First Person: Spanish Non-Fiction Writing Workshop

"During my time at Bowdoin I have been able to take courses in different disciplines, exposing me to different cultures, ways of thinking, and beliefs. None however, have been as unique and rewarding as the course Spanish Non-Fiction Writing Workshop. This course goes beyond the traditional lecture-based class, instead allowing the students to become directly involved with the material being discussed. I have had the opportunity to be in direct dialogue with the authors of the nonfiction pieces assigned for the course. Professor Wolfenzon has set up multiple class calls during class in which we are able to speak either in person or through Skype with Latin American authors and ask them not only about their work but any topics we may be interested in, including tips on improving our own writing.

Much of what makes the course special and worthwhile is the enthusiasm with which Professor Wolfenzon teaches the course. It amazes me how many contemporary Latin American writers she knows and has given us the chance to meet. While the class has a strong workload, the readings are so engaging that it is a joy to see what piece of nonfiction we will cover next.

Topics we have read and discussed include the story of a man who survived ten days at sea and the country that soon forgot him in Relato de un náufrago by Gabriel García Márquez; the José León Suárez massacre, which involved the June 9, 1956, capture and shooting by the Buenos Aires Province Police of a group of men who were suspected of being involved with a Peronist uprising that same night led by General Juan José Valle in Operación masacre by Rodolfo Walsh; and the story of a man struggling to make sense of his life, country, and memories in Canción de tumba by Julián Herbert."

One of my favorite classes so far was the day author Nestor Diaz de Villegas came to visit and discuss his new book De donde son los gusanos. Diaz told his personal story of growing up in Cuba with the Castro regime and how he was unfairly imprisoned for five years for writing a poem protesting the government. Diaz showed us a side of Cuba that is rarely seen in the news and one that remains unequal and controlled by a few powerful families.

This course has introduced me to several contemporary Latin American authors who show the great value and talent of Hispanic writers currently living in the US.

One of the main projects for the course involved writing a personal piece of nonfiction. This assignment offers its students the possibility of becoming directly involved in the community, in Brunswick or in their home community. The topics shared so far vary from investigating the Hispanic community in Brunswick, to writing about a family member, to investigating a certain issue in a community or country. I am excited to write my own piece and be able to put the skills I have learned into my own personal narrative.

I hope Bowdoin will continue to offer courses like these in the future. This course is reflective of what the College is aiming to offer its students and is a great way to learn more about Latin American writing while reading about contemporary issues."