Sikh Musicology and Kirtan Traditions

📘 Course Title: Sikh Musicology and Kirtan Traditions

🏫 Platform Format: Teaching/Learning Management System (LMS)

Duration: 12 Weeks

Credit Hours: 3

Level: Undergraduate

Delivery: 100% Online

Prerequisites: Intro to Sikhism or Religious Studies

📂 Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Sikh Musicology

Week: 1

• Topics:
  • What is Sikh musicology?
  • Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana’s musical journey
• Objectives:
  • Define Sikh musicology and understand its role
  • Trace origins of Sikh devotional music
• Resources: Readings, audio recordings, mini-lecture video
• Activity: Forum discussion – “Why music in Sikhism?”

Module 2: Meaning and Purpose of Gurbani Kirtan

Week: 2

• Topics:
  • What is kirtan?
  • Concept of Naam Simran
• Objectives:
  • Understand kirtan as spiritual practice
  • Explore meditative power of Gurbani
• Resources: Video – “The Power of Shabad”, Text excerpts
• Assignment: Reflective journal

Module 3: Raag System in Guru Granth Sahib

Week: 3

• Topics:
  • What is a Raag?
  • Emotional and time-based raag associations
• Objectives:
  • Identify key Raags and their mood
  • Learn Raag categorization
• Resources: Audio library (Raag samples), PDF chart of Raags
• Quiz: Identify Raag from sound clips

Module 4: Traditional Instruments of Sikh Music

Week: 4

• Topics:
  • Rabab, Saranda, Taus, Tabla, Harmonium
• Objectives:
  • Recognize instruments and their evolution
  • Discuss historical context
• Resources: Video demos, readings
• Activity: Matching instrument images with sound clips

Module 5: Gurmat Sangeet vs Modern Kirtan Styles

Week: 5

• Topics:
  • Comparing orthodoxy and innovation
  • Akhand Kirtani Jatha and Namdhari styles
• Objectives:
  • Analyze stylistic shifts
  • Debate musical purity vs accessibility
• Assignment: Audio comparison worksheet

Module 6: Musical Structure of Kirtan

Week: 6

• Topics:
  • Shabad, Padas, Chhands, Antara/Asthayi
• Objectives:
  • Break down the structure of a typical shabad
  • Understand poetic-musical forms
• Exercise: Dissect a shabad into parts

Module 7: Vocal Practice Workshop I

Week: 7

• Topics:
  • Vocal basics for kirtan
  • Tuning to a Raag
• Objectives:
  • Demonstrate pitch and rhythm alignment
  • Sing a basic shabad
• Activity: Submit voice recording

Module 8: Music in Sikh Ritual and Daily Practice

Week: 8

• Topics:
  • Daily Maryada and Kirtan
  • Gurdwara music practice
• Objectives:
  • Understand ceremonial uses of music
  • Reflect on devotional atmosphere
• Resources: Interview with Gurdwara kirtani
• Assignment: Ritual observation report

Module 9: Sikh Music and Gender Roles

Week: 9

• Topics:
  • Women’s participation in kirtan
  • Feminist lens on access to performance
• Objectives:
  • Critically analyze gender inclusion/exclusion
• Debate Forum: Should women lead kirtan in Harmandir Sahib?

Module 10: Globalization of Sikh Music

Week: 10

• Topics:
  • Diaspora practices
  • Fusion and digital media
• Objectives:
  • Identify global influences on Sikh music
  • Discuss authenticity in modern formats
• Activity: Share and review a diaspora kirtan clip

Module 11: Group Workshop – Live Performance

Week: 11

• Topics:
  • Preparing a group shabad
• Objectives:
  • Collaborate and present a live or recorded kirtan
• Deliverable: Group audio/video submission

Module 12: Final Presentation & Reflection

Week: 12

• Topics:
  • Student presentations
  • Course wrap-up and reflection
• Assessment:
  • Group performance (25%)
  • Final Essay or Audio Project (25%)

📊 Assessments Summary

Task	Type	Weight
Participation & Forums	Ongoing	10%
Reflection Journals	Weeks 2, 8	15%
Midterm Quiz (Raag + Theory)	Week 6	25%
Group Kirtan Performance	Week 11	25%
Final Project (Essay or Recording)	Week 12	25%

📚 Learning Materials

• 🎧 Gurbani audio tracks (Raag) – Provided
• 📖 Gurnam Singh, “Gurbani Sangeet: Principles and Practice”
• 🎼 Sheet Music PDFs (Raags, Shabads)
• 🎥 Guest Lecture Videos