🏛️ Degree Overview:

• Duration: 3 years (6 semesters) or 4 years (8 semesters with Honors)
• Mode: Online / Hybrid
• Language: English or Italian
• Total Credits BA: ~120 credits (84 credits + 36 credits in General Education) for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sikhism or
• Total Credits: ~90 credits (84 credits + 6 credits in Electives) for the Bachelor of Sikhism
• Admission requirements: High School Diploma or equivalent

CIP Code:

• CIP Code 38.0299​
• Title: Religion/Religious Studies, Other.
• Definition: Any instructional program in religion/religious studies not listed above.

📘 Year 1: Foundations of Sikhism

Semester 1

1. Introduction to Sikhism
2. Life and Teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
3. Punjabi Language & Gurmukhi Script
4. History of Indian Religions (Comparative)
5. Environmental Studies / Value Education (Elective)

Semester 2

1. Guru Angad to Guru Arjan Dev Ji: Contributions & Legacy
2. Introduction to Sikh Scriptures (Japji Sahib & Rehras Sahib)
3. Gurdwara Management & Protocols
4. Principles of Sikh Ethics
5. Communication Skills / Computer Basics (Elective)

📙 Year 2: Intermediate Exploration

Semester 3

1. Guru Hargobind Ji to Guru Gobind Singh Ji: Martyrdom & Militarization
2. The Guru Granth Sahib: Structure and Selections
3. Bani Interpretation: Nitnem and Hukamnama
4. Sikh Code of Conduct (Rehat Maryada)
5. Interfaith Dialogue & Sikhism

Semester 4

1. Khalsa Identity & Ethics
2. Sikh Institutions: Akal Takht, SGPC, Nihangs, etc.
3. Sikhism and Social Justice
4. Contemporary Sikh Issues (Diaspora, Identity, Politics)
5. Fieldwork: Gurdwara Studies & Community Service

📕 Year 3: Specialization & Research

Semester 5

1. Sikh Political Thought & Sikh Raj (Maharaja Ranjit Singh Era)
2. Sikh Literature: Bhai Gurdas, Bhai Nand Lal, etc.
3. Advanced Study of Guru Granth Sahib
4. Sikh Musicology & Kirtan Traditions
5. Elective (Choose One):
   • Sikh Women in History & Theology
   • Sikhism and Technology
   • Comparative Mysticism

Semester 6

1. Sikh Movements in the Modern Era (Ghadar, Singh Sabha, etc.)
2. Sikh Law and Legal Identity (Anand Marriage Act, etc.)
3. Minor Thesis / Research Project
4. Internship / Practical in Sikh Institutions
5. Career Planning & Ethics in Religious Leadership

📗 Year 4 (Optional Honors Year)

Semester 7

1. Research Methodology in Religious Studies
2. Thematic Study of Sikh Concepts (Naam, Seva, Simran, Hukam)
3. Sikh Diaspora Studies: Global Sikh Identity
4. Seminar: Sikhism and Modern Challenges
5. Elective:
   • Sikh Art & Iconography
   • Sikh Education & Pedagogy

Semester 8

1. Dissertation / Research Thesis
2. Advanced Seminar: Gurbani Hermeneutics
3. Fieldwork / Case Study Presentation
4. Teaching Assistantship / Community Outreach
5. Viva Voce

🧾 Assessment Methods:

• Written exams
• Research papers
• Presentations
• Oral examinations (Viva)
• Field reports
• Dissertation

📚 Suggested Readings:

• “Sikh Religion” – Max Arthur Macauliffe
• “Guru Granth Sahib: An Analytical Study” – S.S. Kohli
• “The Sikhs” – Khushwant Singh
• “Sikh Philosophy” – Dr. Nirbhai Singh
• “Perspectives on Guru Granth Sahib” – J.S. Grewal

***

📘 Year 1: Foundations of Sikhism

Semester 1

1. Introduction to Sikhism
   • Course Code: REL 1300
   • Description: An overview of Sikhism's origins, core beliefs, practices, and its place within the broader context of world religions.
2. Life and Teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
   • Course Code: REL 2300
   • Description: A detailed study of Guru Nanak's life, his teachings, and their impact on the formation of Sikhism
3. Punjabi Language & Gurmukhi Script
   • Course Code: PUN 1120
   • Description: Introduction to the Punjabi language and Gurmukhi script, focusing on reading, writing, and basic communication skills.
4. Comparative Study of Indian Religions
   • Course Code: REL 2315
   • Description: Comparative analysis of major Indian religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
5. Environmental Studies / Value Education (Elective)
   • Course Code: EVR 1001
   • Description: Exploration of environmental issues and the role of human values in promoting sustainability.

