Proposed Program – Subject to Regulatory Approval
Guru Nanak Institute of Global Studies (GNI) has submitted an application to the Degree Quality Assessment Board (DQAB) seeking approval to offer a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Major in Sikh Studies. The program will be offered only upon receipt of formal approval from the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
Degree Description
The Bachelor of Arts (BA), Major in Sikh Studies is a four-year (120-credit) undergraduate degree designed to provide rigorous academic study in Sikh philosophy, history, scripture, language, institutions, and contemporary global contexts.
Housed within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the program integrates Religious Studies, history, sociology, philosophy, Indigenous studies, and interdisciplinary inquiry. It combines foundational breadth requirements with progressively advanced study in Sikh Studies, culminating in a year-long capstone research project.
The program is designed to:
- Develop critical and interdisciplinary understanding of Sikh traditions
- Foster advanced research and analytical skills
- Promote intercultural dialogue and ethical leadership
- Prepare graduates for further academic study or professional roles in education, community leadership, public service, and cultural institutions
The program will be delivered fully online using Moodle as the learning management system.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the BA degree, graduates will be able to:
- Communicate effectively in written and oral formats in academic and professional contexts, including in more than one language.
- Apply critical analysis to the study of religious texts, traditions, and theories.
- Design and complete complex research or applied projects independently or in collaboration with community partners.
Upon completion of the Major in Sikh Studies, graduates will be able to:
- Analyze Sikh philosophy, history, and theology through critical engagement with primary texts and scholarly frameworks.
- Interpret Sikh scripture using academic methods of textual, historical, and linguistic analysis.
- Evaluate the ethical and contemporary relevance of Sikh teachings in areas such as identity, social justice, and interfaith engagement.
- Integrate interdisciplinary perspectives from religion, sociology, history, literature, and the arts.
- Demonstrate advanced research, academic writing, and critical thinking skills.
- Exhibit intercultural competence and ethical leadership in diverse, multi-faith, and community contexts.
Program Structure (courses by year)
- Total Credits: 120
- Major Credits: 56
- Duration: Four years (eight semesters)
- Academic Calendar: Semester system (14 instructional weeks per term)
- Course Format: 3 credits per course (42 contact hours)
FOUNDATION (YEAR 1)
FOUNDATION AND INTRODUCTION TO PRACTICE (YEAR 2)
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
| ENVS 110: Environmental Science and Thought INTS 210: Digital and AI Literacy SOCI 200: Research Methodologies And one of: POLI 100: Introduction to Politics PSYC 100: Psychology I Language: PUNJ 202: Punjabi II: Intermediate | RELG 200: Interpreting Text INDG 200: Indigenous Ways of Knowing Elective: 100- or 200-level MUSI or RELG course Elective: 100- or 200-level MUSI or RELG course One of: • INTS 289: Practicum • INTS 299: Research Project |
INTERMEDIATE (YEAR 3)
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
| ENGL 301: Academic Writing for Sikh Studies RELG 300: Theories of Religion I One of: HIST 210: Sikh History I: The Formative Years (1469-1708) HIST 211: Sikh History: Evolution and Continuity (Post 1708) One of: SJST 301: Sikh Ethos and Social Justice in Canada SOCI 320: Sikhi and Feminism Elective (200-level or higher) in Thematic Area | INDG 300: Indigenous-Settler Relations One of: HIST 318: Sikh Struggle, Empire, and Colonialism RELG 420: Sikh Institutions: Heritage and Governance One of: INTS 340: Collaborative Strategies for Conflict Resolution POLI 301: Navigate peace and International Relations PSYC 301: Psychology and Sikh Thought RELG 400: Theories and Methodologies in the Study of Religion Elective (300-level or higher) in Thematic Area Elective (300-level or higher) in Thematic Area |
ADVANCED (YEAR 4)
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
| INTS 498: Capstone I: Proposal and Literature Review One of: COMM 424: AI and Sikhi: Bridging Technologies and Traditions SAST 344: Contemporary Sikh Society: Challenges and Evolution Elective (300-level or higher) in Thematic Area Electives (300-level or higher) in any university-level program | INTS 499: Capstone II: Research and Final Presentation Electives (300-level or higher) in Thematic Area Elective (300-level or higher) in Thematic Area Electives in any university-level program Electives in any university-level program |
THEMATIC AREAS
| Sikhi and South Asian History, Culture, and Politics | Justice, Gender, and Equity in the Sikh world | Sikh Texts, Teachings, and Thought |
