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.

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.

Bad Bunny: Genre, Gender & National Identity Bad Bunny has transcended the Puerto Rican and Spanish-language music scene to become one of the most streamed artists in the world. In this course we will focus on Bad Bunny as a case study to explore the origins, development, and globalization of the Caribbean music genre and cultural phenomenon of reggaetón. Through an interdisciplinary lens, we will analyze songs, videos, performances, social media, and scholarly and mainstream articles, in order to explore topics such as the transnational dissemination of Puerto Rican lexicon, Bad Bunny's perpetuation and subversion of gender normativity in Latin American music culture, his activism against political disenfranchisement, gender and racial discrimination, neocolonialist gentrification of Puerto Rico, among other social issues. (Placement of SPAN 0104 or higher, or instructor's approval)

Introduction to Spanish Phonetics and Pronunciation In this course we will study the sound system of Spanish with the aims of introducing the fields of phonetics and phonology while improving pronunciation. Students will become familiar with phonetic transcription, comparing and contrasting articulatory and acoustic characteristics of Spanish as well as English in order to understand and implement different phonological patterns produced by native speakers of Spanish. Additionally, we will discuss major pronunciation differences across the Spanish-speaking world.

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.

Introduction to Spanish Phonetics and Pronunciation In this course we will study the sound system of Spanish with the aims of introducing the fields of phonetics and phonology while improving pronunciation. Students will become familiar with phonetic transcription, comparing and contrasting articulatory and acoustic characteristics of Spanish as well as English in order to understand and implement different phonological patterns produced by native speakers of Spanish. This analysis is both phonetic and social, in that students learn the social meanings of different pronunciation patterns across these Spanish-speaking countries as they relate to race, ethnicity, class, education, gender, age, and other social factors. Additionally, we will discuss major pronunciation differences across the Spanish-speaking world.

Beginning Spanish I This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of grammar and focuses on the development of four skills in Spanish: comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis will be placed on active communication aimed at the development of oral and comprehension skills. This course is for students who have not previously studied Spanish. Students are expected to continue with SPAN 0102 and SPAN 0103 after successful completion of SPAN 0101.

Advanced Conversation In this course we will focus on the development of oral skills in Spanish at the advanced level. Students will also be exposed to cultural context in Spanish, through which they will be introduced to social and political trends in the Spanish-speaking world. Through oral exams, presentations, debates, and other forms of oral assessment, students will deepen their oral skills, as well as their understanding and production of oral expression in the target language. The course will give special attention to communicative skills in Spanish, particularly speaking (including pronunciation) and listening. The instructor may choose specific grammar points for review when necessary.

Marcos Rohena-Madrazo

Reviews and ratings for Marcos Rohena-Madrazo at Middlebury College.Marcos Rohena-Madrazo teaches Hispanic Linguistics, Spanish for Heritage Speakers, BadBunny:GenreGenderNatl-Ident and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Marcos Rohena-Madrazo good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Marcos was the best Spanish teacher I've ever had! He was my first Spanish prof in college and I definitely got so lucky! Super helpful, office hours are valuable, and super kind, fun, and understanding person.

Marcos is a wonderful and personable professor! He is veryyy approachable professor--you can always attend his office hours and ask him any questions. The workload is very doable and all work was take-home.    

Marcos is a very engaging teacher. Their classes are exciting and interesting. They are also a fairly tough grader, and sometimes the readings for class were quite long. Overall, not a bad grammar class.