DOCSLIB.ORG

Eco-Theology: Aiga – the Household of Life

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Eco-Theology: Aiga – the Household of Life ECO-THEOLOGY: AIGA – THE HOUSEHOLD OF LIFE A PERSPECTIVE FROM LIVING MYTHS AND TRADITIONS OF SAMOA Ama’amalele Tofaeono ECO-THEOLOGY: AIGA – THE HOUSEHOLD OF LIFE A PERSPECTIVE FROM LIVING MYTHS AND TRADITIONS OF SAMOA World Mission Script 7 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system, or trans- mitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the Erlanger Verlag für Mission und Ökumene. Die Deutsche Bibliothek – CIP-Einheitsaufnahme Tofaeono, Ama’amalele: Eco-theology: Aiga – the household of life : a perspective from living myths and traditions of Samoa / by Ama’amalele Tofaeono. – Erlangen : Erlanger Verl. für Mission und Ökumene, 2000 (World Mission Script ; 7) Zugl.: Neuendettelsau, Augustana-Hochsch., Diss., 2000 ISBN 3-87214-327-1 © 2000 Erlanger Verlag für Mission und Ökumene, Erlangen Layout: Andreas-Martin Selignow – www.selignow.de Printed by Freimund-Druckerei, Neuendettelsau CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................................ 11 0. GENERAL INTRODUCTION ......................................................................... 13 0.1. Identification and Exposition of the Eco-Theological Problem ....................... 13 0.2. A Jewish Perspective .............................................................................................. 15 0.3. Thesis Statements .................................................................................................... 18 0.4. Aim of the Dissertation .......................................................................................... 19 0.5. Scope of the Research ............................................................................................. 20 0.6. Approach of the Theological Construction ......................................................... 21 0.7. Research Method ..................................................................................................... 22 0.8. Definitions of Concepts .......................................................................................... 22 0.8.1. Tala o le Vavau – Myths ................................................................................................... 22 0.8.2. Tala Tuu – Oral Traditions ................................................................................................ 24 0.8.3. Religio-Cultural Heritage ................................................................................................. 24 0.8.3.1. Tapua’iga – Religion ....................................................................................................... 25 0.8.3.2. Religion in Universal Theories .......................................................................................... 26 0.8.3.3. Aganu’u – Culture .......................................................................................................... 28 0.8.3.4. Culture in Universal Theories ........................................................................................... 28 0.8.3.5. Religio-Cultural Lifeway ................................................................................................. 29 0.8.4. Aiga: An Eco-Religio-Cultural Metaphor ............................................................................ 30 0.8.5. Aiga: Eco-Theological Symbolisms ................................................................................... 32 0.8.6. Embodiment – Aiga in Imagery Terms ............................................................................... 33 1. THE THREATENED HOUSE – OIKOS ...................................................... 35 1.1. The Ecological Crisis .............................................................................................. 35 1.1.1. A Global Reality ............................................................................................................. 35 1.1.2. The Endangered and Broken Eco-Systems .......................................................................... 38 1.1.3. Global Warming ............................................................................................................. 38 1.1.4. Climate Change and Rising Sea-Level ................................................................................ 39 1.1.5. Globalized Centre-Periphery Model ................................................................................... 42 1.2. Samoa (Oceania) – A Double-Context of Eco-Dangers .................................... 44 1.2.1. A Defenseless Context ..................................................................................................... 44 1.2.1.1. Land and Human Resources ............................................................................................. 45 1.2.1.1.1. Population Mobility ........................................................................................................ 45 1.2.1.1.2. Agriculture .................................................................................................................... 46 1.2.1.1.3. Deforestation ................................................................................................................. 48 1.2.1.1.4. Mining .......................................................................................................................... 49 1.2.1.2. Pollution of Ocean/Sea Resources ...................................................................................... 