Topic Plan: World Religions - Sikhism

Desired Outcome: Through investigating and reflecting upon the lives and teachings of significant figures from world religions, and drawing upon moral values as expressed in religious scriptures and other stories, I am beginning to understand how these have influenced the morality of world religions.

Level: Second Level (Scottish Curriculum)

Focus: Sikhism - Key Figures

Week 1: Introduction to Sikhism - Introduce the concept of world religions and their significance in shaping moral values. - Provide an overview of Sikhism, its origins, and key beliefs. - Discuss the importance of Guru Nanak as the founder of Sikhism and his teachings on equality and social justice.

Week 2: Guru Nanak - Life and Teachings - Explore the life of Guru Nanak and his journey towards enlightenment. - Analyze his teachings on the importance of equality, compassion, and selfless service. - Discuss how Guru Nanak’s teachings have influenced the morality of Sikhism and its followers.

Week 3: Guru Angad - The Second Guru - Investigate the life and contributions of Guru Angad, the second Guru of Sikhism. - Examine his efforts in promoting education and the importance of literacy. - Reflect on how Guru Angad’s teachings have influenced the moral values of Sikhism, particularly in the pursuit of knowledge and education.

Week 4: Guru Amar Das - The Third Guru - Study the life and teachings of Guru Amar Das, the third Guru of Sikhism. - Explore his emphasis on gender equality and the empowerment of women. - Discuss how Guru Amar Das’s teachings have influenced the morality of Sikhism, promoting equality and social justice.

Week 5: Guru Ram Das - The Fourth Guru - Investigate the life and contributions of Guru Ram Das, the fourth Guru of Sikhism. - Analyze his teachings on community service and the importance of selfless acts. - Reflect on how Guru Ram Das’s teachings have influenced the moral values of Sikhism, emphasizing the importance of serving others.

Week 6: Guru Arjan Dev - The Fifth Guru - Study the life and teachings of Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Guru of Sikhism. - Explore his efforts in compiling the Sikh scripture, Guru Granth Sahib. - Discuss how Guru Arjan Dev’s teachings have influenced the morality of Sikhism, promoting unity, tolerance, and religious harmony.

Week 7: Reflection and Assessment - Provide opportunities for students to reflect on their learning throughout the topic. - Encourage students to discuss and share their understanding of how the lives and teachings of key figures in Sikhism have influenced the morality of the religion. - Assess students’ understanding through a written reflection or a class discussion.

Note: This Topic Plan can be adapted and expanded to include other world religions and their key figures, based on the desired outcome and the curriculum requirements.