Central Texas College Distance Learning

Social and Behavioral Sciences Department

http://online.ctcd.edu/

 

EndersUSA Homepage

 

GOVT2301 American Government I

GOVT2302 American Government II

SOCI1301 Introduction to Sociology

SOCI2301 Marriage & Family

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The CTCDL courses in American government are introductory survey courses pertaining to certain aspects of our state and national governments and of the political processes associated with them.  It will provide you with a working knowledge of both governmental and non-governmental institutions which combine to make up our political system.  It will also demonstrate the role of politics in shaping public policy, as well as your individual and collective roles in this process.  They may be taken in either order and have no prerequisites.  The textbook used elaborates on Texas from a state government perspective, as well as America from a national view.  Both courses are three credits each, run for eight weeks, and are self-paced. 

 

 

GOVT 2301 American Government I


Description

  • This course is an introductory, survey course on various United States, Texas, and local government topics.  It includes study of the U.S. and Texas constitutions; federalism; local governments; national, state, and local elections; civil liberties; interest groups; and political parties.
  • This course satisfies three semester hours of the Social/Behavioral Sciences for the Associate of Science and Associate of Arts degrees.  Please check your degree plan to determine the status of this course in your program of study.
  • Prerequisite(s):  None

 

Learning Outcomes

 

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to

  • Describe the structure and operations of both governmental and extra-governmental institutions and their relation.
  • Identify specific historical events and attitudes which have shaped our current governmental systems, and political processes.
  • Explain the role of citizens, both individually and collectively, in our governmental systems, and participate more fully in our democratic process.
  • Recognize, understand, and utilize concepts and terminology related to government and the discipline of political science.
  • Organize and conduct research toward the creation of a well reasoned and written paper, journal, report, or other product.

This course has the same content and rigor as that found in a traditional (face-to-face) classroom.  The online course is based on the departmental syllabus and uses the same instructional materials.

 

Course Materials and Content
 

These are the materials you will need for this course. 

  • American Government & Politics Today.  Central Texas College Edition, 2009-2010.

This textbook is used for both GOVT 2301 and 2302. These are the chapters that will be covered in this course.  

Go to http://www.ctcd.edu/im/im_main.asp for complete information on course materials for this course. Order from MBS Direct at http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/ctc.htm or the CTC Bookstore at http://www.ctcbookstore.com/.

  • Copyright Notice: Materials used in connection with the course may be subject to copyright protection.

 

Textbook Chapters Covered in the Course

Lesson

Title

Chapters

1

The Democratic Republic and the Constitution

1 & 3

2

Federalism and the Texas Constitution

2 & 20

3

Civil Liberties

4

4

Civil Rights

5

5

Interest Groups

7 & 21

6

Political Parties

8 & 22

7

Campaigns, Nominations, and Elections

9, 10, 23

8

Local Government

28

 

 

 

Assignments

Discussion Boards

Each lesson will have several essay questions from which you must choose one. Post your discussion essays by clicking on the discussion board link on the navigation tree to your left. Your essays should be several paragraphs in length and answer all aspects of the question. In order to receive full credit for the discussion essays, you must respond to at least one other student's essay. Your response should be thoughtful. Responding by writing " I agree", or " I disagree", is NOT a sufficient response. A post is worth 15 points and an appropriate response is worth 10 points.

Critical Thinking Assignments

Each chapter in the textbook has a number of questions and scenarios for critical analysis. All require some type of critical analysis. 

Select one of these questions/scenarios for the assigned chapters. Write your response. You must write at least 100 words to support your position. Be sure to note the chapter number and the type of question you picked.

Essay Projects

Each student is expected to participate in two separate essay assignments which get posted on the appropriate discussion board threads.  For more information about these two assignments, please see the two links on the left menu "Trust/Distrust" and "Rights/Liberties".

