Bridget Blomfield

Assistant Professor of Islamic Studies

University of Nebraska at Omaha

Department of Philosophy and Religion

6001 Dodge Street ASH 205

Omaha, NE 68102

bblomfield@mail.unomaha.edu

402 554 2940

EDUCATION

Claremont Graduate University, 2007

Claremont, CA

Ph.D. Religious Studies

Areas of concentration: Islamic Studies

Women’s Studies in Religion

Pacifica Graduate Institute, 1994

Santa Barbara, CA

Master of Arts, Psychology

Senior Thesis “Dance as a Psychospiritual Practice”

University of Alaska, 2000

Pertinent classes taken:

World Religions

Eastern Religions

California State Polytechnic University, 1989

San Luis Obispo, CA

Bachelors of Science, Parks and Recreation Administration

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Courses taught at University of Nebraska at Omaha

Introduction to World Religions Fall Semester 2007

An overview of the world’s religions is taught in this course. Students will learn the basic concepts of the religions, their rituals and how they are alive in the contemporary world. The use of field trips, guest speakers and films are incorporated into this class. Guest speakers from the various traditions visit the class to share an “insider” view of their religion. A look at women’s roles (or lack thereof) is considered. As we investigate the Wisdom Traditions we ponder the questions of what it is to be human, how do we find meaning and what is the purpose of life.

Women in Islam Fall Semester 2007

This course examines the myths and assumptions made by stereotyping, orientalizing and eroticizing Muslim women. What are the roles of women in Islamic tradition from a religious and cultural perspective? Why must women veil? Do they have equal rights and opportunities or are they all oppressed? Is the media representation accurate? Starting with the Qur’an, social legal and scriptural norms will be addressed. The role of women as householders, leaders, political activists and religious role models (religious scholars and female Sufi mystics) will be taken into consideration and how these medieval women located themselves as role models for future generations. Special attention is paid to the life stories of the female companions of the Prophet Muhammad. We will study passages of the Qur’an, hadiths and the commentaries that lead to the elevation and/ or demise of Muslim women and their rights. Examining the role of the female body, sexuality and seclusion within a historical context will help us to understand the politicizing of women by the patriarchal system. Looking at gender construction in the texts and cultures we will trace the historical inception and development of women's representation/misrepresentation as it exists today and how women find agency and authority within Islam. For their final project students will create a power-point presentation on the veil as it is seen historically and in modernity.

Courses taught at Long Island University 2006-2007

Introduction to Islam Fall Semester 2006

This course is taught through the Friends World Program. As the Associate Director I will take students to Turkey, India and New York City where we will study Islam and Culture. The course is a general study of the historical formation of Islamic traditions, and of devotional, intellectual and institutional developments. This text-based course supplements, and is constantly supplemented by, the experience of studying and living among Islamic communities. The course traces formations of Islam on a global stage, from the age of jahiliyya to the present day, considering issues in worship and myth, philosophy and theology, and law and community. Special interest is paid to Turkish and Indian Sufi sects, music, art, and women in Islam. We visit sacred sites and observe local religious customs and rituals.

Islam in the United States Fall Semester 2006

Islam is the fasted growing religion in the United States. This class combines in-class discussion of Islam in the United States with significant exposure to Muslim communities in New York City. Who converts to Islam and why? What are the various ethnic and immigrant groups that comprise American Muslim groups? Special attention is paid to how American Muslims navigate themselves in the USA and how they identify themselves as Americans. We will enjoy numerous field trips to Sunni, Shi’a and Sufi mosques and have interesting and exciting guest speakers.

 Comparison: Theory and Method Fall Semester 2006, Spring Semester 2007

This course is a philosophical and practical introduction to comparative and cross-cultural study in a globalizing world. Comparison is not a neutral act. The person who compares necessarily reduces the reality of the things compared, but also adds to their reality with the product of that comparison. How can we track the process of comparing, and what might we do to make our comparisons better, in a variety of senses? Students develop answers to these questions through seminar discussion of readings drawn from such fields as neuroscience, cultural anthropology, philosophy of religion, feminism and social criticism. In addition, students are introduced to basic skills in ethnographic research. Learning is documented through short response papers to readings, presentation and critique of field notes, and a final essay on comparing Islam(s).

