Dr. Martha Newman

Biography

Martha G. Newman is the Mary Helen Thompson Centennial Professor of Humanities Emerita at the University of Texas at Austin, where she has had a profound impact on the study of medieval European history, particularly in the intersection of religious practices and social change. Her research primarily focuses on Christian monasticism, with a keen emphasis on monastic miracle collections and the roles of women and the poor within these religious frameworks. Newman's latest work, *Cistercian Stories Nuns Monks: Sacramental Imagination*, published by the University of Pennsylvania Press in 2020, provides a critical examination of the narratives surrounding Cistercian religious women and their sacramental beliefs. Throughout her career, she has authored numerous publications addressing themes in medieval Christianity, including significant contributions to edited volumes and academic journals. Her extensive service at UT-Austin includes founding the Department of Religious Studies and directing the Medieval Studies Program. Recognized for her dedicated service, she received the Civitatis Award from the President's Office in 2025. Newman teaches a range of courses such as "The Medieval Millennium" and "The Crusades," engaging students in the complexities of medieval religious traditions and their societal implications.

Research Interests

Courses