The Sounds of Language: Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology In this course we will study the description and analysis of speech: how the sounds of language are physiologically produced, acoustically represented, and psychologically perceived and categorized. Through acoustic and phonological analysis, students will develop the skills to distinguish and produce the sounds of the world’s languages, as well as explore the sound systems of different languages, in order to determine which patterns differ and which patterns are common to all. Students will hone their analytical and technical skills by solving phonological problem sets as well as by using computer software (Praat) to analyze the acoustics of speech.

Bilingualism in the Spanish-Speaking World What does it mean to be bilingual? In this course we will study bilingualism with a special emphasis on Spanish-speaking bilinguals in Europe, Latin America, and the United States. Course topics will include social, political, linguistic, and psychological aspects of bilingualism. Special attention will be paid to societal bilingualism, language use among a group or community, individual bilingualism, how an individual’s language use changes in different contexts and throughout an individual’s lifespan, and government and educational policies throughout the Spanish-speaking world. We will study texts, speech samples, and media that highlight different aspects of bilingualism. (At least two Spanish courses at the 0300 level or above, or by waiver)

Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics This course is an introduction to the theory and methodology of linguistics as applied to the study of Spanish. The course’s goals are to understand the basic characteristics of human language (and of Spanish in particular), and to learn the techniques used to describe and explain linguistic phenomena. We will study the sound system (phonetics/phonology), the structure of words (morphology), the construction of sentences (syntax), as well as the history and sociolinguistic variation of the Spanish language, as spoken in communities in Europe, Latin America, and Northern America. We will examine texts, speech samples, and songs, illustrating these linguistic phenomena.

Intermediate Spanish II A course for students seeking to perfect their academic writing skills in Spanish. The course is also an introduction to literary analysis and critical writing and will include reading and oral discussion of literary texts. The course will also include a thorough review of grammar at a fairly advanced level. This course may be used to fulfill the foreign languages distribution requirement.

Beginning Spanish II This course is a continuation of SPAN 0101. Intensive reading, writing, and oral activities will advance students’ proficiency in Spanish in an academic setting.

Spanish for Heritage Speakers This course is specifically designed for heritage speakers, i.e., individuals who grew up speaking Spanish at home but were formally educated in another language, or individuals from similar contexts. In this course students will learn about different aspects of their own varieties of Spanish, social perceptions towards them, and how these varieties are valid forms of communication. Additionally, students will study grammatical differences between their varieties of Spanish and a more formal, academic Spanish. The grammatical aspects will primarily focus on written Spanish, vocabulary, and verb tenses that tend to vary in different varieties of Spanish. (by placement exam or waiver) 3 hrs. lct.

Brandon Baird

Reviews and ratings for Brandon Baird at Middlebury College.Brandon Baird teaches Phonetics and Phonology, Hispanic Bilingualsim, Hispanic Bilingualism and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Brandon Baird good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Baird is a good professor and always willing to help. The material builds upon itself, so it is imperative to do the assigned readings. Exams are super easy, they're usually take-home. The final project bears the load of the grade but its totally open-ended which ends up being a lot of fun and isn't hard if you don't make it hard for yourself. 

Baird is amazing! He is so patient and accommodating and he also explains concepts super clearly. That being said, the class will only be interesting If you are interested in linguistics. Learned a lot about different aspects of Spanish linguistics.  

Prof Baird was great instructor. He was a clear and effective teacher and balanced the style of work very well, between lectures, discussions, papers, and tests. Baird engages students well, and shows actual investment in their ability to learn and care for his students. The class wasn't overly difficult, but still effort is needed to succeed in this class. I would love to take another class with Prof Baird. 