Semester 2

1. Teachings of Gurus Angad to Arjan Dev Ji
   • Course Code: REL 2301
   • Description: Examination of the contributions and teachings of the second to fifth Sikh Gurus.
2. Introduction to Sikh Scriptures (Japji Sahib & Rehras Sahib)
   • Course Code: REL 2302
   • Description: Study of key Sikh scriptures, focusing on their themes, language, and significance in daily practice.
3. Gurdwara Management & Protocols
   • Course Code: REL 2930
   • Description: Insights into the administrative and ritualistic aspects of managing a Gurdwara.catalog.easternflorida.edu+1sjrstate.edu+1
4. Principles of Sikh Ethics
   • Course Code: REL 2430
   • Description: Analysis of ethical principles in Sikhism and their application in contemporary contexts.
5. Communication Skills / Computer Basics (Elective)
   • Course Code: CGS 1060
   • Description: Fundamentals of computer operations and effective communication techniques.

📙 Year 2: Intermediate Exploration

Semester 3

1. Teachings of Gurus Hargobind to Gobind Singh Ji
   • Course Code: REL 2303
   • Description: Study of the sixth to tenth Sikh Gurus, emphasizing their historical and spiritual contributions.
2. The Guru Granth Sahib: Structure and Selections
   • Course Code: REL 2304
   • Description: Detailed examination of the Guru Granth Sahib's composition, themes, and selected hymns.
3. Bani Interpretation: Nitnem and Hukamnama
   • Course Code: REL 2305
   • Description: Interpretative study of daily prayers and the practice of seeking divine guidance through Hukamnama.
4. Sikh Code of Conduct (Rehat Maryada)
   • Course Code: REL 2431
   • Description: Analysis of the Sikh code of conduct and its implications for personal and communal life.
5. Interfaith Dialogue & Sikhism
   • Course Code: REL 2931
   • Description: Exploration of Sikhism's interactions with other faiths and its role in promoting interreligious harmony.

Semester 4

1. Khalsa Identity & Ethics
   • Course Code: REL 2432
   • Description: Study of the Khalsa's formation, its ethical framework, and its significance in Sikh identity.
2. Sikh Institutions: Akal Takht, SGPC, Nihangs, etc.
   • Course Code: REL 2306
   • Description: Overview of major Sikh institutions and their roles in religious and community leadership.
3. Sikhism and Social Justice
   • Course Code:  REL 3930
   • Description: Examination of Sikh teachings on social justice and their application in modern society.
4. Contemporary Sikh Issues (Diaspora, Identity, Politics)
   • Course Code: REL 2932
   • Description: Discussion on current challenges and developments within the global Sikh community.
5. Fieldwork: Gurdwara Studies & Community Service
   • Course Code: REL 2940
   • Description: Practical experience in Gurdwara settings and community engagement projects.

📕 Year 3: Specialization & Research

Semester 5

1. Sikh Political Thought & Sikh Raj (Maharaja Ranjit Singh Era)
   • Course Code: REL 3300
   • Description: Study of Sikh political philosophy and the historical context of the Sikh Empire.
2. Sikh Literature: Bhai Gurdas, Bhai Nand Lal, etc.
   • Course Code: REL 3301
   • Description: Analysis of classical Sikh literature and its theological and poetic dimensions.
3. Advanced Study of Guru Granth Sahib
   • Course Code: REL 3302
   • Description: In-depth exploration of selected passages and themes within the Guru Granth Sahib.
4. Sikh Musicology & Kirtan Traditions
   • Course Code: MUT 2641
   • Description: Examination of Sikh musical traditions, including the practice and significance of Kirtan.
5. Elective (Choose One):
   • Sikh Women in History & Theology
     • Course Code: REL 3931
     • Description: Study of the roles and contributions of women in Sikh history and theology.
   • Sikhism and Technology
     • Course Code: REL 3932
     • Description: Exploration of the intersection between Sikh practices and modern technological advancements.
   • Comparative Mysticism
     • Course Code: REL 3933
     • Description: Comparative study of mystical traditions across various religions, with a focus on Sikh mysticism.

Semester 6

1. Sikh Movements in the Modern Era (Ghadar, Singh Sabha, etc.)
   • Course Code: REL 3303
   • Description: Analysis of significant Sikh reform and revolutionary movements in the 19th and 20th centuries.
2. Sikh Law and Legal Identity (Anand Marriage Act, etc.)
   • Course Code: REL 3304
   • Description: Study of legal frameworks affecting Sikh identity and personal law.
3. Minor Thesis / Research Project
   • Course Code: REL 4905
   • Description: Independent research project on a selected topic within Sikh studies.
4. Internship / Practical in Sikh Institutions
   • Course Code: REL 4941
   • Description: Hands-on experience working within Sikh organizations or institutions.
5. Career Planning & Ethics in Religious Leadership
   • Course Code: SLS 2261
   • Description: Preparation for careers in religious leadership, focusing on ethical considerations and professional development.

📗 Year 4 (Optional Honors Year)

Semester 7

1. Research Methodology in Religious Studies
   • Course Code: REL 4300
   • Description: Introduction to research methods and academic writing in the field of religious