Interested applicants must submit an online application at careers.umich.edu. The online application form requires students to upload a single PDF file with a cover letter and resume/CV.

Do you love musicals? Really LOVE musicals? Are you also kind of disappointed in them? (I?m looking at you Book of Mormon.) Do you have questions about the problematic history and racial politics of many beloved musicals? (cough, cough, West Side Story) Do you wonder whether Hamilton was a revolutionary as everyone claimed? Do you think how a show is cast, which actors play which roles, really matters? Do you want to go to musicals, listen to original Broadway cast recordings (not soundtracks!), talk about musicals, and learn about musicals? This course will explore the history of racial representation in musical theatre, how popular theatrical performance constructs race as an identifiable category, and techniques of analysis for ?reading? performances to understand the cultural construction happening within and through American musical theatre. We will build a critical vocabulary and a set of analytical tools for critiquing racial representation in embodied performance and attending to the relationship between musical theatre and American culture. We will also pay attention to the material impact of artistic and production choices (i.e. casting, revisals, finances) on the politics and practices of categorization, identity, and representation. This course uses GradeCraft.

Class Schedule

AMCULT 350.001 (LEC): MW 10:00AM - 11:30AM

Discussion Sections

AMCULT 350.002 (DIS: TH, 4-5pm

AMCULT 350.003 (DIS): TH, 5-6pm

AMCULT 350.004 (DIS): F, 12-1pm

AMCULT 350.005 (DIS): F, 2-3pm

Attend lecture, meet with instructor weekly, maintain attendance record and gradebook, prepare and teach two (1 hour) discussion sections, and evaluate student work.

Substantial knowledge of American Studies and/or race and ethnicity studies such that you can effectively discuss, teach, and evaluate a wide range of undergraduate students. 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.

Knowledge of American Studies and/or race and ethnicity studies, and familiarity with musical theatre. LSA student enrolled in a graduate program.

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.

For additional information, please email amcult.gc@umich.edu.

All applications will be forwarded to American Culture's Director of Graduate Studies for final selection and approval. Once the recommendation is reviewed, an offer letter will be authorized. Final decisions will be made by early January.

Criteria for GSI Selection:  1) Enrollment demand, 2) GSI stated preference, 3) Faculty preference, 4) Relevant experience, 5) External applicants only if unfilled by American Culture GSI.

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.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.