading all assignments in a timely manner and keeping accurate records
• attending regular meetings with course instructor
• assisting in final grading and assessment at the end of each half-term

Required Qualifications*

• Prior coursework and/or familiarity with Judaic Studies
• Current enrolled graduate student in good standing at the University of Michigan
• 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*

• Prior GSI experience in the College of LSA
• Overall positive academic performance and progress toward the degree
• Ability to work with diverse student body
• Preference will be given to applicants enrolled in LSA graduate programs

Course Description

Judaic 218.002: The Book of Genesis
Tu/Th 1-2PM, online
1/13/27 - 3/5/27
In this one-credit minicourse, students have an opportunity to delve deeply into the Book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible. This text contains some of the world?s most famous and most challenging stories: Adam and Eve in the Garden; Noah?s Ark and the Flood; the Tower of Babel; the Binding of Isaac; Joseph in Egypt,etc., ?We will approach the Book of Genesis in the same way that we read any literary work: we will analyze its literary style, description of a character, patterns of imagery, and recurrent themes. As we work our way through the text, students will learn about a variety of methods of interpretation, including Rabbinic Midrash, folklore analysis, and modern Bible criticism.

Judaic 218.005: The Merchant of Venice: Shakespeare and the Jewish Question
Tu/Th, 2:30-4PM, online
3/15/27 - 4/27/27
This two-credit minicourse offers students a deep dive intoThe Merchant of Venice, one ofWilliam Shakespeare?s most controversial plays. The play centers on Shylock, the Jewishmoneylender, who is at once a classic villain and the character who utters some of the play?smost compelling lines, including a plea for a humane ethics (Hath not a Jew eyes?... Hurt withthe same weapons? as a Christian is??). While some productions of the play foregroundShylock?s evilness, others emphasize his tragic fate as a Jew in an intolerant society. In additionto closely studying the play itself, we will explore the history of Jews during Shakespeare?s time,as well as how different stage and cinematic productions have handled its highly chargedmaterial. By studyingThe Merchant of Venice, we gain a deeper understanding of the role oftheater in perpetuating and questioning anti-Semitism and discrimination more generally.

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

Send inquiries to [e-mail]

Decision Making Process

All applications will be submitted to the faculty member teaching the course for review. After reviewing the applications and conducting possible interviews, the faculty member will make the final hiring decisions. Preference will be given to applicants enrolled in LSA graduate programs. During the last hiring cycle for this position in Winter 2023, there were 11 applicants.

Selection Process

The faculty member will make the selection based on the desired qualifications listed. All GSI appointments are subject to administrative approval. The estimated date for extending an offer is approximately November 30, 2026. Applicants may inquire about the status of their application from the program at any time.

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.

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.

Job Opening ID

285276

Working Title

Job Title

GRAD STU INSTR

Work Location

Modes of Work

Onsite

Full/Part Time

Part-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

College Of Lsa

Department

LSA Judaic Studies

Posting Begin/End Date

11/04/2026 - 11/18/2026

Graduate Students
Graduate Student Instructors (GEO)