Teaching

Since starting my PhD I have taught at the following institutions:

1. UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS: 2008 - current

Level 1 Module: 'Key Texts in Theology and Religious Studies' - Teachings of the Sikh Gurus

I designed and teach a five seminar course on the Japji and key concepts in Sikh thought. The course textbook used is Shackle & Mandair, 'Teachings of the Sikh Gurus: Selections from the Sikh Scriptures' Routledge (2005). This course is assessed via a written examination. Key questions addressed in this module are:

  1. What is the nature of the Divine in Sikh Thought?
  2. How did the context within which Sikhism evolved affect the teachings of the Sikh Gurus?
  3. What is the issue with the human condition?
  4. What is the solution offered by the Sikh Gurus for this condition?
  5. How do the Gurus teach that this solution can be attained?

This course is taught in Semesters 1 & 2 at the University of Leeds and has received very positive feedback including:

All students rated JS either very good or good for course organisation, teaching quality, overall satisfaction.
All found JS's objectives, organisation and clarity either "very clear" or "clear".
JS was praised for being an 'incredibly good' tutor and for being helpful and providing good feedback.
Many commented on enjoying the trip and finding the module enormously interesting.
Several said this was their favourite module yet. JS was described as very helpful and "fantastic", as well as "passionate".
JS was praised for providing good materials and offering focused seminars. Several commented on how much fun the trip was and one said "best module in programme 5 weeks not long enough!"

Level 1 Module: 'Religion in Modern Britain': Indian Religions

I present five lectures for this module, on Indian Religions: Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism. These lectures are delivered to 150+ students and again I received excellent feedback. I also present two seminars for this module, on 'Fieldwork and Ethnography'. An observation report on the 'Sikhism, Identity and the Body' lecture stated that

"The lecturer was able to hold the attention of a large cohort of students, firstly by the evident security of their knowledge of the subject, secondly by making excellent use of a set of well prepared Powerpoint Slides, and thirdly by some strategies to refocus attention as the lecture proceeded."

Level 3 Module: 'Religion and Media': Religion Online and Online Religion

I present a lecture for this module, on Religion Online and Online Religion. This lecture discusses the relationship between religion and the internet with a particular focus on my research into Sikhism online.

MA Module: 'Religion and Society: Research Process and Methods'

I present a seminar on 'Quantitative Methods in the study of religion' to a mixture of both taught MA and PhD students. I have also presented a three hour workshop on Internet Surveys at the University of Ottawa.

 

======================================================================================================================

2. LEEDS TRINITY UNIVERSITY: 2009 - current

Level 2 Module: 'World Religions 1:Texts and Traditions' - Hinduism and Sikhism

I designed and present a three seminar course on Hinduism, followed by two seminars on Sikhism to students at Leeds Trinity University. Seminars covered Hindus in Britain, Hindu religious thought, the formation of the Sikh tradition and the Guru Granth Sahib. Again received excellent feedback from the module tutor - "In their end of year summaries, the students reported how much they enjoyed your visit and that they would like to learn more about Sikhism."

Level 3 Module: 'World Religions 2:Cultures and Complexities' - Indian Religions

I designed and present a 12 week module on Indian Religions to students at Leeds Trinity University covering the evolution of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, the impact of Islam on Indian Religions, the evolution of the Sikh tradition, diversity within the Sikh tradition and the impact of colonialism on Indian Religions. Assessment is via 3 portfolio essays and a final 1500 word essay.

 

======================================================================================================================

3. YORK ST JOHN'S UNIVERSITY: 2008 - current

Level 1 Module: 'The Sikh Tradition'

I designed and present a four hour seminar on the Guru Granth Sahib to students at York St John's University covering history and content. Again received excellent feedback.

 

======================================================================================================================

4. HUDDERSFIELD UNIVERSITY: 2011 - current

Level 2 Module: Sikhi

I designed and present a 12 week course on 'Sikhi' including lectures about:

  1. Sikhism and its context
  2. Guru Nanak's Life and Teachings
  3. Sikh Identity
  4. Guru Granth Sahib
  5. Sikh Institutions
  6. Sikh Diaspora

Again received excellent feedback from the module tutor - "Thank you for a great session yesterday.  I've already had lots of really positive feedback from students."

 

'Key Texts' Course Textbook   'Sikhi' Course Textbook
teachings   ShortIntro