 

Suggested Course Schedule

 

Recommended Schedule of Assignments
Lesson # Chapter(s) Assignments Recommended Due Dates
1

1 & 3

  • Read Chapters 1 & 3
  • Complete the Learning Activities
  • Complete Critical Thinking and Discussion Assignments
  • Complete QuizCh1 & QuizCh3
  •  

    2

    2 & 20

  • Read Chapters 2 & 20
  • Complete the Learning Activities
  • Complete Critical Thinking and Discussion Assignments
  • Complete QuizCh2 & QuizCh20
  •  

    3

    4

  • Read Chapter 4
  • Complete the Learning Activities
  • Complete Critical Thinking and Discussion Assignments
  • Complete QuizCh4
  • Complete Trust/Distrust Project
  •  

    4

    5

  • Read Chapter 5
  • Complete the Learning Activities
  • Complete Critical Thinking and Discussion Assignments
  • Complete QuizCh5
  • Complete Civil Rights/Liberties Project
  •  

     

     

    5

    7 & 21

  • Read Chapters 7 & 21
  • Complete the Learning Activities
  • Complete Critical Thinking and Discussion Assignments
  • Complete QuizCh7 & QuizCh21
  •  

    6

    8 & 22

  • Read Chapters 8 & 22
  • Complete the Learning Activities
  • Complete Critical Thinking and Discussion Assignments
  • Complete QuizCh8 & QuizCh22
  •  

    7

    9, 10, 23

  • Read Chapters 9, 10, and 23
  • Complete the Learning Activities
  • Complete Critical Thinking and Discussion Assignments
  • Complete QuizCh9, QuizCh10, & QuizCh23
  •  

    8

    28

  • Read Chapter 28
  • Complete the Learning Activities
  • Complete Critical Thinking and Discussion Assignments
  • Complete QuizCh28
  • Take Final Proctored Exam
  •  

     

     

     

     
    Test Information
     

    You will have 14 openbook quizzes (one for each chapter with 20 multiple choice questions) which offer unlimited time.  These are located within the lessons area.    

    You will also have one final proctored exam.  It is your responsibility to identify and schedule a test proctor.  The proctored exam will be available through the Proctored Exam link in the navigation tree.  You will have one hour only.  The exam is essay based and conceptual in nature.  There will be six questions, which you choose only FOUR out of the six to do.  The topics are covering democracy and its paradox (ch1), the US Constitution (ch2) and the Texas Constitution (20), federalism (ch3), party platform of the two major party's, and one on civil/rights and liberties (ch4&5).

    How should I prepare? For hints on preparing to take tests as well as study tips and other useful information, be sure to read the Orientation at the CTC DL website at http://online.ctcd.edu/orientation.cfm

     

    Identify Your Test Proctor/Location
     

    Tests are given online. Proctored exams are administered by approved test proctors or testing centers.  You are responsible for identifying a test proctor, and you must do this at the start of this class.  Go to http://online.ctcd.edu/testing.cfm for information on arranging testing.  

     

    To take a proctored test,

    1. go to your proctor location.
    2. log into this course.
    3. click on Proctored Exams in the navigation tree.
    4. select the test.
    5. have the proctor enter the correct password at the prompt.

     

     

    Course Grade
     

    This is what you are graded on:

    Grade Components
    Component Possible Points Percentage
    Critical Thinking Assignments
    8 @ 25pts

    200 points

    20%

    Discussion Boards
    8 @ 25pts

    200 points

    20%

    Trust/Distrust Project

    100 points

    10%

    Civil Rights/Liberties Project

    100 points

    10%

     Chapter Quizzes 14 @ 20pts

    280 points

    28%

    Final Proctored Exam

    120 points

    12%

     

     

     

    Total

    1000 points

    100%

     

    This is how your course grade will be determined.

    Course Grade Calculation
    Grade

    A

    B C D F
    Percent

    90-100%

    80-89%

    70-79%

    60-69%

    0-59%

    Points

    900-1000

    800-899

    700-799

    600-699

    0-599

     

     
     
    This is how your course grade will be determined:   
     
    Grade

    A

    B

    C

    D

    F

    Percent

    90-100%

    80-89%

    70-79%

    60-69%

    0-59%

    Points
    900-1000
    800-899
    700-799
    600-699
    0-599

     

     

     

    GOVT2302 American Government II


    Description

    • An introductory, survey course on various United States, Texas, and local government topics.  This course includes study of institutions of national and Texas governments, including the executive, legislative, and judicial branches; the bureaucracy; and public policy, including defense and foreign relations.
    • This course satisfies three semester hours of the Social/Behavioral Sciences for the Associate of Science and Associate of Arts degrees.  Please check your degree plan to determine the status of this course in your program of study.
    • Prerequisite(s):  None

     

    Learning Outcomes

     

    Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to

    • Describe the structure and operations of both governmental and extra-governmental institutions and their relationships.
    • Identify specific historical events and attitudes which have shaped our current governmental systems, and political processes.
    • Explain the role of citizens, both individually and collectively, in our governmental systems, and participate more fully in our democratic process.
    •  Recognize, understand, and utilize concepts and terminology related to government and the discipline of political science.
    • Organize and conduct research toward the creation of a well reasoned and written paper, journal, report, or other product.