Introduction to Buddhism Spring Semester 2007

A general study of the historical formation of Buddhist traditions, philosophies and devotional aspects are covered in this course. Living in Buddhist communities and monasteries we will experience first hand what we read in our text and selected reading material. Our studies take place in India, Thailand and Taiwan where we study the ancient aspects of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, as well as, current theories of “engaged Buddhist activism.” There is sufficient time allowed to study temple architecture and landscape design as Buddhist art forms.

Courses taught at San Jose State University Fall 2005

Middle Eastern Traditions Fall Semester 2005

This course explores the rich diversity of Middle Eastern culture. It addresses students as adult learners capable of questioning, understanding and communicating topics about the Modern Middle East. As critical thinkers we will study anthropology, religion, and politics. We will study tribes and ethnic groups and some of the social and cultural representations of their lives including art, food, music, poetry and architecture. We will investigate how Christians, Jews, Muslims and other Middle Easterners are stereotyped and (mis)represented. We will see how religion and culture interface. The course is designed to encourage students to explore another culture to increase effectiveness in their personal lives and in the community as well rounded, educated world citizens.

Islam, Politics and the West Fall Semester 2005

This course looks at the political and religious beliefs of Muslims and how they express themselves politically and spiritually. We will investigate who represents Islam in the West and if this is a fair representation. What is the truth about Muslims and what are the stereotypes and misconceptions? Can religion and politics work together? We will study political theory and the psychological make-up of terrorists.

In this class we will learn about Islam the religion, understand the diversity of Islamic cultures and societies and investigate national identities and the creation of the Middle East. Students will examine the role of religion in politics and study the multiple meanings of Jihad.

Courses taught at University of Redlands Fall 2005

Women in Islam Fall Semester 2005

This course examines the myths and assumptions made by stereotyping, orientalizing and eroticizing Muslim women. What are the roles of women in Islamic tradition from a religious and cultural perspective? Why must women veil? Do they have equal rights and opportunities or are they all oppressed? Is the media representation accurate? Starting with the Qur’an, social legal and scriptural norms will be addressed. The role of women as householders, leaders, political activists and religious role models (religious scholars and female Sufi mystics) will be taken into consideration and how these medieval women located themselves as role models for future generations. Special attention is paid to the life stories of the female companions of the Prophet Muhammad. We will study passages of the Qur’an, hadiths and the commentaries that lead to the elevation and/ or demise of Muslim women and their rights. Examining the role of the female body, sexuality and seclusion within a historical context will help us to understand the politicizing of women by the patriarchal system. Looking at gender construction in the texts and cultures we will trace the historical inception and development of women's representation/misrepresentation as it exists today and how women find agency and authority within Islam. For their final project students will create a power-point presentation on the veil as it is seen historically and in modernity.

Introduction to World Religions Fall Semester 2005

An overview of the world’s religions is taught in this course. Students will learn the basic concepts of the religions, their rituals and how they are alive in the contemporary world. The use of field trips, guest speakers and films are incorporated into this class. Guest speakers from the various traditions visit the class to share an “insider” view of their religion. A look at women’s roles (or lack thereof) is considered. As we investigate the Wisdom Traditions we ponder the questions of what it is to be human, how do we find meaning and what is the purpose of life.