50 1.2.1.2.1. Marine Pollution ............................................................................................................. 50 1.2.1.2.2. Fishing .......................................................................................................................... 51 1.3. Technological Age and Its Effects ........................................................................ 52 1.3.1. Nuclear Technology: Case Studies ..................................................................................... 52 1.3.1.1. U.S. Nuclear Testings: Bikini and Johnston Atolls ................................................................ 53 1.3.1.2. British Nuclear Testing: Monte Bello, Maralinga, and Christmas Island ................................... 55 1.3.1.3. French Nuclear Testings: Moruroa and Fangataufa Atolls ...................................................... 56 1.4. Summary ................................................................................................................... 58 5 2. ECOLOGY AND RELIGIO-CULTURAL TRANSITIONS .................. 60 2.1. Virginity of Samoa and Some Ecological Portraits ............................................ 60 2.1.1. The Historic-Geographical Setting ..................................................................................... 60 2.1.2. Observations of the Samoans ............................................................................................ 62 2.1.3. Socio-Political Organisation and Settlements ....................................................................... 63 2.1.4. Economy, Early Exchanges and Trade ................................................................................ 64 2.2. Samoan Perceptions and Myths of Papalagi ....................................................... 66 2.2.1. The Power of the God of the Papalagi ................................................................................. 67 2.2.2. Deficiencies of the God of the Papalagi ............................................................................... 68 2.3. New Religious Convictions and Changing Worldviews .................................... 70 2.3.1. The Samoan Warrior Cult ................................................................................................. 71 2.3.2. Runaway Sailors’ Cult ..................................................................................................... 73 2.3.2.1. Theological Teachings ..................................................................................................... 74 2.3.2.1.1. The Understanding of God ............................................................................................... 74 2.3.2.1.2. Sacraments of Baptism and the Holy Communion ................................................................ 75 2.3.2.1.3. Creation and Salvation ..................................................................................................... 76 2.3.3. Siovili or the Joe Gimblet Cult .......................................................................................... 77 2.3.3.1. Theological Formulations ................................................................................................. 79 2.3.3.1.1. Understanding of the Godhead .......................................................................................... 79 2.3.3.1.2. Eschatological Perspective ............................................................................................... 80 2.3.3.1.3. Creation and Salvation ..................................................................................................... 81 2.4. Arrival of the New Lotu ......................................................................................... 81 2.4.1. Decision of LMS Mission Fields ....................................................................................... 83 2.4.1.1. John Williams and the LMS Mission to Samoa ...................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Buy Generic Viagra
    TTHHOUGHTTSS OOFF EETTHHEERRNNAALL WIISSDOOMM Chosen Thoughts of spiritual Teachers of the UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD OF LIGHT EEnnccyyccllooppeeddiiaa for QQuueessttiioonnss ccoonncceerrnniinngg DDaaiillyy LLiiffee eeBBooookk 11-- 1111 Understand Life and myself anew: clear Answers to Questions concerning Daily Life www.realpeacework-akademie.info/jena UN D E RS T A N D L IIFE A N D M Y S E L F A N E W : C L E A R A N S W E R S T O Q U E S T I O N S C O N C E R N I N G D A I L Y L I F E b PPuubblliisshheerr Loovvee(+)Wissddoomm(=)TTrruutthh UN D E R S T A N D L IIFE A N D M Y S E L F A N E W : C L E A R A N S W E R S T O Q U E S T I O N S C O N C E R N I N G D A I L Y L I F E eBook 01: Means to bring ‘on ’ Prenatal Education & Spiritual Electroplating eBook 02: A new Light on Prayer eBook 03: The Importance of having an High Ideal eBook 04: Master & Discipleship eBook 05: The Kingdom of God & His Righteousness eBook 06: The Two Principles – Masculine and Feminine eBook 07: Angels & the Tree of Life eBook 08: The Sublime Origin and Goal of Sexuality and the Sexual Force eBook 09: The hidden capacity of Human beings eBook 10: Being Member of a Family …and its different Connections with the world eBook 11: The Reasons behind Suffering eBook 12: The Cosmic meaning of Marriage eBook 42: Why we should accept Reincarnation eBook 13: Holidays eBook 43: A Servant of God eBook 14: Music and Creation eBook 44: Becoming a Spiritual Disciple eBook 15: The Quintessence of Christianity eBook 45: How to work for Peace in the World eBook 16: Purity as the