    This course has the same content and rigor as that found in a traditional (face-to-face) classroom.  The online course is based on the departmental syllabus and uses the same instructional materials.

     

    Course Materials and Content
     

    These are the materials you will need for this course. 

    • Textbook:  Schmidt, Shelley, Bardes, Maxwell, and Crain. American Government and Politics Today; 2007-2008 Texas edition.

    Go to http://www.ctcd.edu/im/im_main.asp for complete information on course materials for this course. Please note that MBS ships books to eArmyU students based on the enrollment information in the eArmyU portal at https://www.earmyu.com . GoArmyEd and other students must procure their own materials. Order from MBS Direct at http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/ctc.htm or the CTC Bookstore at http://www.ctcbookstore.com/.

    This textbook is used for both GOVT 2301 and 2302. These are the chapters that will be covered in this course. 

     

    American Government II

    American Government and Politics Today

    Lesson

    Title

    Chapter(s)

    1

    The Legislative Branch 11 and 23

    2

    The Executive Branch 12

    3

    The Bureaucracy 13

    4

    The Texas Executive Branch 24

    5

    The Judiciary 14, 25
    6
    Domestic Policy 15
    7
    Economic Policy 16
    8
    Foreign Policy 17

     

     

    Identify Your Test Proctor/Location
     

    Tests are given online. Proctored exams are administered by approved test proctors or testing centers.  You are responsible for identifying a test proctor, and you must do this at the start of this class.  Go to http://online.ctcd.edu/testing.cfm for information on arranging testing.  

    To take a proctored test,

    1. go to your proctor location.
    2. log into this course.
    3. click on Proctored Exams in the navigation tree.
    4. select the test.
    5. have the proctor enter the correct password at the prompt.
    Extensions--IP (Course in Progress)
     

    In general, extensions are not granted; i.e., you must complete all coursework by the last day of class, and you must meet any and all deadlines within the course session as posted by your instructor. 

    An “IP” grade may be assigned by an instructor.  In order to be considered for an “IP” you must meet all of the following requirements:

    • Have made satisfactory progress in a course.
    • Have completed the major portion of the course requirements as scheduled, with the exception of a major quiz, final exam, or other project.
    • The reason for being unable to complete the course requirements is due to circumstances beyond your control, such as personal illness, death in the immediate family, military orders, or, in the case of distance learning courses, technology issues.
    • You can provide acceptable documentation of these circumstances.
    • Have notified the instructor in advance of absences/non-participation, whenever possible.
    • Provide a realistic proposal with specific timelines for completion of the remaining course requirements.

    Any requests for extensions must be submitted to your instructor in writing (emails or messages) prior to the end of the course.  IPs are not granted automatically.  The instructor makes the final decision concerning the granting of the incomplete grade (course extension) and will set an appropriate deadline for the extension based on the amount of coursework remaining.  An “IP” grade cannot be replaced by the grade of “W.”  If you elect to repeat the course, you must register, pay full tuition and fees and repeat the entire course.

    It is your responsibility to arrange with the instructor for the assignment of work necessary to complete the course within the time specified.  You are also responsible for maintaining contact with your instructor during this time period.

    All coursework must be submitted prior to 110 days from the last day of class to allow for processing of your grade.  Failure to do so will result in the IP becoming an F or FI.  Under no circumstances will the deadline exceed 110 days after the scheduled end of the course.

    If you feel you cannot continue with the course, it is your responsibility to withdraw using the appropriate procedures based on your individual situation.  Information and forms are available at http://www.ctcd.edu/student/forms_student.htm.  Questions may be directed to the Online Mentors at online.mentors@ctcd.edu or 800-792-3348 ext. 1296 or 254-526-1296.  Failure to properly withdraw may result in your earning a failing grade for this course.

