"Sikh Women in History & Theology" is designed for undergraduate or continuing education settings. This program can be studied for a semester-long course (12–14 weeks) or as an intensive short course.

📘 Course Title: Sikh Women in History & Theology

• Level: Undergraduate / Community Education / Religious  
• Course Code: RELS/SGGS-304
• SCNS Code: REL 3932
• Delivery: 100% Online
• Duration: 12 Weeks (1 lecture/online seminar per week)
• Credits: 3 (for academic programs)
• Language: English (with Punjabi/Gurmukhi references)

🎯 Course Description

This course explores the role, representation, and theological positioning of women in Sikhism—from the time of Guru Nanak to contemporary Sikh communities. Through historical case studies, scriptural exegesis, and feminist interpretations, students will critically engage with the ways Sikh women have shaped and been shaped by their religious, cultural, and political contexts.

🎯 Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will:

• Analyze the historical roles of women in Sikhism across various eras.  
• Understand the contributions of Sikh women from Guru Nanak’s time to the present.
• Interpret Sikh scripture with attention to gender and metaphor.
  
• Analyze Sikh theology and scripture through the lens of gender.
• Engage critically with Sikh feminist theological perspectives
• Examine socio-political movements involving Sikh women.
• Reflect on the challenges and empowerment of Sikh women in contemporary society.
• Discuss contemporary issues and challenges facing Sikh women.
• Present original research or reflections in written and oral formats.

📚 Course Modules

Week 1: Introduction to Sikhism & Gender Paradigm

• Overview of Sikhism: Foundational beliefs and historical context
• Introduction to gender equality in Sikh thought
• Methodologies in studying women in religious traditions

Week 2: Women in the Time of Guru Nanak

• Guru Nanak's teachings on gender and women
• Key historical accounts of women's roles in early Sikh communities
• Bebe Nanaki: The first Sikh and spiritual sisterhood

Week 3: Sikh Gurus and Women’s Roles

• Contributions of women in the times of Gurus Angad to Gobind Singh
• Mata Khivi: The institution of langar and seva
• Mata Gujri and maternal theology

Week 4: Theological Perspectives from the Guru Granth Sahib

• Scriptural analysis of gender and divinity
• Female voices and feminine imagery in Gurbani
• Concepts of soul-bride (suhagan), divine husband (husband-lord), and spiritual equality

Week 5: Khalsa and the Role of Women

• The creation of the Khalsa and implications for gender
• Women as warriors and spiritual equals
• Mai Bhago: The saint-soldier archetype

Week 6: Colonialism, Reform Movements, and Sikh Women

• Impact of British colonialism on Sikh institutions and gender roles
• The Singh Sabha Movement and its effect on women's education and agency
• Emergence of Sikh women in public leadership

Week 7: Sikh Women in the Diaspora

• Migration and transformation of gender roles
• Sikh women in UK, Canada, USA, and beyond
• Issues of identity, tradition, and modernity

Week 8: Sikh Feminist Theology

• Introduction to feminist theology in Sikhism
• Key thinkers and contemporary interpretations
• Dialogue with global feminist and liberation theologies

Week 9: Women in Sikh Literature & Poetry

• Exploration of women's voices in Sikh devotional and literary tradition
• Stories from Janamsakhis, Suraj Parkash, Rehitnamas
• Female symbolism in poetic expressions

Week 10: Contemporary Leaders & Activists

• Case studies: Rani Jindan, Rajinder Kaur, Bibi Balbir Kaur, Valarie Kaur
• Grassroots movements and institutional leadership
• Sikh women in interfaith and humanitarian efforts

Week 11: Challenges Facing Sikh Women Today

• Gender-based violence, dowry, honor, and inequality
• Voices of resistance: #IAmAFeministSikh, Sikh Women's Alliance, SAFAR
• Internal community reforms and global advocacy

Week 12: Reflections, Projects & Presentations

• Student-led presentations or case studies
• Group discussions: What does Sikh feminism look like today?
• Final review and feedback

