Medieval literature draws on a diversity range of performative cultural practices and ideas including affective meditation, miracles, speech, law, sacramentality, dance, and banqueting. At the same time, medieval literature was itself often performed. This course will consider the relationship between performative practices and a variety of medieval textual forms. Readings will include Nicholas Love’s Meditations on the Life of Christ, the Harley Lyrics, selections from the dramatic and poetic works of John Lydgate and medieval drama (“Croxton Play of the Sacrament,” “Mankind,” and selections from York Plays) as well as selections from primary sources (such as medieval conduct books and recipe books), modern adaptations (Sarah Ruhl's Passion Play), and the work of modern critics and theorists (such as Ahmed, de Certeau, Butler and Sedgwick). The course will be of interest to non-medievalists interested in the relationship between form and media, and in theories of affect, gender and speech acts.