     

    Assignments and Course Schedule
     

    Delivery and Terms (Instructor--delete those that do not apply.  If you are in doubt, ask your supervisor.)

    1. This is NOT a self-paced course.  Your instructor has assigned deadlines for specific assignments as shown in the course schedule.
    2. This is a self-paced course, which means that you may work at your own pace within the eight weeks of the course, but you MUST complete all coursework on or before the last day of class.  To help you meet this requirement, your instructor provides a recommended course schedule.  Refer often to the course schedule and the course calendar to stay on task. 
    3. This is an offline access, or OLA, class.  It is designed for eArmyU students who may have some interruptions in their Internet accessibility.

    The class begins on XXXXX and ends on XXXXX.   Please use GOVT-2302-TXXXX (instructor should substitute correct Datatel course information) with all correspondence regarding this course.

    Course Assignments
     

    Required Course Assignments:

    Critical Analysis Assignments (discussion board) 10x30pts = 300 points

    Choose one critical analysis scenario for each of the chapters which are located within the lessons area.  All require some type of critical analysis.   Write your response and post it to the proper discussion board thread.  Please note the chapter and write out the question that you choose to discuss.  DO NOT post attachments on the board.  Always determine both or multiple sides of the argument before your defense is made.  Each response should be at least 100-200 words to support your position.

    Chapter Essay Questions (discussion board) 10x15pts = 150 points

    Choose one essay question for each of the chapters which are located within the lessons area.  Answer it on the appropriate discussion thread.  Please note the chapter and write out the question that you choose to discuss.  DO NOT post attachments on the board.  Each answer should be at least 50-100 words.

    US or Texas Supreme Court Case Study (discussion board) = 100 points

    This is a group effort and participation with others is mandatory.  For more information about this project, click on papers/projects in the navigation tree.

    US or Texas Legislation Project (discussion board) = 100 points

    This is a group effort and participation with others is mandatory.  For more information about this project, click on papers/projects in the navigation tree.

    Quizzes 10x25pts = 250 points

    Ten Quizzes (non-proctored) are located throughout the lessons area, which include 25 multiple choice in each.  You have unlimited time and resources to take them.

    Proctored Final Exam = 50x 2pts = 100 points

    No notes or books are allowed, which include 50 multiple choice questions, with a one hour limit.

    Total possible points = 1000

    This course is self-paced so this schedule is merely "suggested".  Students will not lose points for late submissions.

     

    Lesson Week

    Chapter & Title

    Assignments

    Recommended Due Dates

    1

    11  The US Legislative Branch

    23 The Texas Legislative Branch

    • complete lesson activities
    • two essay questions 
    • two critical analysis assignment
    • two quizzes

     

     

    2

    12  The Presidency & US Executive Branch
    • complete lesson activities
    • one essay question 
    • one critical analysis assignment 
    • one quiz

     

    3

    24  The Texas Executive Branch
    • complete lesson activities
    • one essay question 
    • one critical analysis assignment 
    • one quiz
    • post US or Texas legislative project

     

     

    4

    13  The Bureaucracy
    • complete lesson activities
    • one essay question 
    • one critical analysis assignment 
    • one quiz

     

     

    5

    14  US Judiciary

    25  Texas Judiciary

    • complete lesson activities
    • two essay questions 
    • two critical analysis assignment
    • two quizzes

     

     

    6

    15  Domestic Policy
    • complete lesson activities
    • one essay question 
    • one critical analysis assignment 
    • one quiz
    • post US or Texas Supreme Court Case

     

     

    7

    16  Economic Policy
    • complete lesson activities
    • one essay question 
    • one critical analysis assignment 
    • one quiz
    • responses to legislative and court case assignments

     

     

    8 17  Foreign Policy
    • complete lesson activities
    • one essay question 
    • one critical analysis assignment 
    • one quiz
    • Take Final Exam (proctored)

     

     

     

     

     


     

    Course Grade
     

    This is what you are graded on:     
     

    Component Points Possible Percentage Time, Resources & Participation Method of Submission

    Critical Analysis Assignments

    (10x30pts)

    300

     30%

    unlimited & individual submission discussion board
    Chapter Essay Questions (10x15pts)

