Sikhism and Social Justice
🎓 Course: Sikhism and Social Justice
- Short Name: RELG3930 / SJST3930
- SCNS code: REL 3930
- Course Category: Religious Studies / Social Justice
- Delivery: Online
- Format: Weekly format
- Number of Sections: 14
- Level: Undergraduate (Junior/Senior) or Graduate
- Credits: 3
- Prerequisites: Intro to Religious Studies or Instructor Approval
Course Summary:
This course explores the intersection of Sikhism and social justice through scriptural analysis, historical review, and contemporary case studies. Students will evaluate how Sikh teachings inform activism and ethical engagement with issues such as equality, caste, gender, and migration.
🎯 Course Description
This course explores the principles of Sikhism in relation to social justice, drawing from historical texts, community practices, and contemporary movements. It examines how Sikh values such as equality, community service, and resistance to oppression have inspired both historical and modern responses to injustice. Students will engage with Gurbani (Sikh scripture), Sikh philosophy, and global case studies to understand how the Sikh faith informs advocacy for human rights, gender equity, anti-racism, and economic fairness.
🧠 Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Explain core Sikh teachings and their ethical implications.
- Analyze the role of Sikhism in historical and modern social justice movements.
- Critically assess Sikh approaches to equality, activism, and community responsibility.
- Compare Sikh justice frameworks with other religious and secular models.
- Apply Sikh principles to contemporary global issues such as caste, gender, and migration.
📚 Key Texts and Resources
- Guru Granth Sahib (selected passages in translation)
- Nesbitt, Eleanor. Sikhism: A Very Short Introduction
- Singh, Nikky-Guninder Kaur. The Feminine Principle in the Sikh Vision of the Transcendent
- Singh, Arvind-Pal S. Religion and the Specter of the West
- Articles from Journal of Sikh and Punjab Studies
📝 Assessment Methods
- Weekly Reading Reflections (20%)
- Midterm Essay (20%)
- Group Project on a Justice Theme (15%)
- Class Participation (10%)
- Final Presentation + Research Paper (35%)
🗂️ Weekly Topics
| Week | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Sikhism: History and Core Beliefs |
| 2 | Sikh Ethics and the Concept of Justice |
| 3 | Guru Nanak’s Vision of Equality and Dignity |
| 4 | Gender and Social Roles in Sikh Teachings |
| 5 | Langar: Radical Hospitality and Economic Equality |
| 6 | The Khalsa and Resistance to Tyranny |
| 7 | Colonialism, Partition, and Diaspora Struggles |
| 8 | Caste and Anti-Oppression in Sikh Thought |
| 9 | Sikh Responses to Racism and Islamophobia |
| 10 | Sikhs in Global Protest Movements (e.g., Farmers’ Protests) |
| 11 | Interfaith and Coalition Building |
| 12 | Case Studies: Activist Organizations and Sikh NGOs |
| 13 | Student Presentations on Justice Projects |
| 14 | Reflection and Final Synthesis |
📂 Weekly Sections Overview
🗓️ Week 1: Introduction to Sikhism
Resources:
- Lecture Video: "Foundations of Sikhism"
- Reading: Selected Introductory Chapters (PDF)
-
Forum: “What Does Justice Mean to You?”
Activity: Quiz: Key Concepts in Sikhism
🗓️ Week 2: Sikh Ethics and the Concept of Justice
Reading: Excerpts from Guru Granth Sahib on Justice
Lecture: Sikh Moral Framework
Activity: Reflection Post: How does justice differ in Sikhism compared to Western legal systems?
🗓️ Week 3: Guru Nanak’s Vision of Equality
Resources:
- Primary Source: Janamsakhis (selections)
-
Reading: Articles on Guru Nanak’s Egalitarian Teachings
Assignment: 500-word reflection
🗓️ Week 4: Gender and Social Roles
Reading: Singh, Nikky-Guninder Kaur – Chapters on Women and the Feminine Divine
Discussion Forum: Gender Equity in Sikhism – Historical vs Contemporary Perspectives
🗓️ Week 5: Langar and Economic Equality
Lecture: The Radical Politics of Free Food
Activity: Group brainstorm: How can Langar inspire social programs today?
🗓️ Week 6: The Khalsa and Resistance
Resources:
- Documentary: “The Spirit of the Khalsa”
- Discussion Forum: Warrior Ethos and Social Responsibility
🗓️ Week 7: Colonialism, Partition, and the Diaspora
Reading: Partition narratives and diaspora essays
Assignment: Essay Prompt – How has colonial trauma shaped Sikh activism?
🗓️ Week 8: Caste and Anti-Oppression
Reading: Dalit Sikh experiences
Lecture: Sikh Responses to Casteism
Activity: Forum debate: Has Sikhism eradicated caste?
🗓️ Week 9: Racism and Islamophobia
Case Study: Sikh Identity Post-9/11
Activity: Group research: Sikh responses to hate crimes
🗓️ Week 10: Global Protest Movements
Lecture: Farmers’ Protests and Sikh Mobilization
Reading: News articles, analysis pieces
Group Project: Start group presentations on a global Sikh justice initiative
🗓️ Week 11: Interfaith and Coalition Work
Panel Discussion: Sikhs and Interfaith Justice
Reading: Excerpts from interfaith alliance statements
🗓️ Week 12: Sikh NGOs and Activist Organizations
Examples: Khalsa Aid, Sikh Coalition
Activity: Short video pitch for a Sikh-inspired NGO
Forum: Share and give peer feedback
🗓️ Week 13: Student Presentations
Activity: Upload presentations + peer feedback
Live Session (if applicable): Virtual symposium
🗓️ Week 14: Final Reflection and Assessment
Final Assignment: 1500–2000 word research paper
Activity: Final Forum – Reflections on Sikhism and Your Justice Journey
🧾 Tools
- Upcoming Events: Assignment and quiz deadlines
- Latest News: Announcements from instructor
- Grades: Link to gradebook
- Participants: For student introductions
- Feedback Tool: End-of-course survey