Anthropology of the Middle East Fall Semester 2005

This course focuses on the Middle East as a complex ‘culture area’ encompassing shared and competing values, religious traditions, ethnicities, and relations. The goal of the course is to give students a framework for understanding, and even predicting, the lines of religious, cultural, and political conflict and alliances within the region and in the larger global context. We will begin by examining longstanding traditional patterns that persist and are shared across ethnic, religious and regional boundaries and how these systems are constructed how they shape an individual’s world-view. We will then explore the contributions Middle Eastern culture has shared with the world and see differences and similarities as we compare our own culture to theirs. In addition, we will examine the religions of the Middle East, women’s roles and rights and relations between minority and majority populations, and the cultural, historical, and psychological dimensions that contribute to understanding—and misunderstanding—the complex dynamics of the region. By understanding these ideologies we will break down assumptions, stereotypes and prejudices held in the West about the Middle East.

Course taught at Claremont Graduate University/Claremont School of Theology Fall 2005

World Religions in Dialogue, TA Fall Semester 2005

This course which is designed to enhance students’ dialogical competency in the midst of diversity, treats Christianity as a world religion amongst the other religions and cultures of the world. Students familiarize themselves with the variety of religious traditions in the Los Angeles basin and study a tradition other than Christianity in some depth.. They consider a range of options for thinking theologically about the relationship between Christianity and other religions, and work to clarify their own theological position in dialogue with persons from other faiths.

Courses taught at University of Redlands Summer 2005

The Modern Middle East Summer Semester 2005

This course offered to Humanities students has two aspects. The first is that it addresses students as adult learners capable of questioning, understanding and communicating topics about the Modern Middle East. As critical thinkers students will study history, religion, and politics. Studying tribes, ethnic groups and some of the social and cultural representations of their lives including art, food, music, poetry and architecture, we investigate how Arabs, Muslims and other Middle Easterners are stereotyped and (mis)represented in the United States. The second aspect of the class is to create learning plans as educators for student’s grades kindergarten through high school. As learners we are also teachers committed to exploring diversity and creating courses for our students that are ethically based and fair in representing the peoples of the Middle East.

Introduction to World Religions Summer Semester 2005

An overview of the world’s religions is taught in this course. Students will learn the basic concepts of the religions, their rituals and how they are alive in the contemporary world. The use of field trips, guest speakers and films are incorporated into this class. Guest speakers from the various traditions visit the class to share an “insider” view of their religion. A look at women’s roles (or lack thereof) is considered. As we investigate the Wisdom Traditions we ponder the questions of what it is to be human, how do we find meaning and what is the purpose of life.

Course taught at Fullerton Community College Spring 2005

Introduction to World Religions Spring Semester 2005

An overview of the world’s religions is taught in this course. Students will learn the basic concepts of the religions, their rituals and how they are alive in the contemporary world. The use of field trips, guest speakers and films are incorporated into this class. Guest speakers from the various traditions visit the class to share an “insider” view of their religion. A look at women’s roles (or lack thereof) is considered. As we investigate the Wisdom Traditions we ponder the questions of what it is to be human, how do we find meaning and what is the purpose of life.

Course taught at Claremont Graduate University/ Claremont School of Theology

Fall Semester 2004

Modern Muslims in the West Fall Semester 2004

This course is co-taught with professor Louis Ruprecht. The course maps the increasing confusion between Muslims and Christians and how this has played out in recent years. Is it Christianity that fundamentalist Islamic groups oppose or is it western globalization? We attempt to dissimilate the “us” and “them” categories that create distance and distrust. Is this a religious war or a political stand? Starting with an overview of the history of Islam we will move into contemporary times to facilitate understanding beyond tolerance.

Courses Taught at University of Alaska 2001-2003

Women, Religion and Spirituality Spring Semester 2001

The major world religions are reviewed and how women are located within them. An overview of the religion will be presented and course readings by women will be addressed. The focus on actual spiritual practices by women is taught, and the students have hands on experience. Each week we study a different religion and a practitioner of that religion presents. Students are invited to directly participate in these spiritual rituals and are encouraged to form their own opinion about them. We look at religion and how it is alive in the lives of women that practice them and whether or not that experience is empowering, oppressive or both. Emphasis is placed on women’s experience, how they locate and define themselves in religions that are sometimes patriarchal and how they create spiritual meaning within those constructs.

