Understanding Iberian Identity through the Analysis of Spanish and Portuguese National Identities In this course we will focus on different ways of understanding how the complex idea of “Iberian Identity” has been represented and reframed in Spain and Portugal over the centuries. In particular, we will analyze the concept of “Iberian Identity” as one that emerges directly from the differences and similarities already contained in the Spanish and Portuguese national identity discourses from the nineteenth-century to the present. We will put special emphasis on a full range of controversial collective narratives and memories that have shaped the Spanish and Portuguese discourses on national identity. We will look for power and social relations that are highlighted by the different and complementary discursive strategies of the dominant and subordinate discourses in both countries. We will deal with a variety of materials ranging from journal articles, political discourses, photographs, paintings, music, films, documentaries, and interviews, among others.

Understanding the Myth of Don Juan in the Western Tradition The myth of Don Juan has embodied the thoughts, desires, and aspirations of multiple authors from different times and countries. In this course we will gain insights into core characteristics that define the Don Juan persona. We will analyze the original components of the character of Don Juan, situate the myth in its social and historical contexts, and study the different dramatic and literary strategies used by authors, artists, and filmmakers in their construction of Don Juan. Resources to be analyzed will include: fiction, poetry, film (fiction and documentary), philosophical essays, painting, music, and performance. 3 hrs lect./disc.

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.

Representations of Social, Cultural, and Political Identities in Spain In this course we will study the different representations of Spanish culture and politics. We will emphasize specific aspects that make Spain richly varied: Spain´s breathtaking reinvention and reaffirmation of its own identity after the Disaster of 1898, religious customs and conflicts, gender relations, political values of Spaniards. At the same time, the cultural impact of Don Quixote, Goya, Lorca, republicanism and dictatorship, civil war, flamenco, bullfighting, and soccer. Works to be discussed include a short selection of literary pieces, cultural, visual, musical, and film representations. This course is recommended for students planning to study in Spain.

An Introduction to the Study of Hispanic Literature This course in literature and advanced language is designed to introduce students to literary analysis and critical writing. The work will be based on the reading of a number of works in prose, drama, and poetry. Frequent short, critical essays will complement readings and provide students with practice in writing.

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.

Marta Manrique-Gomez

Reviews and ratings for Marta Manrique-Gomez at Middlebury College.Marta Manrique-Gomez teaches Understanding Iberian Identity, Myth of Don Juan, Intermediate Spanish II and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Marta Manrique-Gomez good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

I enjoyed this class as well as the professor. Your grade is dependent on a paper, presentation, and an exam. To do well on the exam, you definitely needed to study, but if you did, it wasn't super hard. Professor is a fair grader and course material was interesting. You'll need to participate in class.

I absolutely lover Marta! She really loves to engage with the students and teaches the content very well. The class is pretty fun and engaging and would definitely recommend even if you're not interested in majoring or minoring in Spanish. The content you learn is so helpful in life and she makes it easy to grasp. 

I abosutely loved Professor Manrique-Gomez. She cared so deeply for each on of her students, and was extremely accomodating. Her exams were pretty easy and the grading on essay was also pretty light. 