    150

    15%

    unlimited & individual submission discussion board

    Legislation Project

    100

     10%

    unlimited & participation required discussion board
    US or TX Supreme Court Case Study

    100

      10%

    unlimited & participation required discussion board
    Quizzes (10x25pts)

    250

      25%

    unlimited non-proctored

    Proctored Final Exam

    100

      10%

    no resources allowed  one hour limit proctored

    Total

    1000

     100%

       
     
     
     
    This is how your course grade will be determined:
     
     
     
    Grade

    A

    B

    C

    D

    F

    Percent

    90-100%

    80-89%

    70-79%

    60-69%

    0-59%

    Points
    900-1000
    800-899
    700-799
    600-699
    0-599

     

     

     

    SOCI1301 Introduction to Sociology

     

    Sociology is the study of human society and human behavior as a product of group life, community organization, social change and current social problems. 

    In this course we will be looking at the groups that make up a society: their  beliefs, norms, and practices.  Some of the provocative issues we may be exploring are:

    These may be just a few of the topics we may be discussing.  You will be using a variety of online user-friendly tools to enhance your learning:  Flashcards, Interactive Maps, Critical Thinking Questions, Video Clips, and Practice Multiple Choice Questions. 

    Remember, however, that in order to maximize your learning experience, it requires solid effort on your part.  This is a concentrated course; you need to plan your time and pace yourself to complete all the required work.  As with any class, the more you put into it, the greater your rewards will be, both personally and professionally.

    An introductory course in sociology should capture the interest of the student and demonstrate both the process and challenge of scientific observation and analysis of social behavior in an interesting and student-involved way. In addition, an introductory course in sociology should seek to cultivate in the student the habit of scientific analysis of social data.  Unless the student gains a sophisticated awareness of his/her own ethnocentrism and some ability to objectify his/her observation, this course in sociology has failed one of its major objectives.

    You are about to embark on a fascinating virtual journey into the exciting world of sociology.  After this course you will never quite view yourself or the world the same again.  I am here to answer your questions and provide guidance.  I look forward to meeting you online and sharing your experience.

    Learning Outcomes

    Upon successful completion of this course, Introduction to Sociology, students will:

    This course has the same content and rigor as that found in a traditional (face-to-face) classroom.  The online course is based on the departmental syllabus and uses the same instructional materials.

     These are the materials you will need for this course. 

    Go to http://www.ctcd.edu/im/im_main.asp for complete information on course materials for this course. Please note that MBS ships books to eArmyU students based on the enrollment information in the eArmyU portal at https://www.earmyu.com . GoArmyEd and other students must procure their own materials. Order from MBS Direct at http://direct.mbsbooks.com/ctc.htm or the CTC Bookstore at http://www.ctcbookstore.com/.


     
    Assignments & Suggested Course Schedule
     

    Discussion Board Assignments:

    There are 15 discussion board assignments, one in the first week and two per week thereafter.  There are also threads for the two 10% assignments below.  Follow the directions posted in the lessons area for the weekly DB assignments which are worth 20 points each for a total of 30% of the course grade (20pts x15).

         Self Discovery Assignment: (100pts / 10%)

    • Choose TWO student activities which are located under the "Assignments" link on the left hand menu.   

    • Research the topic and ponder it in reference to your own life.

    • Write a short informal essay (approximately 300-400 words) for EACH and post it to the appropriate discussion thread.

    • Examine TWO other students essays and post responses to their essays (approximately 100 words each).

     

    Sociologist Assignment: (100pts / 10%)   

    • Choose a sociologist from the list found under the "Assignments" link found on the left hand menu. 

    • Research the topic using multiple reliable sources (at least three sources).

    • Write an informal essay (approximately 600-800 word) and post it to the appropriate discussion thread.

