Skip to main content

Kyle A. Hammonds

Assist. Prof. of Instruction - Interdisciplinary Studies

Kyle A. Hammonds (PhD, University of Oklahoma) teaches about American Culture with specific courses on academic writing as well as various aspects of pop culture, including superheroes and fandom. He also conducts research on human communication.

 
HH 2.812
ORCID

Professional Preparation

Doctor of Philosophy - Communication
University of Oklahoma - 2023
Master of Science - Communication Studies
University of North Texas - 2016
Bachelor of Science - Speech/Communications
Texas A&M - Commerce - 2013

Research Areas

Communication [Media]
The processes by which people use symbols to create and negotiate meaning. I am particularly interest in the "dark side" of communication, such as how people use media for manipulation (cults, toxic fandoms), and how to resist dark communication strategies. 
Popular Culture
Connections that people form with one another through texts. I'm especially interested in how people make meaning from mass media texts and share those meanings with others in their communities.
Hermeneutics (and Narrative)
The art of interpreting, especially in terms of the structures used to organize experience[s] (narrative). I am invested in learning not only what people take away from media texts, but the processes of how they arrive at particular meanings.
Fandom
Communities centered around "fan objects" or favored mass media texts. I study how people cultivate community, culture, and identity through fan affiliation. I'm also interested in how fandoms become associated with unique ethics and political behavior. 

Publications

Communicating Cultism in the Media: Discursive Sense-Giving of Cult Status 2025 - Journal Article
The Haunted History of the University of Oklahoma 2025 - Journal Article
One-above-all: Stratifying communication within Marvel fandom 2024 - Journal Article
Chanting and Enchantment: A Philosophical Communicology of Idolic Submission and Emotional Intoxication Part I: Foundation 2024 - Journal Article
Interpreting and Transmitting Kynicism in Joker 2024 - Book
Communicating Cultism in the Media: Discursive Sense-Giving of Cult Status 2022 - Journal Article
On Superherology 2022 - Journal Article
The Globalization of Superheroes: Diffusion, Genre, and Cultural Adaptations 2021 - Other

Awards

Top Paper - "Malicious Movie Talk" - National Communication Association (Theatre, Film, & New Multimedia Divisions) [2024]
2nd Place Paper - "Public Speaking and Theatre" - National Communication Association (Theatre, Film, & New Multimedia Divisions) [2023]
Dan and Mary John O’Hair Award for Outstanding Graduate Student - University of Oklahoma - Department of Communication [2023]
Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award - University of Oklahoma - Department of Communication [2022]
Ted Beaird Research Award - University of Oklahoma - Department of Communication [2021]
Michael T. Marsden Outstanding Journal Article Award - Midwest Popular Culture Association [2016]
Graduate Student Teaching Award - University of North Texas - Department of Communication Studies [2016]

Additional Information

Hammonds Author Interview (Podcast)
Dr. Garret Castleberry interviews Dr. Kyle Hammonds about his book, Interpreting and Transmitting Kynicism in Joker

Affiliations

National Communication Association
The organization that hosts the national conference and sponsors flagship journals for the field of Communication in the U.S. 
Popular Culture Association
The organization that hosts the national conference and sponsors flagship journals for the field of Pop Culture in the U.S. 

Funding

Security in Context Fellowship
- OU Center for Peace & Development; Security in Context [2016/08–2017/05]
This funding was granted by Security in Context and awarded by the University of Oklahoma's Center for Peace & Development. The funds supported critical qualitative research on rhetorics of forgiveness. Additionally, fellows facilitated events such as hosting speakers in a lecture series related to peace studies.