2.4

Henri Lustiger-Thaler

Social Science - Ramapo College of New Jersey

2.4
Quality
3.5
Difficulty
26%
Would Retake
84
Reviews
2.4
Quality
3.5
Difficulty
2.4
Helpful
2.3
Clarity

26%

Would Retake

84

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

5

4

18

3

14

2

21

1

26

What Students Say

A lot of very difficult readings

SOCTHEORY - 3.0 rating

Hard exams, difficult readings, lots of memorization of all philosophers

SOCICULTURE - 3.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

96%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

86% confidence
Based on 12 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (6)
A (4)
A- (3)
Grade Distribution
A(4)B(3)C(1)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(4)
Based on 18 reported grades
Not sure yet: 6
A: 4
A-: 3
B: 3
Common Tags
Lecture heavy (12)
Participation matters (9)
Lots of homework (6)
Get ready to read (6)
Group projects (6)
So many papers (4)
Graded by few things (3)
Tough Grader (2)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.14 avg change
Dec
Apr
May
Dec
Feb
Mar
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

SOCHIST

5.0

(1)

63

4.0

(1)

SOCIALMVMNTS

4.0

(1)

PSYTHEO

4.0

(1)

SOCI332

4.0

(1)
+33 more courses
Difficulty by Course

101

5.0

HIST

5.0

HISTOFSO

5.0

SOCTHOUG

5.0

SOCMOVEMEN

5.0

Reviews (84)
4.0
3.0
63
Apr 17, 2003

I had him for History of Social Thought. He seems worse then he actually appears. He's not all that bad. He knows his information. If you talk in class you will be fine. Midterm and Final Paper...no tests

4.0
5.0
PHILOSOPHY
Apr 23, 2003

No Comments

4.0
3.0
SOCIOLOGY
May 4, 2003

Gives two tough papers, 10 pgs. 1.5 writing, but that's it, he likes participation

3.0
4.0
PHILOSOPHY
May 9, 2003

No Comments

3.0
5.0
HIST
Jun 29, 2003

he is ok- but the material is hard- he likes participation

3.0
4.0
SOCIALTHO
Sep 12, 2003

Hes a lil flammey but talks like a text book. You gotta put out a lot of effort in this class to do well. Love the glasses :)

3.0
3.0
SOC101
Nov 3, 2003

he's a really nice guy...personally he talks to much and most of us don't understand him when he is talkin..this class is kind of boring

4.0
3.0
SOCIOLOGY
Nov 14, 2003

sometimes tough to follow, but is a really nice guy.talks a lot so u might get bored.he really is educated but his 2 papers are MURDER though!if ur up to a lot of work then great...if not then good luck with this class!overall great guy!

2.0
5.0
HISTOFSO
Nov 20, 2003

He is a very nice guy,& has a #of positive attributes such as his wardrobe & style,unfortunately talking on a college student's level is not in his repetoire. if u enjoy being confused then his class is for you. he is obsessed with the word "modernit

2.0
3.0
HSOCTHT
Nov 25, 2003

he is one of the worst teachers i've had. heard he grades easily, but i wouldn't know b/c he still hasn't handed back our first mid term paper (and its december). barely lectures, wont learn anything, class is a big waste of time, he sux.

3.0
2.0
INTOSOCIO
Dec 4, 2003

Don't take this man. Please do not take this man. This man is very boring. Everytime I go into the class I feel like vomitting everywhere. The boredem reaches new dimensions of mental and physical torture.

1.0
2.0
SOCIOLOGY
Dec 9, 2003

Just talks and talks and talks for NO reason... terrible teacher do not take him if possible

2.0
5.0
SOCTHOUG
Dec 11, 2003

really nice guy, really smart, buy sooo imposible to understand, I hated this class! I might get a B?

1.0
3.0
HISSOCTHOU
Dec 12, 2003

you should have gotten that lisp taken care of along time ago...talks above everyone else..nice man..sucks as a teacher

2.0
4.0
HISSOTHT
Dec 17, 2003

he would be better suited to a cafe in france or something. basically stops teaching 1/2 way through semester. boring, confusing, etc. was the lesser of two evils though..only 1 book compared to 6 or 7. 1 pres and 2 essays for exams. decision is yours

2.0
3.0
INTROTOSOC
Dec 18, 2003

I really hated this class. Very boring and the guy brags about himself constantly and how he's a writer. Have to write two 10 page papers that are annoying. Taking this class with this guy is definitely a boso no-no.