Women, Gender and Islamic Tradition Summer Semester 2002

This course examines the myths and assumptions made by stereotyping, orientalizing and eroticizing Muslim women. What are the roles of women in Islamic tradition from a religious and cultural perspective? Why must women veil? Do they have equal rights and opportunities or are they all oppressed? Is the media representation accurate? Starting with the Qur’an, social legal and scriptural norms will be addressed. The role of women as householders, leaders, political activists and religious role models (religious scholars and female Sufi mystics) will be taken into consideration and how these medieval women located themselves as role models for future generations. Special attention is paid to the life stories of the female companions of the Prophet Muhammad. We will study passages of the Qur’an, hadiths and the commentaries that lead to the elevation and/ or demise of Muslim women and their rights. Examining the role of the female body, sexuality and seclusion within a historical context will help us to understand the politicizing of women by the patriarchal system. Looking at gender construction in the texts and cultures we will trace the historical inception and development of women's representation/misrepresentation as it exists today and how women find agency and authority within Islam. Are things the same now for Muslim women or have they changed?

Psychology of Women Fall, Spring & Summer Sessions 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

This course highlights the history and development of the Psychology of Women. Among the topics covered are relationships, education, psychological and spiritual development, career goals, motherhood, sexual abuse and body image. Gender roles are critically examined. The psychology of women is a course that investigates what it is to be a woman and how that differs from woman to woman. This class is about changing the academic experience that many women have had. As taught, it is a way of offering and articulating information that has a felt, embodied experience that, when filtered through the heart imparts a personal relationship to the presented material. Concepts are felt rather than memorized. They are articulated through personal understanding: supported and documented in a scholarly fashion. This is the difference between ‘knowing’ something and ‘knowing about’ something. It does not reduce, rather it affirms through a personal awareness and inner knowing.

A wide range of topics are covered and students have input on the choice of some of these subjects, contributing to, and forming their own education. Gender roles, feminism, intuitive learning, femininity, sex, relationship, spirituality are some of the subjects investigated. The role of the female body and attitudes in medical and social communities are discussed. Numerous theories are addressed and the class helps each individual to explore her/his own personal stories, beliefs and traditions about womanhood. The course is designed to encourage students to explore the mystery of woman and to increase effectiveness in their personal lives and in the community as social activists.

Somatic Psychology/Psychology of Body Consciousness Spring & Summer Sessions 2001, 2002

This course investigates the role of the body in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. It helps students to identify psychological issues that manifest through physical, psychological and spiritual difficulties. Emphasis is placed on prevention and alternative therapies that are within the scope of psychology and counseling services. Special attention is given to body language and physical illnesses that are manifested by stress and depression. Students are required to examine their own issues before moving into the psychological community so that they feel a sense of understanding and compassion in the lives of their clients. How does psychological trauma lodge itself in the body? How does stress, chronic or temporary manifest physically? Is there really such a thing as “mind over matter?”

Human Sexuality Fall, Spring, & Summer Semesters 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

A cross-cultural study of human sexuality, gender roles, health, pregnancy, contraceptives and sexual practice is studied. In this class we learn the importance of safe sex, contraception, and conception. We learn how the male and female body works from anatomy to orgasm. Students study various sexual styles in a variety of cultures and how religion affects sexual beliefs and experiences. Bisexuality, homosexuality and sexual variance and diversity is explored in a variety of global communities. The importance of sexual fulfillment is analyzed using texts like the Kama Sutra, Tantric and Taoist techniques. Rape, incest and humiliation is explored and an understanding between the difference of sex as something you do with someone rather than to someone is explored. Finally, the joy of sex, sexuality and sensuality is discussed and interpreted through various exercises.