📝 Assessment Methods

• Weekly Reading Reflections (20%)
• Midterm Essay or Project (20%)
• Class Participation & Presentations (20%)
• Final Paper or Capstone Project (40%)

📖 Suggested Readings

1. Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh – The Feminine Principle in the Sikh Vision of the Transcendent
2. Doris Jakobsh – Relocating Gender in Sikh History
3. Eleanor Nesbitt – Sikhism: A Very Short Introduction
4. Pashaura Singh (ed.) – The Oxford Handbook of Sikh Studies
5. Primary Sources: Guru Granth Sahib (with English translation), Janamsakhis

***

SYLLABUS

🗂️ Course Outline

Week 1 – Foundations

• Overview of Sikhism: History, theology, and ethics
• Introduction to gender equality in Sikh thought

Readings:

• Nesbitt, Sikhism: A Very Short Introduction, Ch. 1–2
• Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh, The Feminine Principle, Introduction

Week 2 – Women in the Time of Guru Nanak

• Guru Nanak’s revolutionary gender teachings
• The role of Bebe Nanaki and early female followers

Readings:

• Excerpts from Guru Granth Sahib
• Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh, selected chapters

Week 3 – Women in the Era of the Sikh Gurus

• Mata Khivi and langar
• Mata Gujri and maternal theology

Readings:

• Pashaura Singh (ed.), Oxford Handbook of Sikh Studies, relevant sections
• Primary texts on langar and household seva

Week 4 – Scriptural Analysis: Gender in the Guru Granth Sahib

• Soul-bride metaphor and divine-human relationship
• Feminine language for the Divine

Readings:

• Selections from Guru Granth Sahib (with commentary)
• Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh, The Name of My Beloved

Week 5 – The Khalsa and Female Empowerment

• The creation of Khalsa and implications for women
• Mai Bhago and other warrior women

Readings:

• Kaur Singh, “Women in the Khalsa”
• Janamsakhi and Suraj Parkash excerpts

Week 6 – Colonialism, Reform & the Gendered Sikh Identity

• British impact on Sikh institutions
• The Singh Sabha and Arya Samaj debates on women

Readings:

• Doris Jakobsh, Relocating Gender in Sikh History, Ch. 2–4

Week 7 – Diaspora and Identity

• Sikh women and migration
• Cultural retention and adaptation

Readings:

• Nesbitt, Ch. 5–6
• Contemporary diaspora case studies

Week 8 – Feminist Theology in Sikhism

• Concepts of divinity, equality, and liberation
• Intersection with global feminist thought

Readings:

• Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh, Of Sacred and Secular Desire
• Selected feminist theology articles

Week 9 – Sikh Women in Literature and Oral History

• Female figures in oral narratives
• Poetic representation of women

Readings:

• Excerpts from Bhai Vir Singh and Gurbilas texts
• Audio/Video testimonies

Week 10 – Contemporary Leaders and Activists

• Rani Jindan, Rajinder Kaur, Valarie Kaur
• Sikh women in media, activism, and interfaith work

Readings:

• Articles from SAFAR, Sikh Feminist Network, and TED Talks
• Profiles and interviews

Week 11 – Contemporary Issues Facing Sikh Women

• Gender-based violence, dowry, kesh, and identity
• Movements for change within and outside the Panth

Readings:

• Reports from Sikh Women’s Alliance
• “I Am a Sikh Feminist” op-eds

Week 12 – Final Presentations & Course Reflection

• Student presentations
• Group discussion: “What is Sikh Feminism?”

📊 Assessments

📘 Core Texts

• Guru Granth Sahib (English translation for non-Punjabi speakers)
• Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh – The Feminine Principle in the Sikh Vision of the Transcendent
• Doris Jakobsh – Relocating Gender in Sikh History
• Pashaura Singh (ed.) – The Oxford Handbook of Sikh Studies
• Eleanor Nesbitt – Sikhism: A Very Short Introduction

📌 Policies

• Attendance: Attendance is mandatory unless pre-approved.
• Academic Integrity: Plagiarism will result in a failing grade.
• Accessibility: Please notify the instructor about accommodation needs.