Micol M.V. Bianchi, a student at the University of Milan, shared with us her experience in attending the course “Movimientos sociales, movimientos textuales, tramas latinoamericanas en Europa" ("Social Movements, Textual Movements, Latin American Narratives in Europe") – the third edition the educational project Frontiers, boundaries, thresholds: rethinking European citizenship with contemporary Latin-American migrant writers residing in Europe, carried out in collaboration between the University of Warsaw, Charles University, Heidelberg University and the University of Milan.
The course was offered in a hybrid format. Online lectures were followed by a three-day workshop held at the University of Milan (22-24 May 2024), with the participation of students from the four 4EU+ universities involved in the project. In the first two days, students attended lectures and presented their workgroups. On the third day, they engaged in the participatory art session “Activar Palabras”, held by the feminist artists Silvia Levenson and Natalia Saurin.
This experience was filled with creativity, reflection, and a shared sense of purpose. Understanding the intricate links between literature and social movements has equipped me with a nuanced perspective on cultural studies. The final artistic workshop Activar Palabras” also left us inspired and more connected to the global fight for gender equality.
This course offered a deep dive into Latin American literature and its social movements, a subject that has long fascinated me. We explored various texts and their connections to historical and contemporary social movements, gaining insights into the cultural landscape of Latin America. The testimonies we heard were particularly impactful, offering firsthand perspectives that brought the material to life.
What were the unique elements of this learning experience?
One of the unique elements of this course was its hybrid format, combining the flexibility of online learning with the engagement of face-to-face interaction. This setup allowed us to collaborate with students from across Europe, bringing diverse viewpoints and enriching discussions. The course also stood out due to its emphasis on real-world applications of literary studies, showing how literature can reflect and influence social change.
How do you think the competencies and skills acquired during this course will help you tackle the challenges of your field of study/future job?
Understanding the intricate links between literature and social movements has equipped me with a nuanced perspective on cultural studies. Additionally, the ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds is a crucial competency in any professional field. This experience has also enhanced my research and analytical skills. I would highly recommend this course to other students of Hispanic American literature: it provided me with a greater appreciation of Latin American literature and its societal impacts, and it prepared me for future challenges by fostering key skills in collaboration and intercultural communication.
Would you like to tell us more about the final session of the workshop held at the University of Milan in collaboration with the feminist artists Silvia Levenson and Natalia Saurin?
Our workshop concluded with an engaging and empowering session focused on feminism. This final day centered around the #MeToo and #NiUnaMenos movements, highlighting the significant contributions of feminist activism within the Hispanic American community. We were honored to welcome two remarkable artists, a mother-daughter duo with a profound story. The mother, who immigrated to Italy from Argentina due to the oppressive dictatorship, along with her daughter, shared their evocative art pieces that resonate deeply with themes of feminism and migration. Their artwork set the stage for our hands-on activities, providing both inspiration and a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength found within these movements.
Participants were then invited to unleash their creativity using colors and posters to craft their own protest signs. Imagining ourselves marching in feminist rallies, each of us chose a personal slogan or phrase that resonated with our individual experiences and beliefs. This exercise was not only a means of artistic expression but also a powerful way to connect with the core values of the feminist movements we were studying. A photoshoot was then held, where we proudly displayed our protest signs. Each participant had the opportunity to explain the motivations behind their chosen messages. This exchange allowed for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse perspectives within our group.
Overall, the day was a beautiful and fitting conclusion to our workshop. It was filled with creativity, reflection, and a shared sense of purpose. The experience not only enhanced our understanding of Hispanic American feminist movements but also left us inspired and more connected to the global fight for gender equality.
“Activar Palabras” has been a precious opportunity to reflect on the power of words. The force of social movements born in Latin America, such as Ni Una Menos, is indeed based on that power. Together with Natalia Saurin, we try to contribute to gender violence through art, and this meeting was a great moment to reflect and grow.
This course was very enriching for me as a student and as a person, too. The programme of the workshop at the University of Milan was an amazing experience, as we could present our projects and listen to the authors that we had read in classes. I would recommend everyone to try any of the 4EU+ courses.
Our educational proposal did not aim to analyze and reflect "on" social movements, their actors, and performers. We wanted, instead, to "think together." Our goal was to "create theory" from the political circumstances and contexts we are experiencing, in order to construct textualities in dialogue.