2.0
5.0
HISTSOCTHO
Feb 18, 2004

couldn't understand a word of what the man was saying. impossible essay assignments that have to be a million pages long. sooooo bored. avoid at all costs!!!

1.0
5.0
INTROSOC
Mar 19, 2004

Horrible. Bought the $80 book and took notes for the first 5 chapters, never discussed anything relevant. Couldn't sell it back! Horrible grader, didn't learn a damn thing. Should have argued my C+, dread seeing him around campus

1.0
3.0
INTROSOC
May 7, 2004

TERRIBLE. ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE. that's all i have to say.

5.0
5.0
SOCTHEORY
May 19, 2004

I orginally took this class and ended up dropping it because he scared me. Last year I took the class over because i had to. The class was cool, the readings were hard. If you talk to him, HE WILL HELP YOU, but he won't go out of his way to help you.

2.0
5.0
SOCMOVEMEN
Aug 30, 2004

WORST TEACHER EVER! doesn't explain anything well! loves to hear himself talk! LONG F'IN PAPERS! don't take him, unless you wanna teach yourself. (but nice dressing style!)

3.0
2.0
SOCIOLOGY
Sep 30, 2004

annoying lisp but I never went to class and I got a B in both classes with him. Two long papers but even if you get bad grades on them you still get a B boring class but worth the grade

1.0
5.0
SOCIOLOGY
Nov 6, 2004

JUST SAY NO!!! You will be really sorry if you take any classes with this guy. TRUST ME. Have you ever had to write a paper in 1.5 spacing instead of double? Well take him if you wanna find out what that feels like... two papers... FIFTEEN PAGES EACH!!!!!!!! He sucks!!!!!!

2.0
3.0
INTROSOC
Nov 11, 2004

Not clear at all...2 essays and a presentation, that's all, you never know what your grade might be until the end when you get your papers back. Likes to talk a lot, sometimes not even about sociology..

4.0
3.0
SOCIALMOVEMENT
Dec 6, 2004

He is a great teacher, although sometimes he does get off track i found him to be extremely intelligent and informative. He does give long papers, but come on, its college what are you expecting. He doesn't ask anything more of you then to read the chapters and write two papers...give me a break

4.0
3.0
SOCIALMVMNTS
Dec 7, 2004

If you dont mind listening, its a great class. Papers were a bit arduous but he didnt mind that mine were all shorter than he asked. And yes 1.5 spacing is a bit abnoxious but overall a great class and a great teacher. VIVA LA FRANCE!

5.0
2.0
SOCIALMOVEMENT
Jan 4, 2005

He lectures alot, but its very informative to CURRENT issues instead of the same history you have to hear all the time. its an easy class. the midterm and final can be a tough about 8pgs, but he's easy to talk to and get help from. Easy class, and he's an enjoyably informative teacher.

2.0
3.0
INTROTOSOC
Jan 29, 2005

The worst teacher i have ever had in my time at ramapo, and my life. he doesnt care about students and has screwed numerous people over. He thinks he defines "sociology" and really is just an arrogant, uninformative person. I have no idea why he still works at Ramapo. Dont take him.Seriously

1.0
4.0
SOCMOVE
Feb 28, 2005

Hes a crazy egomaniac who says things that nobody in the class can understand.

5.0
2.0
INTROSOCIOLOGY
Apr 12, 2005

My class only had like 5 kids and Im so0o glad. A lot of people said he lectured, but it was more like he was talking to us(there is a difference!). Bring an article in for each class andn participate and your good(25% of final grade).

1.0
2.0
MSOC221
Apr 14, 2005

he sucks

1.0
5.0
SOCIALMOV
Apr 20, 2005

He really isn't a good professor, does NOT by any means give the class any intro to social mov, he just expects you to know. Two 10 page papers (25% ea), a group presentation (25%), and participation (25%) make up your entire grade. Not easy to follow, he is VERY wordy. The book is hard to read.

3.0
4.0
SOCMVMTS
May 12, 2005

Not much work to do, except for the two papers. He is an egomaniac that thinks his book he edited is the greatest thing since the light bulb (not to mention the book is hard as hell to understand!)

2.0
4.0
INTROSOCIOLOGY
May 15, 2005

in this class you have 2 ten page papers and a presentation. every class you have to hand in an article and how it relates to sociology. this teacher does not read your papers and gives you random grades. class was interesting but he kind of pissed me off with how he graded my papers.

