Jon Gordon Photo

Dr. Jon Gordon

Associate Professor of Communication Get Contact Info

TEACHES IN THE FOLLOWING PROGRAM(S)

Communication

Biography

Many see my life as unorganized, but I see it as eclectic. It first went awry when I discovered I enjoyed going to school but could not decide on a major. As a result, I took courses in many disciplines and ended up with degrees in studio arts, international studies, printmaking and communication. To an outsider these majors may seem unrelated, but I found they taught me to analyze the behaviors of people from different cultures, and better appreciate their art. These skills made trips to such places as Egypt, Brazil, India, Japan, Singapore, Bali and Turkey all the more enjoyable. During these adventures I also developed a fascination for the popular culture and began collecting Godzilla memorabilia. Stop by my office and experience the gaze of dozens of Godzilla figures as they observe your every move.

Education

  • The Ohio State University, Ph.D.
  • The Ohio State University, M.F.A.
  • University of South Carolina, M.A.
  • Hiram College, ​B.A.

Areas of Specialization

Intercultural Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Nonverbal Communication, Art as Communication, Japanese Popular Culture

Scholarly and Professional Achievements

Research

“The Cartoons of Kobayashi Kiyochika” in International Journal of Comic Art, 2011

“Gojira vs. Godzilla: A Battle of Cultures” presented at the American Popular Culture Association Convention, 2008

“John Miller Baer: Congressman-Cartoonist” in International Journal of Comic Art, 2007

Art Exhibitions

“It’s all Relative” Ashtabula Arts Center, Ashtabula, Ohio, 2011 

“Traditions in Art: A Gordon Family Exhibit” Trumbull Art Gallery, Warren, Ohio, 2006

“Intercultural Touch from a Distance: Brazil” Owens Community College, Findlay, Ohio, 2006

What is your teaching style?

Challenging Self-Disclosure. The majority of my courses deal with the nature of relationships and I expect my students to take a closer look at their own. In the process, I share and analyze my relational experiences (the good, the bad, and the ugly) just as they must. It allows me to develop relationships with students that many other teachers, because of their subject matter, cannot.

Why do you do what you do?

As stated above, the subject matter I teach allows me to gain unique insights into the lives of my students. I have been teaching for more than 25 years and am amazed how the world has changed, but student goals and concerns have remained relatively consistent. New technology may have changed how people communicate, but not what is important. I hope I can help them achieve their goals.

How do you make learning engaging?

By sharing personal experiences. The material I teach applies to everyone’s life and everyone is expected to share their relationships in class or the privacy of the required papers.

What should students know about you?

I like having fun with the subjects I teach as long as we are learning. I share this responsibility with my students as we achieve both of these goals.

pano of main campus