University News

Two WIU Students Present at Knox College Undergraduate Religious Studies Conference

November 19, 2024

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MACOMB, IL – Two Western Illinois University (WIU) students presented their research at Knox College's Undergraduate Religious Studies Conference, Religious Studies and Beyond: Exploring Religion and Identity, held November 1–2. Professor Amy Carr, professor of religious studies, served as the student's faculty advisor and attended the conference.

Kali Becker, a junior Sociology major with minors in Forensic Chemistry and Religious Studies, presented "Should Christian Women Cover Their Heads?" Her presentation, based on a paper written for Professor Carr's Spring 2024 Christianity course, explored contemporary discussions about veiling practices among women in various Christian traditions.

"This conference was a great way for me to experience a professional research setting while also learning about the religious and academic passions of other students from across the state," Becker said.

Corrine McClendon, a first-year student double majoring in History and Political Science, presented "The First and The Last: The Nation of Islam and Black Identity." She developed the project by expanding on research completed during high school and in conjunction with work in Professor Carr's REL 111: Introduction to Western Religions course, which covers Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Her presentation focused on the intersection of Black identity within the Nation of Islam's theology and doctrine, as well as its broader implications for American identity and politics.

"As a freshman, I often felt out of my depth and a bit anxious about presenting," McClendon said. "Talking with other undergraduates and hearing their work helped me build confidence in my topic and inspired me to continue my research. I discovered I enjoy the conference environment and pushing the limits of what I've done before."

The Mary Olive Woods Trust provided financial support for the students' travel to the conference.
"Kali and Corrine both did stellar work," Professor Betsy Perabo, interim chair of the Department of Race, Religion, Gender, and Multidisciplinary Studies said. "We're so pleased to use the Mary Olive Woods Foundation fund to support their research and professional development."

For more information, contact the WIU Department of
Race, Religion, Gender, and Multidisciplinary Studies, at wiu.edu/cas/race_religion_gender_multidisciplinary/.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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