1.0
5.0
SOCIALMOVEMENT
May 26, 2005

No Comments

1.0
4.0
MSOC101
May 26, 2005

Very unclear when lecturing. Has no real style of grading, just 2 10 page papers and a presentation. The first paper he gives no comments on to help you improve for the next one. If you ASK him, he'll up your grade to keep from having to work a little harder to clarify. STAY AWAY FROM HIM, i would NEVER take one of his classes EVER again.

1.0
5.0
101
Sep 8, 2005

do not take his class.

1.0
4.0
SOCIALMOVEMENT
Dec 14, 2005

Very hard to understand, gives confusing lectures. Seems to be very full of himself. You won't learn much about any actual Social Movements (all we did was watch a video on Civil rights) just lots of theory. His book has some of the most awful writing I've had in a textbook yet. Stay away.

1.0
4.0
INTROTOSOC
Jan 21, 2006

arrogant, stuck up, full of himself, any other word to describe one of those people you dont ever want to be around. he is better than you, there is just no fighting it.

1.0
3.0
SOCIOLOGY
Feb 6, 2006

i had him last semester for sociology and he was horrible do not take this class. if u do not share his exact opinions he will basically not care or listen to what u have to say he makes his two ten page papers size 11 font and single spaced how ridiculous is that he is very stuck up very arogant and deffinetly in love with himself

1.0
5.0
SOCIOLOGY
Apr 14, 2006

AVOID THIS MAN LIKE THE PLAGUE!!! He will go out of his way to insult you in front of your classmates. Not cool at all.

4.0
4.0
SOCIOLOGY
May 2, 2006

I thought the class was very good, and I learned alot. If you do not understand sociology and dont care to then dont take this class. If you do how ever want to learn and are willing to get a grade based on your effort I suggest this class. I personally enjoyed this class, but I also did the work and showed up for class.

3.0
1.0
SOCI303
Oct 26, 2007

his class is pretty easy. but hes so boring its like death sitting in his class. A lot of work, but its pretty easy work. Two page paper due every class and a 15 page paper at the end of the semester. Hes easy. but.. dont take him. If you miss two classes he will fail you for the semester

4.0
1.0
SOCI303
Dec 13, 2007

he is an incredibly nice man. his class is just super boring

5.0
3.0
SOCHIST
Apr 24, 2009

HE is an amazing teacher. I learned so much from him and he is really cool. He has an amazing sense of style and is overall a great guy. Really kind and understanding.

4.0
1.0
SOCI101
Oct 31, 2010

He isn't too bad. He talks every class, but his lectures are VERY easy to follow. I don't understand why everyone this he is hard teacher. He does constantly forget what he assigned, except big papers. I like him and would take other classes with him.

4.0
3.0
PSYTHEO
Nov 4, 2010

Social Theory. Very clearly defines readings. Two take home papers and group presentation. Kind of tough grader, take lots of notes. Overall good class, good professor. Basically same material as history of social thought..

3.0
4.0
SOSC101
Apr 26, 2012

He is terrible at explaining concepts and then holds you accountable for everything. Turned an into class into something incredibly difficult and boring. If you're looking for an easy and interesting class, take a different professor.

2.0
5.0
THEOR300
May 10, 2012

do not take this class. he does not answer emails right before tests when he says he is going to and expects you know everything about each philosopher. worst class i've ever taken at ramapo.

2.0
5.0
SOCI101
May 30, 2012

Debated picking up a sociology minor so I gave his INTRO course a try. I'm an A student and this guy turned this class into a 300-level course. I felt so bad for the freshman in the class they were traumatized. Boring/difficult lectures, rarely answered emails, busy work, and only grades you got were midterm and final, which were IMPOSSIBLE.

2.0
3.0
SOCI101
Dec 18, 2012

Definitely a difficult intro course. He forgets little assignments but he assigns large papers occassionally. His midterm was fairly difficult but he is willing to work with the class if the entire class has trouble on something. He isn't the toughest grader but he knows when you are BSing him. He is very strict on attendance which is mandatory.

4.0
2.0
SOC101
Jun 18, 2013

Kind of boring, but he was very straightforward. Class structure mostly consists of him lecturing the entire time, with a few group projects, which weren't too difficult. I'd advise a student taking his class to take a lot of notes, because he will move on to the next subject pretty quickly.

