Introduction to Sikhism
📚 Introduction to Sikhism
Course Code: RELS 203 | Credits: 3
Delivery Mode: 100% Online (Asynchronous)
Term: Fall/Spring 2026
🔍 Course Description
This course provides a comprehensive overview of Sikhism, the world’s fifth-largest religion. It introduces students to the Sikh religion from its origins in 15th-century Punjab to its contemporary global presence. Students will explore foundational beliefs, practices, scriptures, and the historical role of Sikhism as both a spiritual path and a social reform movement. Through multimedia content, primary texts, and discussion forums, students will gain academic insight into Sikh philosophy and culture.
🎯 Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe the historical development of Sikhism and its Ten Gurus.
- Interpret core teachings from the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Analyze Sikh practices, ethics, and community life in historical and modern contexts.
- Discuss the global Sikh experience and its contemporary challenges.
- Critically engage with Sikh texts and traditions from an academic perspective.
📦 Course Structure
- Format: Asynchronous, 8 weekly modules
- Delivery Tools: LMS (Canvas/Moodle), Zoom (for optional live sessions), online discussion boards, auto-graded quizzes, video lectures
- Required Weekly Time Commitment: ~8 hours (readings, lectures, discussions, assignments)
🗂 Weekly Modules & Topics
Module 1: Introduction to Sikhism & Historical Context
- Video: Who Was Guru Nanak?
- Readings: The Sikhs (Ch. 1); Guru Granth Sahib excerpts
- Quiz 1, Forum: "Religion in 15th Century India"
Module 2: The Ten Gurus
- Timeline Activity: Guru succession
- Reading: A History of the Sikhs (Ch. 2–3)
- Assignment: Short biography of any Guru (500 words)
Module 3: Guru Granth Sahib & Scriptures
- Video walkthrough of a Hukamnama
- Readings: Selected hymns (English/Gurmukhi), instructor notes
- Quiz 2, Forum: “Living Guru – What Does It Mean?”
Module 4: Sikh Theology and Beliefs
- Topics: Ik Onkar, karma, mukti, the soul
- Readings: The Sikhs (Ch. 4)
- Midterm Essay (1,000 words): “The Concept of God in Sikhism”
Module 5: Practices, Symbols, and Identity
- Interactive: The Five Ks explained
- Readings: K. Singh (Ch. 6); Documentary excerpt
- Quiz 3, Forum: “Is Sikhism a Way of Life or a Religion?”
Module 6: Ethics and Social Justice
- Topics: Seva, Langar, gender and caste equality
- Case Study: Golden Temple kitchen
- Assignment: Reflective paper (750 words): “Seva in Action”
Module 7: Sikh History – Resistance & Reform
- Readings: A History of the Sikhs (Ch. 7–8)
- Watch: The Story of the Khalsa (PBS clip)
- Quiz 4, Forum: “Faith in the Face of Empire”
Module 8: Sikhism Today and the Diaspora
- Topics: Global identity, discrimination, interfaith efforts
- Guest speaker video: Sikh experiences in the West
- Final Project: Research or multimedia presentation
📘 Required Materials
- Patwant Singh, The Sikhs
- Khushwant Singh, A History of the Sikhs, Vol. I
- Selected translations from Guru Granth Sahib (PDFs provided)
- Additional materials (videos, articles) provided weekly via LMS
📝 Assessments & Grading
| Component | Weight |
|---|---|
| Weekly Quizzes (4 total) | 20% |
| Discussion Participation (8 forums) | 15% |
| Short Assignments (2 × 500–750 words) | 20% |
| Midterm Essay | 20% |
| Final Project (Creative or Research-Based) | 25% |
📌 Policies
- Participation: Active participation in forums is essential for asynchronous learning. Late responses receive partial credit.
- Academic Integrity: Plagiarism or AI-generated work without citation will result in disciplinary action.
- Late Work: Accepted up to 5 days late with 10% penalty per day unless excused.
- Accessibility: Please contact the instructor or disability services for accommodations.
💬 Support & Communication
- Weekly announcements via LMS
- Email response within 48 hours
- Optional Zoom Q&A held biweekly