    [Show full text]
  • Samoa Socio-Economic Atlas 2011
    SAMOA SOCIO-ECONOMIC ATLAS 2011 Copyright (c) Samoa Bureau of Statistics (SBS) 2011 CONTACTS Telephone: (685) 62000/21373 Samoa Socio Economic ATLAS 2011 Facsimile: (685) 24675 Email: [email protected] by Website: www.sbs.gov.ws Postal Address: Samoa Bureau of Statistics The Census-Surveys and Demography Division of Samoa Bureau of Statistics (SBS) PO BOX 1151 Apia Samoa National University of Samoa Library CIP entry Samoa socio economic ATLAS 2011 / by The Census-Surveys and Demography Division of Samoa Bureau of Statistics (SBS). -- Apia, Samoa : Samoa Bureau of Statistics, Government of Samoa, 2011. 76 p. : ill. ; 29 cm. Disclaimer: This publication is a product of the Division of Census-Surveys & Demography, ISBN 978 982 9003 66 9 Samoa Bureau of Statistics. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions 1. Census districts – Samoa – maps. 2. Election districts – Samoa – expressed in this volume do not necessarily reflect the views of any funding or census. 3. Election districts – Samoa – statistics. 4. Samoa – census. technical agencies involved in the census. The boundaries and other information I. Census-Surveys and Demography Division of SBS. shown on the maps are only imaginary census boundaries but do not imply any legal status of traditional village and district boundaries. Sam 912.9614 Sam DDC 22. Published by The Samoa Bureau of Statistics, Govt. of Samoa, Apia, Samoa, 2015. Overview Map SAMOA 1 Table of Contents Map 3.4: Tertiary level qualification (Post-secondary certificate, diploma, Overview Map ................................................................................................... 1 degree/higher) by district, 2011 ................................................................... 26 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 3 Map 3.5: Population 15 years and over with knowledge in traditional tattooing by district, 2011 ...........................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Individuality, Collectivity, and Samoan Artistic Responses to Cultural Change
    The I and the We: Individuality, Collectivity, and Samoan Artistic Responses to Cultural Change April K Henderson That the Samoan sense of self is relational, based on socio-spatial rela- tionships within larger collectives, is something of a truism—a statement of such obvious apparent truth that it is taken as a given. Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Taisi Efi, a former prime minister and current head of state of independent Sāmoa as well as an influential intellectual and essayist, has explained this Samoan relational identity: “I am not an individual; I am an integral part of the cosmos. I share divinity with my ancestors, the land, the seas and the skies. I am not an individual, because I share a ‘tofi’ (an inheritance) with my family, my village and my nation. I belong to my family and my family belongs to me. I belong to my village and my village belongs to me. I belong to my nation and my nation belongs to me. This is the essence of my sense of belonging” (Tui Atua 2003, 51). Elaborations of this relational self are consistent across the different political and geographical entities that Samoans currently inhabit. Par- ticipants in an Aotearoa/New Zealand–based project gathering Samoan perspectives on mental health similarly described “the Samoan self . as having meaning only in relationship with other people, not as an individ- ual. This self could not be separated from the ‘va’ or relational space that occurs between an individual and parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and other extended family and community members” (Tamasese and others 2005, 303).
    [Show full text]
  • Ethnographic Assessment and Overview National Park of American Samoa
    PACIFIC COOPERATIVE STUDIES UNIT UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI`I AT MĀNOA Dr. David C. Duffy, Unit Leader Department of Botany 3190 Maile Way, St. John #408 Honolulu, Hawai’i 96822 Technical Report 152 ETHNOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT AND OVERVIEW NATIONAL PARK OF AMERICAN SAMOA November 2006 Jocelyn Linnekin1, Terry Hunt, Leslie Lang and Timothy McCormick 1 Email: [email protected]. Department of Anthropology, University of Connecticut Beach Hall Room 445, U-2176 354 Mansfield Road Storrs, Connecticut 06269-2176 Ethnographic Assessment and Overview The National Park of American Samoa Table of Contents List of Tables and Figures iii List of Slides v Preface: Study Issues vi Maps vii Key to Maps x I. The Environmental Context 1 Climate and Vegetation 1 The National Park Environments 4 II. Archaeology and Samoan Prehistory 8 Early Settlement 8 Later Inland Settlement 9 Late Prehistoric Period 9 European Contact and the Historical Period 10 Archaeology in the National Park Units 10 III. Research Methodology 15 Documentary Phase 15 Field Research 15 Limitations of the Research 17 IV. Ethnohistory 22 Myths and Legends Relevant to the Park 22 The European Contact Period 25 Western Ethnohistorical and Ethnographic Reports 31 V. Agriculture and Domestically Useful Plants 46 Tutuila Unit 46 Ta'u Unit 49 Ofu Unit 51 Summary 52 VI. Marine Resources 53 Tutuila Unit 53 Ta'u Unit 57 Ofu Unit 58 Summary 61 i VII. Medicinal Plants 63 Ofu Unit 63 Ta'u Unit 66 Tutuila Unit 66 Summary 67 VIII. Analysis of Freelist Data 75 Crops and Cultivated Plants 76 Medicinal Plants 81 Fish and Marine Species 84 Animals and Birds 86 Summary of the Freelist Results 88 IX.