1.0
4.0
SOCI101
Dec 10, 2013

He is teaching this class based off his ego, and he makes little to no sense when he is giving lectures. He will not let anyone voice their opinion without "correcting" them with his own. It is an intro course and he just doesn't see that. Stay away from this professor if you have to take this course.

5.0
3.0
SOCTHEORY
Dec 15, 2013

Had him for social Theory and Sociology of Culture. One midterm paper, a final, and one group presentation. Really easy to follow discussions and really just cares about you grasping the concepts. He just wants to see you trying your best to understand the theorists and will give you points for effort.

2.0
4.0
SOCS301
Jan 4, 2014

Took him for both Social Theory and Sociology of Culture. Requires LOTS of readings, too many 2 page essays, one presentation, one extremely hard take-home midterm, and extremely difficult essay final exam (no notes allowed!) Very tough grader and rarely responds to any email and difficult to reach him during office hours.

3.0
4.0
SOCTHEORY
Jan 4, 2014

A lot of very difficult readings. You must know about every philosopher and no notes allowed at all on the final exam (difficult!). Don't bother emailing him because he will never respond, and you don't know how you are doing in class until the take home midterm exam (difficult again). Tough grader too... Blah miserable!

3.0
4.0
SOCICULTURE
Jan 10, 2014

His Sociology of Culture class is basically another boring and very challenging Social Philosophy and similar to History of Social Thought (more philosophers and harder). This professor is so rude and annoying saying repeatedly "Before Common Era" instead of "BC" all the time. Hard exams, difficult readings, lots of memorization of all philosophers

2.0
5.0
SOCI301
Grade: C+
Jun 14, 2014

This is the hardest class I have ever taken by far.... He expects you to study and know about 15 - 20 different philosophers and his midterm is very difficult!! Though he is very nice.

4.0
4.0
SOCTHEORY
Sep 3, 2014

Took Social Theory and Sociology of Culture with him. The concepts are hard, but he will go over anything you're having trouble with during class - just ask! He mainly cares to see you trying your best at understanding the theories and concepts. Was always super friendly and really likes class discussions

4.0
4.0
SOSC235
Grade: A-
Apr 14, 2015

He is a tough grader but is very clear in his assignments. He is clearly an incredibly smart professor and Is capable of bringing the difficult subject matter down to a reasonable level. Do the homework!

1.0
4.0
SOSC101
Grade: B
Apr 29, 2016

He is unclear about what he wants. If you email him there is a 100% chance he will not respond. He goes out of his way to be unhelpful and sits on his phone during your presentations. He will do nothing to help you boost your grade and is an absolute nightmare the entire semester. I would recommend taking him if you like torturing yourself.

2.0
3.0
SOCI101
Dec 14, 2016
Wouldn't take again

He was a decent teacher, he just rambled on for the full hour and a half about the work. He was not to clear on when things were due unless it was the midterm or final so beware and always keep a planner with you. Also, he does allow laptops in class

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
SO MANY PAPERS
1.0
4.0
SOSC101
Jan 31, 2017
Wouldn't take again

talks fast, rambles, and goes off topic the whole time and still expects you to understand the material. talks about politics a lot, doesnt answer emails, and is unclear about assignments. way too hard for a 101 level class.

Tough Grader
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
4.0
SOC101
Grade: Not sure yet
May 9, 2018
Wouldn't take again

I never had a problem with this professor answering e-mails like a few people on here said. He answered my questions fully every time however he does ramble the entire class and none of it has to do with any of his assignments. Real nice guy but definitely too in-depth and off-topic for a 100 level course.

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
2.0
3.0
SOCI101
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 1, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He tends to get off topic and doesn't explain things very well. He can get very quiet at times and he expects you to still understand him. Doesn't give good feedback, and I have not received back one assignment I've done and there's like a month left of school. He only gives twp page essays for homework but doesn't actually teach anything.

