Course Title: Introduction to Sikh Scriptures

• Course Duration: 6-8 Weeks
• Format: 100% Online
• Level: Beginner
• Prerequisites: None
• Language: English (with Gurmukhi terms and references)

🎯 Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the historical and spiritual significance of Sikh scriptures.
• Identify and describe the major Sikh texts, including Guru Granth Sahib, Dasam Granth, and others.
• Interpret key hymns (shabads) and their meanings.
• Understand the role of scripture in Sikh worship and daily life.
• Recognize the linguistic, poetic, and philosophical richness of Sikh bani.

🗂️ Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Sikhism and the Concept of Scripture

• Brief overview of Sikhism and its core beliefs.
• The role of Guru in Sikh tradition.
• What constitutes “scripture” in Sikhism.

Module 2: Guru Granth Sahib – The Eternal Guru

• Historical compilation by Guru Arjan Dev.
• Structure and organization: Raags, contributors, and page layout.
• Role of Guru Granth Sahib in Sikh life.
• The concept of Shabad Guru.

Module 3: Key Teachings and Themes in Guru Granth Sahib

• One God (Ik Onkar), Naam, Seva, and Simran.
• Equality, justice, and devotion.
• Selected verses and interpretation.

Module 4: Dasam Granth and Other Texts

• Introduction to Dasam Granth: Authorship debates and historical context.
• Key compositions: Jaap Sahib, Akal Ustat, Zafarnama.
• Other texts: Sarbloh Granth, Janamsakhis.

Module 5: Gurmukhi Script and Language of the Scriptures

• Introduction to Gurmukhi script.
• Punjabi, Sanskrit, Braj, and Persian influences.
• Practice reading basic scriptural verses.

Module 6: Sikh Worship and the Living Scripture

• Recitation and singing (Kirtan) of Gurbani.
• Nitnem: Daily prayers and their significance.
• Gurmat Sangeet and musical tradition.
• Role of Gurdwara and the prakash/sewa of Guru Granth Sahib.

📖 Learning Materials

• Digital and printed selections from Guru Granth Sahib.
• Audio recordings of recitation and Kirtan.
• Charts on script structure and historical timeline.
• Translations and commentaries by Sikh scholars.

📝 Assessment

• Quizzes after each module.
• Final project: Reflective essay or oral presentation on a selected hymn.
• Optional: Recitation and explanation of a memorized verse.

👨‍🏫 Target Audience

• Newcomers to Sikhism or interfaith students.
• Sikh youth seeking foundational understanding.
• Educators and spiritual seekers.

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"Introduction to Sikh Scriptures" course spans 8 weeks and includes detailed weekly topics, activities, readings, and assignments.

Week 1: Introduction to Sikhism and Scripture

Topics Covered:

• Overview of Sikhism: Origins, Gurus, Key Beliefs
• Concept of Guru in Sikhism
• Definition and role of scripture in religious traditions
• Unique place of scripture in Sikh faith

Activities:

• Group discussion: What is scripture?
• Short documentary on the lives of Sikh Gurus

Homework:

• Read: Summary of Guru Nanak’s teachings
• Reflection journal entry: Personal connection to sacred texts

Week 2: Guru Granth Sahib – History and Compilation

Topics Covered:

• Life of Guru Arjan Dev and the compilation of Adi Granth
• Contributors to Guru Granth Sahib (Bhagats, Bhatts, Gurus)
• Final form given by Guru Gobind Singh
• Reverence and authority of Guru Granth Sahib

Activities:

• Timeline activity: Key events in the formation of the Guru Granth Sahib
• Explore physical layout of a Gutka Sahib or Pothi

Homework:

• Read: Introductory selections from Guru Granth Sahib

Week 3: Structure and Organization of Guru Granth Sahib

Topics Covered:

• Organization by Raag (musical measure)
• Page layout: Gurmukhi script, verse, and numbering
• Language diversity: Punjabi, Sanskrit, Persian, etc.

Activities:

• Interactive script chart: Learn Gurmukhi letters
• Practice reading transliterations

Homework:

• Write a short paragraph explaining the importance of Raags

Week 4: Themes in Guru Granth Sahib

Topics Covered:

• Ik Onkar and unity of God
• Naam (Divine Name), Simran (meditation), and Seva (service)
• Social justice, equality, and compassion

Activities:

• Group analysis of selected hymns (shabads)
• Discussion: How do these themes apply today?

Homework:

• Memorize and reflect on one shabad (provided by instructor)

Week 5: Introduction to Dasam Granth and Other Texts

Topics Covered:

• Authorship and context of Dasam Granth
• Key compositions: Jaap Sahib, Akal Ustat, Zafarnama
• Sarbloh Granth: Overview and controversies
• Janamsakhis: Narratives of Guru Nanak’s life

Activities:

• Compare themes between Guru Granth Sahib and Dasam Granth
• Read excerpts and reflect on language and tone

Homework:

• Read Zafarnama summary and write a response

Week 6: Gurmukhi Script and Poetics

Topics Covered:

• Origins and structure of Gurmukhi
• Poetic styles in Gurbani (Chhands, Pauris, Saloks)
• Meter and musical rhythm in Bani

Activities:

• Gurmukhi alphabet quiz
• Poetic analysis of a shabad

Homework:

• Practice writing Gurmukhi script
• Listen to and summarize a Kirtan track

Week 7: Sikh Worship and the Living Scripture

Topics Covered:

• Kirtan and music in worship
• Daily prayers (Nitnem) and their structure
• Role of Gurdwara and Maryada (code of conduct)
• Living Guru: Guru Granth Sahib in Sikh life

Activities:

• Visit a Gurdwara (virtual/in-person)
• Observe Prakash and Sukhasan ceremonies

Homework:

• Interview a community member on their relationship to Gurbani

Week 8: Review and Final Project Presentation

Topics Covered:

• Review of key scriptures and themes
• Student presentations of final projects (essay or oral)
• Q&A and course reflections

Activities:

• Peer review of presentations
• Feedback and discussion on learning experiences

Final Project:

• Option 1: Reflective essay on a selected hymn
• Option 2: Oral presentation interpreting a shabad with commentary

Additional Resources:

• Access to digital Gurbani library (Gurbanifiles, Sikhnet, Srigranth)
• Glossary of key terms in Gurmukhi and English
• Recommended reading list and audio materials