    [Show full text]
  • Cosmos: a Spacetime Odyssey (2014) Episode Scripts Based On
    Cosmos: A SpaceTime Odyssey (2014) Episode Scripts Based on Cosmos: A Personal Voyage by Carl Sagan, Ann Druyan & Steven Soter Directed by Brannon Braga, Bill Pope & Ann Druyan Presented by Neil deGrasse Tyson Composer(s) Alan Silvestri Country of origin United States Original language(s) English No. of episodes 13 (List of episodes) 1 - Standing Up in the Milky Way 2 - Some of the Things That Molecules Do 3 - When Knowledge Conquered Fear 4 - A Sky Full of Ghosts 5 - Hiding In The Light 6 - Deeper, Deeper, Deeper Still 7 - The Clean Room 8 - Sisters of the Sun 9 - The Lost Worlds of Planet Earth 10 - The Electric Boy 11 - The Immortals 12 - The World Set Free 13 - Unafraid Of The Dark 1 - Standing Up in the Milky Way The cosmos is all there is, or ever was, or ever will be. Come with me. A generation ago, the astronomer Carl Sagan stood here and launched hundreds of millions of us on a great adventure: the exploration of the universe revealed by science. It's time to get going again. We're about to begin a journey that will take us from the infinitesimal to the infinite, from the dawn of time to the distant future. We'll explore galaxies and suns and worlds, surf the gravity waves of space-time, encounter beings that live in fire and ice, explore the planets of stars that never die, discover atoms as massive as suns and universes smaller than atoms. Cosmos is also a story about us. It's the saga of how wandering bands of hunters and gatherers found their way to the stars, one adventure with many heroes.
    [Show full text]
  • 2016 CENSUS Brief No.1
    P O BOX 1151 TELEPHONE: (685)62000/21373 LEVEL 1 & 2 FMFM II, Matagialalua FAX No: (685)24675 GOVERNMENT BUILDING Email: [email protected] APIA Website: www.sbs.gov.ws SAMOA 2016 CENSUS Brief No.1 Revised version Population Snapshot and Household Highlights 30th October 2017 1 | P a g e Foreword This publication is the first of a series of Census 2016 Brief reports to be published from the dataset version 1, of the Population and Housing Census, 2016. It provides a snapshot of the information collected from the Population Questionnaire and some highlights of the Housing Questionnaire. It also provides the final count of the population of Samoa in November 7th 2016 by statistical regions, political districts and villages. Over the past censuses, the Samoa Bureau of Statistics has compiled a standard analytical report that users and mainly students find it complex and too technical for their purposes. We have changed our approach in the 2016 census by compiling smaller reports (Census Brief reports) to be released on a quarterly basis with emphasis on different areas of Samoa’s development as well as demands from users. In doing that, we look forward to working more collaboratively with our stakeholders and technical partners in compiling relevant, focused and more user friendly statistical brief reports for planning, policy-making and program interventions. At the same time, the Bureau is giving the public the opportunity to select their own data of interest from the census database for printing rather than the Bureau printing numerous tabulations which mostly remain unused.