| COMM 314: Sikhs in Media HIST 318: Sikh Struggle, Empire, and Colonialism POLI 301: Navigating Peace and International Relations: Global Diplomacy and Sikh Perspective POLI 304: Introduction to Sikh Political Thought and History POLI 320: Sikh Sovereignty and Quests for Autonomy: A Study of Political Movements POLI 346: Guru Nanak Jahaz (Komagata Maru): Empire, Diaspora, and Anti- Colonial Movements PUNJ 301: Advanced Punjabi Language and Literature PUNJ 420: Punjabi-English Translation Practicum RELG 312: Sikh Way of Life in Contemporary Global Context SAST 312: Sikh and Punjabi Culture Studies SAST 316: Sikh Art and Architecture: A Review SAST 332: Sikh Martial Art: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives SAST 340: Sikhi in Globalized diaspora SOCI 310: Social Construction and Sociological Approaches to Sikh Studies | ENVS 304: Religion, Spirituality, and Environmental Thought ENVS 310: Sikhi and Science INTS 340: Collaborative Strategies for Conflict Resolution POLI 308: Sikhi Law and Human Rights: An Intersectional Study RELG 318: Exploring Gender and Faith: Women in Sikhi and Other Religions RELG 362: Parenting: Gurbani Perspective RELG 440: Religious Pluralism and Interfaith Dialogue: Sikh Perspective SAST 320: Sikh Identity and Youth: Contemporary Challanges SAST 360: Mental Health Dynamics in South Asian Communities SJST 301: Sikh Ethos and Social Justice in Canada SJST 312: Beyond Boundaries: Feminism, Equality, Gender Diversity, and Social Justice SJST 346: Sikh Philosophy and Social Engagement SJST 410: Global Human Rights and Sikh Thought SJST 420: Sikh Ethics in Practice | COMM 424: Artificial Intelligence and Sikhi: Bridging Technology and Tradition HIST 360: Sikh Gurmukhi Manuscripts INTS 330: Unveiling the Mystery Within PSYC 301: Psychology and Sikh Thought: A Deep Dive into Mind and Consciousness RELG 312: Sikh Way of Life in Contemporary Global Context RELG 324: Sikh Festivals and Celebrations RELG 340: The Granthi’s Role in Sikh Gurduaras and Institutions RELG 350: Prominent Sikh Thinkers and Philosophers RELG 352: Sikh Literary Traditions RELG 420: Sikh Institutions: Heritage and Governance SJST 340: Nanak’s Economics: Sustainability and Development |
The curriculum follows a scaffolded model:
Year 1–2: Foundational breadth courses, introduction to Sikh Studies, research methods, digital literacy, and language study.
Year 2: Work-Integrated Learning option (Practicum or Research Project).
Year 3: Intermediate and upper-level theoretical and applied courses.
Year 4: Advanced electives and a two-semester Capstone Project (research proposal and final thesis/presentation).
Students must complete at least 50% of their credits at GNI, including upper-level residency requirements within the Major.
Language Requirements within the Program
In addition to the English Language proficiency, students in the Major program are required to
develop proficiency in Punjabi and Gurmukhi script, reflecting the linguistic foundations of Sikh
textual traditions.
Mode of Delivery
The program will be delivered fully online, incorporating:
- Synchronous seminars and guided discussions
- Asynchronous discussion forums and collaborative assignments
- Research projects and community-based learning
- Optional practicum placements arranged within students’ local contexts
Admission Requirements (Proposed)
Direct Entry – Canadian Secondary School Graduates
- Graduation from a recognized secondary school (or equivalent)
- Minimum overall average of 65%
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent)
Direct Entry – International Applicants
- Graduation from a university-preparatory secondary program
- Satisfy English Language Proficiency requirements
University Transfer
- Minimum 18 post-secondary credits with a C average or higher
OR - Completion of a GNI Sikh Studies Certificate or Diploma with a C average or higher
Mature Student Pathway
Applicants aged 19 or older without standard documentation may be considered based on academic readiness assessment and relevant experience.
English Language Proficiency
All applicants must demonstrate degree-level English language proficiency in accordance with GNI’s English Language Proficiency Policy (see Policy #SP-003 ). Documentation or standardized test results may be required where previous education was not completed in English.
Transfer and Residency
- Transfer credit may be granted for eligible postsecondary coursework.
- A minimum of 50% of total program credits must be completed at GNI.
- At least 30 credits within the Major, including 21 upper-level credits, must be completed
at GNI.
Career and Further Study Pathways
Graduates may pursue opportunities in:
- Community and cultural organizations
- Religious and intercultural leadership roles
- Education and curriculum development
- Public policy and social services
- Graduate studies in Religious Studies, Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Education, or related fields
Student Supports
GNI provides online student services including:
- Admissions advising
- Academic advising
- Financial assistance guidance
- Technical support
- Accessibility and accommodation services
- Work-Integrated Learning coordination
Additional academic and wellness supports will expand in alignment with program implementation.
Regulatory Status
The Bachelor of Arts (BA), Major in Sikh Studies is currently under review by the Degree Quality Assessment Board (DQAB). The program will not be offered and no students will be admitted until formal approval has been granted by the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.