This module will explore the emergence of Guru Nanak. The module will provide the socio-political and religious context which will help to understand Guru Nanak's mission and writings. 

Beginning by exploring the precursor to the Mughal Empire, the Lodi Dynasty, the module will overview traditions like the Nath Yogis, Sufism and the Bhakti movement. This foundational knowledge will enable a deeper analysis of the emerging Sikh tradition. Students will develop an appreciation of the different flavours embedded within Guru Nanak's writings and gain tools to aid in the understanding his life stories (janamsākhīān). 

Module 2 will explore the growth of the Sikh community from Guru Angad, the second Guru, to the fifth, Guru Arjan. Beyond the Gurus, the module will highlight key Sikh women, who were foundational to the early Sikh tradition, including Mātā Khīvī, Bībī Amaro, and Bībī Bhānī. 

While exploring the life of Guru Arjan, the module will present different stories surrounding the compilation of the Adi Granth. Students will gain a deeper understanding the principles and impulses guiding its compilation, the inclusion of passages from various spiritual traditions and poets, its organizational structure according to rāgas (musical modes), and its overarching theological themes. 

This module will explore how Sikhi became a martial tradition following the martyrdom [shahīdī] of Guru Arjan. This module dives deep into the life of Guru Hargobind, the sixth Guru, and his impact on the Sikh tradition. The module will contrast the shift to militancy to a rival Sikh group led by Meharban and analyze the rocky relationship with the Mughal Empire. 

Students will gain an understanding of the Sikh martial mindset and practice, the purpose and context behind the construction of the Akāl Takht, and the concept of mīrī and pīrī - merging sovereignty with spirituality. 

This module will explore the period from Guru Harrai, the seventh Guru, until the martyrdom [shahīdī] of the ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur. Students will gain an understanding of a largely unknown time period, exploring Sikh political endeavours through the interactions of the Gurus with Mughal and Rajput leaders.

The module will conclude focusing on the life stories and writings of Guru Tegh Bahadur, examining precolonial Sikh writings detailing the Guru's martyrdom (shahīdī). 

This module will examine the life stories of Guru Gobind Singh by drawing from precolonial sources like Gur Sobhā (1711), Gurbilās Pātshāhī Dasvīn (1751), Panth Prakāsh (~1809), and Sūraj Prakāsh (1843). 

The module will also feature and in-depth exploration into the Guru's poetic works, exploring theological and martial themes - comparing and contrasting these elements with the Adi Granth. 

This module, following from the life stories of Guru Gobind Singh, will explore the drive and desire behind the construction of the Khalsa community.

Students will gain an understanding of the connection between the Dasam Granth and Khalsa martial practice, necessary to comprehend the Sikh missals [war-bands] of the 18th century. The module will conclude examining 18th century Sikh texts which detail Khalsa conduct (rehat).