Rate Professor Carole Cusack

Professional Summary: Professor Carole Cusack

Professor Carole Cusack is a distinguished scholar at the University of Sydney, Australia, with a prolific career in the study of religion, new religious movements, and cultural history. Her work bridges historical, sociological, and cultural perspectives, contributing significantly to the academic understanding of contemporary and alternative spiritualities.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Cusack holds advanced degrees in religious studies and related fields, equipping her with a robust foundation for her interdisciplinary research.

• PhD in Studies in Religion, University of Sydney
• Master of Education (Educational Psychology), University of Sydney
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Religious Studies and English Literature, University of Sydney

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Her research focuses on the sociology and history of religion, with particular emphasis on:

• New religious movements and alternative spiritualities
• Religion and popular culture
• Medieval European religious history
• Contemporary Paganism and esoteric traditions
• Secularization and religious change in modern societies

Career History and Appointments

Professor Cusack has held numerous academic positions, demonstrating her leadership and dedication to the field of religious studies.

• Professor of Religious Studies, University of Sydney (current)
• Former Chair of the Department of Studies in Religion, University of Sydney
• Visiting Scholar and Lecturer at various international institutions

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Her contributions to religious studies have been recognized through prestigious appointments and honors, including:

• President of the Australian Association for the Study of Religion (AASR)
• Recognition for her editorial and mentorship roles in advancing religious studies scholarship

Key Publications

Professor Cusack has authored and edited numerous influential works that have shaped discourse in religious studies. Some of her key publications include:

• ‘Invented Religions: Imagination, Fiction and Faith’ (2010)
• ‘The Sacred Tree: Ancient and Medieval Manifestations’ (2011)
• Co-editor, ‘Religion, the Occult, and the Paranormal’ (2016)
• Co-editor, ‘New Religions and Cultural Production’ (2012)
• Numerous peer-reviewed articles on topics such as contemporary Paganism, fictional religions, and secular spirituality

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Cusack’s pioneering research on invented religions and the intersection of religion with popular culture has had a transformative impact on religious studies. Her work provides critical insights into how modern spiritualities emerge and interact with societal trends, influencing both academic scholarship and public understanding of religion in contemporary contexts. She is widely cited for her innovative approaches to studying non-traditional religious phenomena.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Beyond her research and teaching, Professor Cusack is actively involved in the broader academic community through:

• Delivering keynote addresses and public lectures on new religious movements and cultural spirituality at international conferences
• Serving as Editor of the Journal of Religious History
• Editorial board member for several leading journals in religious studies
• Leadership roles in academic associations, including the Australian Association for the Study of Religion (AASR)