The presentation titled “The Nature of Argument: Inquiry Over Victory” given on April 5 at the College English Association Conference in Savannah, Ga., calls into question the traditional model for teaching argument in first-year writing courses, one that focuses on controversial topics blended with rhetorical strategies. Instead, Gordon posited a series of assignments that rest on a developmental model, one that encourages students to engage in argument as a means of inquiry, rather than of victory. More profoundly, the model attempts to use written argument as a means of transformation in which both writer and reader become more open to examining personal prejudices and cultural assumptions.

Gordon has published other articles on first-year writing and writing centers as well as an interdisciplinary book on advanced breast cancer. 

Gordon was interviewed on two statewide broadcasts on UNC-TV and Triad News 14, as well as WKBW AM Buffalo TV. 

Please click the links to the right to view the TV appearances.

 The excerpt also is featured on the magazine’s website. 

10/28: WFMY News 2:  was a feature segment on the station’s morning show with co-anchor Tracy McCain.

10/30: WRAL-TV (Raleigh, N.C.): took Gordon to Raleigh for a Saturday morning segment about the book.