PhD in Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies (University of Michigan)

Wissam I.

I hold a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, with extensive interdisciplinary training in Middle Eastern Studies, history, religious studies, and philosophy. I also earned an MA in Islamic Studies and a BA in History from the American University of Beirut. My academic background combines rigorous scholarly research with lived cultural experience, as I was born in the United States and raised in the Middle East. This allows me to explain complex material clearly while remaining attentive to cultural context and diverse learning styles.

I have more than ten years of teaching experience across university, secondary school, and community settings. At the University of Michigan, I served as a Graduate Student Instructor, teaching undergraduate courses in Middle Eastern Studies and Arabic to students at varying academic levels. I have also taught at the American University of Beirut and the Lebanese American University, as well as middle and high school students in social studies and English. In addition to classroom instruction, I have significant experience in one-on-one tutoring, volunteer teaching, and academic mentoring.

My tutoring approach is student-centered and adaptable. I focus on building strong conceptual foundations while helping students develop critical reading, writing, and analytical skills. Whether working on Islamic history, Qur’anic studies, Arabic language, or broader Middle Eastern topics, I tailor each session to the student’s goals, pace, and learning needs. My aim is to create a supportive and intellectually engaging environment that builds confidence, understanding, and long-term academic success.