This course offers a comprehensive overview of the Sikh tradition which originated in India’s Punjab region five centuries ago. By taking Sikhism’s preoccupation with the enigmatic figure of the “Warrior-Saint” (sant-sipahi) as a focus, this course will also examine a variety of different themes including, but not limited to, problems of migration, racial stereotyping, the relationship between violence and mysticism, or politics and religion. As the numbers of Sikhs settling outside of India have continued to grow, students will be encouraged to examine Sikhism in its Indian and global context, focusing on its history, its texts, and its evolution into a living spiritual tradition fully engaged with the political world.

Course Requirements:

The course will contain a mixture of lecture and discussion within each class. Students are expected to read weekly assignments and be prepared to participate in class discussions based on the material being taught.

Intended Audience:

This course is meant for undergraduates. It is highly interdisciplinary and will appeal to students in multiple fields e.g. religion, political science, ethnic studies, American culture, history, social sciences, Asian studies, etc. Importantly, it will also cater to Sikh and Punjabi heritage students.

Class Format:

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