I would first like to express my thanks and appreciation to my advisor, Dr. Andrew Wasserman, whose support, critique, and insight were instrumental to this project. His instructive comments and suggestions on the structural revisions of my content were crucial in the development of this work. I would also like to thank Dr. Joanne Allen, my second reader, for pushing me to refine my argument and consider alternative perspectives.

Finally, I thank my family for their encouragement over the past few years. To my parents, brother and grandmothers who constantly supported me throughout this process. I cannot stress enough how grateful that they were able to put up with me during this process.