Psychology of Death and Dying Summer Semester 2003

The class is taught with the idea that a well-rounded education engages the mind, body and heart and that people function best in the world when there is a personal relationship to the presented material. We investigate religious practices and spiritual and psychological components of the death and dying process from a cross-cultural perspective. Topics include western and nonwestern approaches and diverse attitudes in medical and social communities. The course is designed for students from all disciplines particularly those in medicine and psychology. Numerous theories are addressed and the class will help each individual to explore his/her own personal stories, beliefs and traditions about death and dying. The course is designed to encourage students to explore the mystery of death to increase effectiveness in their personal lives and in the community as potential caregivers. The mystery of life and death are examined from a cross-cultural and cross-religious perspective is addressed. The importance of planning for the unexpected and the importance of developing skills for caretakers within the family and community are developed.

Women and Aging Summer Semester 2002 & 2003

This course looks at the positive side of the maturing woman, her grace and wisdom and how she is empowered and can be a catalyst for change. Is life over at 50? Do women become less sexual as they age? Are there alternatives for women that don’t look or dress like Brittany Spears? Menopause, career development, finances, volunteerism, divorce, widowhood and mentoring are examined. Life scripts will be addressed and developed as we look at cultural concepts of women as they age. Numerous speakers with expertise in medicine, finance and career choices visit this class offering in depth information on subjects that pertain to mature women. Myths about menopause and aging will be thoroughly investigated.

OTHER EXPERIENCE

Owner/Director 1994 to 2001

Children’s Dance Theatre- Anchorage, Alaska

4000 W. Diamond Blvd.

Anchorage, Alaska 99502

Designed and implemented programs for up to 350 children each

week. Worked “hands on” with each child as well as supervised and

trained staff.

Significant achievements:

Created “Nutcracker Sweets” with 250 local children, seen by over 50,000 people.

Created programs for children, teens and adults.

Introduced cross-cultural arts and ethnic dance programs.

PAPERS PRESENTED

"Blessed is Thy Name: Mother Mary and Fatima al-Zahra as Sacred, Feminine Archetypes in Catholicism and Shi'ism" The First International Conference of the Taiwan Association of Classical, Medieval and Renaissance Studies Christian-Islamic Relationships, C.E. 600-1600, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taipei, Taiwan, April, 2007

“Out of Extreme Love: Patience and Justice in the Lives of American Shi’a Muslim Women” 8^th Annual Middle East Conference, Center for Middle East Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA March 2006

“Outsiders Inside: Sharing Ramadan, An Ethnography on Film” The Western Commission for the Study of Religion, Claremont Graduate University Claremont, CA March 2006

“Hazrat Fatima: The Sacred Feminine of Islam” Asian Studies on the Pacific Coast, Claremont Graduate University Claremont, CA June 2005

“Following the Religion of Love: The Work of Ibn al-Arabi and Feminist Spirituality”

Western Commission for the Study of Religion, University of Arizona, Tempe, AZ March 2005

“The Language of Tears: The Azah Ritual among Shi’a Women in Pomona California”

Middle Eastern Studies Association of North America, San Francisco, CA Nov. 2004

“The Redemption of Radiance: Fatima al-Zahra, Mother of Sorrows: Mother of Celestial Light” Evangelical and Ecumenical Women’s Caucus, Scripps College, Claremont, CA June 2004

“Sufism as an Inherently Feminist Spiritual Practice” University of Redlands, Redlands, CA May 2004

“Gyngnosis: The Pedagogy of Feminine Wisdom”, Pacific Southwest Women’s Studies Association Conference, Scripps College, Claremont, CA April 2004

“Teaching Women’s Studies Across Curriculum” Lilly-West Conference on College and University Teaching Conference, California Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA March 2004

“Incorporating Other Ways of Knowing” Lilly-West Conference on College and University Teaching, 2004 Conference, California Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA March 2004

“Gyngnosis: The Embodied Knowledge of Feminine Wisdom in the Learning Process” Western Commission on the Study of Religion, Whittier College, Whittier, CA March 2004

