Sikh Education & Pedagogy
📘 Course Title: Sikh Education & Pedagogy
Course Code: REL 3935
FCNS Prefix: REL – Religion
Credit Hours: 3
Level: Upper Division Undergraduate
Type: Lecture/Seminar
Prerequisites: ENC 1102 or equivalent
📝 Course Description:
This course explores the philosophical foundations, historical development, and contemporary practices of Sikh education. It examines pedagogical methods rooted in the Sikh tradition, the role of the Gurus as educators, and the transmission of knowledge through oral, textual, and institutional frameworks. Special emphasis is placed on the role of the Guru Granth Sahib, Gurdwaras, and community education in the shaping of Sikh pedagogy. Students will critically analyze intersections between modern educational theories and Sikh approaches to learning.
🎯 Student Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Describe the historical development of Sikh educational practices.
- Analyze pedagogical themes in Sikh scriptures and traditions.
- Evaluate the role of institutions (e.g., Gurdwaras, Khalsa schools) in Sikh education.
- Apply comparative educational frameworks to Sikh pedagogy.
- Propose inclusive pedagogical strategies for Sikh Studies in secular and faith-based institutions.
📅 Syllabus: Weekly Schedule
| Week | Topics | Readings | Assignments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Sikhism & Educational Philosophy | Singh, Nikky-Guninder. The Name of My Beloved (Introduction) | Reflection Paper #1 |
| 2 | Guru Nanak as Educator | McLeod, W.H. Guru Nanak and the Sikh Religion (Ch. 3) | Discussion Post |
| 3 | Pedagogy in Guru Granth Sahib | Selected Bani on knowledge (Gyaan) | Close Reading |
| 4 | The Guru-Shishya Model in Sikhism | Kaur Singh, Teachings of the Sikh Gurus | Reflection Paper #2 |
| 5 | Sikh Women & Education | Jakobsh, Doris. Sikhism and Women (selected chapters) | Group Presentation |
| 6 | Khalsa & Civic Education | Oberoi, Harjot. The Construction of Religious Boundaries (Ch. 5) | Midterm Review |
| 7 | Midterm Exam | -- | Midterm Exam |
| 8 | Sikh Institutions of Learning | Case Study: Damdami Taksal | Case Study Write-Up |
| 9 | Diaspora Sikh Education (UK, US, Canada) | Nesbitt, Eleanor. Sikhism: A Very Short Introduction (Ch. 6) | Comparative Report |
| 10 | Gurdwara as Pedagogical Space | Live/Virtual Gurdwara Observation | Site Visit Report |
| 11 | Sikh Values & Character Education | Singh, Pashaura. Moral Vision of Guru Granth Sahib | Essay Draft |
| 12 | Contemporary Sikh Schools & Curricula | Curriculum samples from Khalsa Academies | Curriculum Critique |
| 13 | Technology in Sikh Education | SikhRI.org, SikhNet.com (interactive tools) | Media Review |
| 14 | Pedagogical Methods & Lesson Planning | Constructivist & dialogic approaches in Sikhism | Draft Lesson Plan |
| 15 | Final Presentations | Students present research/lesson | Final Paper & Presentation |
📚 Required Texts:
- Kaur Singh, Nikky-Guninder. The Name of My Beloved: Verses of the Sikh Gurus
- Singh, Pashaura. The Guru Granth Sahib: Canon, Meaning and Authority
- Jakobsh, Doris. Sikhism and Women: History, Texts, and Experience
- Selected readings (provided via LMS)
📌 Assignments & Grading:
| Assignment | Weight |
|---|---|
| Weekly Reflections & Discussions | 20% |
| Midterm Exam | 20% |
| Gurdwara Observation Report | 10% |
| Group Presentation | 10% |
| Curriculum or Media Critique | 10% |
| Final Paper & Presentation | 30% |
🔍 Instructional Methods:
- Lectures & interactive discussions
- Site visits (physical or virtual)
- Textual analysis workshops
- Guest lectures from Sikh educators
- Multimedia engagement (videos, digital archives)