    [Show full text]
  • MH-ICP-MS Analysis of the Freshwater and Saltwater Environmental Resources of Upolu Island, Samoa
    Supplementary Materials (SM) MH-ICP-MS Analysis of the Freshwater and Saltwater Environmental Resources of Upolu Island, Samoa Sasan Rabieh 1,*, Odmaa Bayaraa 2, Emarosa Romeo 3, Patila Amosa 4, Khemet Calnek 1, Youssef Idaghdour 2, Michael A. Ochsenkühn 5, Shady A. Amin 5, Gary Goldstein 6 and Timothy G. Bromage 1,7,* 1 Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, 345 East 24th Street, New York, NY 10010, USA; [email protected] (K.C.) 2 Environmental Genomics Lab, Biology Program, Division of Science and Mathematics, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; [email protected] (O.B.); [email protected] (Y.I.) 3 Hydrology Division, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Level 3, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi Building (TATTE), Sogi., P.O. Private Bag, Apia, Samoa; [email protected] (E.R.) 4 Faculty of Science, National University of Samoa, PO Box 1622, Apia, Samoa; [email protected] (P.A.) 5 Marine Microbial Ecology Lab, Biology Program, New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; [email protected] (M.A.O.); [email protected] (S.A.A.) 6 College of Dentistry, New York University, 345 East 24th Street, New York, NY 10010, USA; [email protected] (G.G.) 7 Department of Biomaterials, New York University College of Dentistry, 345 East 24th Street, New York, NY 10010, USA * Correspondence: [email protected] (S.R.); [email protected] (T.G.B.); Tel.: +1-212-998-9638 (S.R.); +1- 212-998-9597 (T.G.B.) Academic Editors: Zikri Arslan and Michael Bolshov Received: 16 August 2020; Accepted: 19 October 2020; Published: date Table S1.
    [Show full text]
  • Biblical Cosmology: the Implications for Bible Translation
    Journal of Translation, Volume 9, Number 2 (2013) 1 Biblical Cosmology: The Implications for Bible Translation John R. Roberts John Roberts is a Senior Linguistics Consultant with SIL International. He has a Ph.D. in Linguistics from University College London. From 1978 to 1998 John supervised the Amele language project in Papua New Guinea during which time translations of Genesis and the New Testament were completed. John has taught graduate level linguistics courses in the UK, USA, Sweden, S. Korea and W. Asia. He has published many articles in the domains of descriptive linguistics and Bible translation and several linguistics books. His current research interest is to understand Genesis 1–11 in an ancient Near East context. Abstract We show that the creation account in Genesis 1.1–2.3 refers to a worldview of the cosmos as the ancient Mesopotamians and ancient Egyptians understood it to be. These civilisations left behind documents, maps and iconography which describe the cosmological beliefs they had. The differences between the biblical cosmology and ancient Near East cosmologies are observed to be mainly theological in nature rather than cosmological. However, the biblical cosmology is conceptually different to a modern view of the cosmos in significant ways. We examine how a range of terms are translated in English Bible translations, including ḥōšeḵ, təhôm, rāqîᵃʿ, hammayim ʾăšer mēʿal lārāqîᵃʿ, and mayim mittaḥaṯ lā’āreṣ, and show that if the denotation of these terms is in accordance with a modern worldview then this results in a text that has incongruities and is incoherent in the nature of the cosmos it depicts.
    [Show full text]
  • Sāmoa’S Development As a ‘Nation’
    Folauga mo A’oa’oga: Migration for education and its impact on Sāmoa’s development as a ‘nation’ The stories of 18 Samoan research participants who migrated for education, and the impact their journeys have made on the development of Sāmoa. BY Avataeao Junior Ulu A thesis submitted to Victoria University of Wellington in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. 2018 Acknowledgements E mamalu oe le Ali’i, maualuga le mea e te afio ai. Ia fa’ane’ene’eina oe le tolu tasi paia. O oe o le Atua fai vavega, le Atua o fa’amalologa, le Atua tali mana’o. Fa’afetai mo lau ta’ita’iga i lenei folauga. Ia fa’aaogaina lo’u tagata e fa’alauteleina ai lou Suafa mamana i le lalolagi. This research would not have been possible without the contributions of my 18 research participants: Aloali’i Viliamu, Aida Sāvea, Cam Wendt, Falefata Hele Ei Matatia & Phillippa Te Hira - Matatia, HE Hinauri Petana, Honiara Salanoa (aka Queen Victoria), Ps Latu Sauluitoga Kupa & Ps Temukisa Kupa, Ps Laumata Pauline Mulitalo, Maiava Iosefa Maiava & Aopapa Maiava, Malae Aloali’i, Papali’i Momoe Malietoa – von Reiche, Nynette Sass, Onosefulu Fuata’i, Sa’ilele Pomare, and Saui’a Dr Louise Marie Tuiomanuolo Mataia-Milo. Each of your respective stories of the challenges you faced while undertaking studies abroad is inspirational. I am humbled that you entrusted me with these rich stories and the generosity with your time. Sāmoa as a ‘nation’ is stronger because of you, continue doing great things for the pearl of Polynesia.