    • Examine TWO other students essays and post responses to their essays (approximately 100 words each)

     

    Grading criteria for both assignments are below:

      

    grading criteria

    possible points

    participation in discussions & responses

    20

    textbook cited or outside resources noted

    10

    content knowledge learned and research done

     60 

    proper use of grammar, spelling, writing organization, and staying on topic

    10

     

    100

     

    This is a self paced course, however below is a recommended schedule to help keep you on track:

    Suggested Course Schedule:

     

    Lesson Week Chapter & Title Assignments Recommended Due Dates
    1  1  The Sociological Perspective

     2  How Sociologists Do Research

    Introduction / Quiz1

    DB1ch2 / Quiz2

     
    2  3  Culture

     4  Socialization

    DB2ch3 / Quiz3

    DB3ch4 / Quiz4

     
    3  7  Bureaucracy & Organizations

     8  Deviance & Social Control

    DB4ch7 / Quiz5

    DB5ch8 / Quiz6

     
    4  9  Global Stratification

    10  Social Class in the U. S.

    DB6ch9 / Quiz7

    DB7ch10 / Quiz8 / 1st Self Discovery 

     
    5 11  Sex and Gender

    12  Race and Ethnicity

    DB8ch11 / Quiz9

    DB9ch12 / Quiz10

     
    6 13  The Elderly

    14  The Economy

    DB10ch13 / Quiz11 / Choose a Sociologist

    DB11ch14 / Quiz12

     
    7 15  Politics

    16  The Family

    DB12ch15 / Quiz13

    DB13ch16 / Quiz14 / 2nd Self Discovery

     
    8 17  Education

    18  Religion

    DB14ch17 / Quiz15

    DB15ch18 / Quiz16 / Final Exam

     

     

     

    Grading for the Course
     
    Component Points Possible Percentage Time & Resources Method of Submission

    Discussion Board Assignments (15x20pts)

    300

     30%

    unlimited discussion board

    Quizzes (16x25pts)

    25 multiple choice

    1 point each 

    400

     40%

    unlimited non-proctored
    Self Discovery Assignment

    100

      10%

    unlimited discussion board

    Choose a Sociologist

    100

      10%

    unlimited discussion board

    Proctored Final Exam (essay)

     100

    10%

    one hour                      no resources allowed proctored 

    Total

     1000

     100%

       
     
    This is how your course grade will be determined:
     
     
     
    Grade

    A

    B

    C

    D

    F

    Percent

    90-100%

    80-89%

    70-79%

    60-69%

    0-59%

    Points
    900-1000
    800-899
    700-799
    600-699
    0-599

     

     

     

     

     

    SOCI2301 Marriage & Family

     

    It could be argued that establishing a successful marriage and raising a healthy family are the two most important accomplishments in achieving a happy life.  This course will explore the major topics in marriage and family and, hopefully, cause students to think deeply about their attitudes, experiences, and plans as they apply to their families.  This course may be taken as an elective credit course for many degree plans, or it may be a degree requirement as is the case in the Chemical Dependency Counseling Program.  This course is transferable to upper-division colleges and universities; however, students are advised to check the transfer requirements of the Institutions to which they intend to transfer.

    Course Objectives:

    Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

    Required Text: Lauer & Lauer, Marriage and Family, 6th Edition, McGraw-Hill

     

    These are the chapters that will be covered in this course. 
    SOCI2301   Marriage and The Family
    Lesson
    Lesson Title

    Due Date

    Chapter
    Chapter Title 
    1
     The Context of Intimacy  

     1

     American Myths and Dreams

     2

     Diversity in Families
    2
     The Context of Intimacy  

     3

     Gender Roles: Foundation for Intimacy

     4

     Sexuality
    3
     Seeking Intimate Relationships  

     5

     Getting to Know Someone Else

     6

     Getting Involved

    4

     Seeking Intimate Relationships  

    7

     Falling in Love

    8

     Selecting a Life Partner

    5

     The Intimate Couple  

    9

     Getting Married

    10

     The Challenge of Communication
    6
     The Intimate Couple  

    11

     Power and Conflict in Marriage

    12

     Work and Home
    7
     Intimacy in Families  

    13

     Becoming a Parent

     14

     The Family Life Cycle
    8
     Challenges to Intimacy  

     15

     Family Crises

     16

     Separation and Divorce

     17

     Remarriage and Stepfamilies
     

     

    This is how your grade in this course will be determined: 

    Grade Component

    Points

    Percent of Grade

         

     Chapter discussion essays (17ch 15pts each)

    255

    25.5%

     Chapter quizzes (17ch 25pts each)

    425

     42.5%

     Research Paper

    200

      20%  

     Proctored Final

     120 

     12%

     

       

     Course Total

    1000 100%

     

     

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