“The Language of Tears: The Azah Ritual among Shi’a Women in Pomona California” First Annual Duke- University of North Carolina Islamic Studies Conference, Raleigh-Durham, N.C. March 2004

“Islam, Gender, and Feminism: A Critical Look” University of Redlands, Redlands, CA March 2004

“The Zar Ritual: Spirit Possession Among Women in the Middle East” American Academy of Religion Annual Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia Nov. 2003

Western Commission on the Study of Religion, Davis, California 2003

American Academy of Religion, Rocky Mountain -Great Plains Region, Boulder, Colorado 2003

“The Language of Tears: The Azah Ritual among Shi’a Women in Pomona California” Annual Conference of the Association of Muslim Social Scientists, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana September, 2003~ aired on Voice of America

“Sophia: Mother of the World” Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA May 2001

“Learning by Heart: Compassion and Intimacy in the Classroom” School of Education,

Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA Summer Session 2002, 2003, 2004

“The Map is not the Territory: Meditation as a Bridge Between Science and Religion” Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA May 2001

“The Body in Education” Conference on Education and Spirituality, Idyllwild, CA August 2001

“What Lies Underneath: Hesychasm as Spiritual Practice” Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA February 2001

“Creating Comfort in a Crazy World: Women and Depression” University of Alaska, Sitka, AK Fall 2000

“Body Consciousness: The Use of Movement, Meditation and Guided Imagery as Treatment for Eating Disorders and Depression” University of Alaska, Sitka, AK Spring 2000

“Gyngnosis: Feminine Wisdom in Education” University of Alaska Women’s Studies Symposium, UAA, Anchorage, AK November 1999

“Women and Prostitution: Walking the Streets of Sorrow” Anchorage, AK November 1999

“Gyngnosis: Feminine Wisdom in Education” University of Alaska Women’s Studies Symposium, UAA, Anchorage, AK November 1999

“Where Sensuality and Spirituality Meet: The Human Body as Temple” Pacifica Graduate Institute, Athens, Greece 1989

“Shamanism in Nepal” presentation and slide show at California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA 1989

“Sacred Sites of India” presentation and slide show at California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA 1989

“Accessing God through the Art of Ritual” Pondicherry, India October 1989

PUBLICATIONS

"Teaching Islam Abroad" in Islam in the Academy: Pedagogy, Curriculum, and Student Life in American Journal of Social Scientists, Volume 24 Summer 2007

“If I Had Two Loaves of Bread, I Would Sell One and Buy Hyacinths, for They Would Feed My Soul: The Garden as Metaphor” Parabola Magazine, Vol. 26 no.1, 2000

“The Language of Tears: The Azah Ritual among Shi’a Women in Pomona, California”

East Meets West: Understanding the Muslim Presence in Europe and North America American Assoc. of Muslim Social Scientists, Sept. 26, 2003

AWARDS RECEIVED

Tuition Fellowship, Claremont Graduate University 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004

Tuition Fellowship, Professional Teaching & Training Program Scholar, Claremont Graduate University, 2003-2004

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Volunteer Teacher at City of Knowledge Islamic School ~ Pomona, CA

Mentor at Valle de Vista Elementary School~ Claremont, CA

Fundraiser at Mary Magdalene House (prostitute rehabilitation) ~ Anchorage, AK

Mentor at Fairview Elementary School~ Anchorage, AK

Prepared and served food at San Luis Obispo Homeless Shelter~ San Luis Obispo, CA

Muslim Orphanage of Bangladesh Refugees ~ New Delhi, India

Mother Theresa Orphanage ~ Calcutta, India

LANGUAGES

French (speaking, reading, translating)

Spanish (speaking, reading, translating)

Arabic currently studying

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Carl Jung Society of Claremont, Board of Directors

American Academy of Religion

Middle Eastern Studies Association

Association of Muslim Social Scientists

Women for Women International

Association for Middle Eastern Women

Scientific Study of Religion