    [Show full text]
  • Nature Is a Heraclitean Fire"
    ' • Studies in the Spirituality of Jesuits JAN 14199? "Nature Is a Heracliteari Fire" Reflections on Cosmology in an Ecological Age LIBRARY 'BK David S. Toolan, S.J. 23/5 November 1991 \J Pot t t->, THE SEMINAR ON JESUIT SPIRITUALITY A group of Jesuits appointed from their provinces in the United States. The Seminar studies topics pertaining to the spiritual doctrine and practice of Jesuits, especially American Jesuits, and communicates the results to the members of the provinces. This is done in the spirit of Vatican IPs recommendation to religious institutes to recapture the original in- spiration of their founders and to adapt it to the circumstances of modern times. The Seminar welcomes reactions or comments in regard to the material which it publishes. The Seminar focuses its direct attention on the life and work of the Jesuits of the United States. The issues treated may be common also to Jesuits of other regions, to other priests, religious, and laity, to both men and women. Hence the Studies, while meant especially for American Jesuits, are not exclusively for them. Others who may find them helpful are cordially welcome to read them. CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE SEMINAR John F. Baldovin, S.J., teaches both historical theology and liturgical theology at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, CA (1991). John B. Breslin, S.J., directs the Georgetown University Press and teaches English at Georgetown University in Washington, DC (1990). Michael L. Cook, S.J., teaches systematic theology at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA (1991). Brian E. Daley, S.J., teaches hisorical theology at the Weston School of Theology in Cambridge, MA (1991).
    [Show full text]
  • Mavae and Tofiga
    Mavae and Tofiga Spatial Exposition of the Samoan Cosmogony and Architecture Albert L. Refiti A thesis submitted to� The Auckland University of Technology �In fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy School of Art & Design� Faculty of Design & Creative Technologies 2014 Table of Contents Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................... i Attestation of Authorship ...................................................................................................... v Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................... vi Dedication ............................................................................................................................ viii Abstract .................................................................................................................................... ix Preface ....................................................................................................................................... 1 1. Leai ni tusiga ata: There are to be no drawings ............................................................. 1 2. Tautuanaga: Rememberance and service ....................................................................... 4 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 6 Spacing ..................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Exploring the Cosmos: the Rhetoric of Successful
    EXPLORING THE COSMOS: THE RHETORIC OF SUCCESSFUL SCIENCE TELEVISION By ALEXANDREA MATTHEWS A THESIS PRESENTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS IN MASS COMMUNICATION UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA 2015 1 © 2015 Alexandrea Matthews 2 To my mom, Dina Matthews, for the never-ending love, encouragement, and support 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I thank my chair, Dr. Debbie Treise, who not only guided me through my thesis but my entire graduate school experience. She has been patient and always accommodating, answering my many questions by e-mail almost immediately, even on weekends, and always found time for me despite her busy schedule. Through the research, coding, and analysis, she has always offered me invaluable insight and editing. I could not be more grateful to have had such a caring, supportive, and experienced thesis chair, advisor, and professor. Thank you for always going above and beyond in these roles. I also thank my other two committee members, Dr. Johanna Cleary and Dr. Elizabeth Lada. They have been supportive and enthusiastic about my research from the beginning and have offered me guidance that really shaped my methodology and research. Dr. Cleary gave me insight from her expertise in telecommunications and offered many great suggestions. Dr. Lada helped me from her expertise in astronomy, as both a committee member and a professor, who gave me the knowledge to approach my thesis from a more informed perspective. I am so thankful to have had such an experienced, diverse committee which could offer me guidance from multiple areas.
    [Show full text]