In this course, you will build a foundational understanding of Sikhism by exploring its core beliefs, ethical principles, and historical beginnings. You will begin by analyzing the fundamental belief systems and spiritual goals that define Sikh religious practice, examining how core concepts, such as monotheism, divine grace, equality, and moral duty, shape everyday conduct and community life. The course contextualizes the initial emergence of Sikhism within the dynamic socio-political and cultural landscape of early modern South Asia, tracing its historical development from its founding through the formative Guru period. Through close engagement with primary concepts of Sikh self-understanding and identity, you will build the critical vocabulary and analytical tools required to study Sikhism’s rich, living traditions across global contexts. By the end, you will be able to explain foundational Sikh doctrines, describe early historical developments, and interpret the key elements that define Sikh identity.