Contemporary Sikh Issues: 

Diaspora, Identity, Politics

Course Title: Contemporary Sikh Issues (Diaspora, Identity, Politics)


Course Description:

This course explores contemporary issues affecting Sikh communities globally, with a focus on the dynamics of diaspora, identity formation, and political engagement. It critically examines the challenges and opportunities facing Sikhs in various socio-political contexts and encourages students to understand the complexity of Sikh identity in the modern world.


Course Objectives:

By the end of the course, students will:

  1. Understand the historical and contemporary experiences of Sikh diaspora communities.
  2. Analyze the evolution of Sikh identity in different national and cultural contexts.
  3. Examine political movements and state relations involving Sikh communities (e.g., Punjab politics, Khalistan movement, global advocacy).
  4. Reflect on issues such as racism, xenophobia, religious freedom, and multiculturalism.
  5. Explore case studies from countries such as the UK, Canada, USA, and India.


Weekly Topics Overview:

Week 1: Introduction to Contemporary Sikh Studies

  • Key terms and themes
  • Overview of Sikh migration patterns

Week 2: The Global Sikh Diaspora

  • Migration history (19th–21st centuries)
  • Settlement patterns and demographic trends

Week 3: Sikh Identity in the Diaspora

  • Religious vs. cultural identity
  • Generational perspectives and youth identity

Week 4: Race, Racism, and Sikh Visibility

  • Post-9/11 challenges
  • Misidentification and hate crimes

Week 5: Sikh Women in the Diaspora

  • Gender roles and agency
  • Intersections of tradition and modernity

Week 6: The Politics of Representation

  • Sikhs in politics (Canada, UK, US)
  • Media representation and stereotyping

Week 7: Khalistan Movement and its Legacy

  • Historical background
  • Contemporary relevance and controversy

Week 8: Punjab Politics and Sikh Civil Society

  • Farmers' protest
  • SGPC and Akal Takht dynamics

Week 9: Transnational Sikh Activism

  • Human rights, advocacy, and diaspora mobilization
  • Role of social media

Week 10: Interfaith Relations and Religious Pluralism

  • Sikh interactions with other communities
  • Participation in interfaith movements

Week 11: Gurdwara Politics and Community Governance

  • Internal community leadership disputes
  • Autonomy and accountability

Week 12: Future Directions in Sikh Studies

  • Emerging scholars and themes
  • Digital Sikhism and youth engagement


Assessment Methods:

  • Participation and Discussion (10%)
  • Short Reflection Papers (20%)
  • Midterm Essay (20%)
  • Research Project / Presentation (25%)
  • Final Exam (25%)


Key Readings (Suggested):

  • Verne A. Dusenbery, Sikhs at Large: Religion, Culture, and Politics in Global Perspective
  • Doris Jakobsh, Relocating Gender in Sikh History
  • Pashaura Singh & N. Gerald Barrier (eds.), Sikh Diaspora: The Search for Statehood
  • Gurharpal Singh, Sikhs in Britain: The Making of a Community
  • Darshan Singh Tatla, The Sikh Diaspora: The Search for Statehood