Graded by few things
Clear grading criteria
1.0
2.0
SOCI101
Apr 26, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Class is an easy A, no tests and quizzes His sociology class is not great for someone who is majoring in that- in other words do not take him

Respected
Graded by few things
Clear grading criteria
1.0
3.0
SOCI101
Oct 15, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He gives a lot of homework.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
SOC101
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 19, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Tends to go off topic in class and not cover the chapters fully. Gives a lot of written homework and does not give any feedback on it. Midterm and final are 12 page research papers, way too much for an into class.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Participation matters
4.0
3.0
SOCI101
Grade: A
Dec 30, 2019
Would take again

Into to sociology was a good class. Midterm and final are 10 page papers- can be a little confusing, but he is accommodating, plus one group project. 2 page writeup per chapter. Not a lot of feedback is given. He expects participation in class, but it is not difficult. Overall would recommend.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Group projects
3.0
3.0
SOCI101
Nov 3, 2020
Would take again

He gives almost weekly assignment memos. Has you talk about your assignment memo for around 5 minutes. Has a 10 page minimum on the midterm and a large final. He lectures and sometimes has students have input on what he is speaking about. Not too bad but have to pay attention in class.

Lecture heavy
3.0
3.0
SOC101
Dec 11, 2020
Wouldn't take again

His class was mainly lectures and presentations. I did learn a lot from the class and it was very helpful for my major. I personally would not take him again only because of the two 10 page papers and 5 minute presentations. The presentations are done almost weekly so prepare for that if you take him! Also read the syllabus please.

Lots of homework
Group projects
Lecture heavy
4.0
4.0
SOCI332
Jan 1, 2021
Would take again

He is a very good teacher and you do learn a lot from the course. He relates the content to the real world and does give good lectures. Course consists of, Group presentations, A 10-15 Page take home midterm and final, and Paragraph Summaries. Textbook is a must. He is strict with in class behavior, and more strict with having Cameras on.

Group projects
Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
3.0
3.0
SOCI101
Grade: A
Jan 8, 2021
Would take again

Professor Lustiger-Thaler was a good professor. Means well. A lot of little assignments that take little time to do. Definitely ask questions if your confused. Lectured every class with no powerpoint or anything. Just him talking. If he sees that your trying and participate it is very easy to get on his good side.

Participation matters
Lecture heavy
So many papers
4.0
4.0
SOSC101
Grade: B+
Feb 19, 2021
Wouldn't take again

This Professor was at times boring, and he doesnt use a PowerPoint to engage or anything like that, its just him taking. Hes a really smart guy and you do learn a lot.. but you have to do the work and talk to him. Assignments are reoccurring which makes it easy. Not much patience though.

Participation matters
Lecture heavy
4.0
4.0
SOCI10103
Nov 9, 2021
Would take again

Very Interesting. %75 of your grade is from 3 assignments.

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
SOCTHEORY
Grade: A
Apr 14, 2022

If you take him... dont. He just sat in a desk in the front of the room and spoke for an hour and forty minutes. No power points, nothing else, he just talked. We had no assignments until the midterm he then tried to shove the entire semester into the second half of the semester. This was my second and definitely last time taking him.

Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
2.0
INTROSOCIOLOGY
Grade: B
Apr 22, 2022

The work was fairly easy until the midterm where no one felt preprared and I'm not entirely sure he even read all of ours considering everyone got similar grades. He's kind of boring in the sense that he had no presentations and would lecture on and sometimes away from the point. If sociology is your fav subject I'd advise to take another professor

Participation matters
Lecture heavy
1.0
2.0
INTROSOCIOLOGY
Grade: A-
Dec 1, 2022

absolutely terrible. doesn't know how to teach. doesn't teach the course as an intro course as if any of us know anything about sociology. he could be a great teacher and has the potential but he chooses to just show films and not teach us anything and then assign lengthy papers with 1.5 spacing. highly do not recommend him as a professor.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
1.0
2.0
HISSOCTHOU
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 25, 2024

Horrible professor, doesn't give us any new information he goes over the readings that we do for homework. Doesn't have a canvas page so you won't know your grade until the midterm. Never responds to emails if he does its like two or three days later. No power point presentations. Rambles about stuff sometimes not related to the topic.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Group projects
4.0
3.0
SOSC235
Grade: A
May 23, 2024
Would take again

If you put in the effort you'll get a good grade, if you don't, you won't! People like to complain but if you're not lazy you'll be fine. Lecture heavy for sure, no powerpoint or anything so it can get a bit hard to focus but if you engage it won't be as bad. He will be able to tell if you care and that will resonate in your grade :)

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
HISTSOCTHO
Grade: B
Dec 17, 2024

I highly advise anyone thinking of taking this professor to reconsider their choice. Get ready for 16 weeks of terrible lectures where he doesn't even explain or discuss the actual readings. He makes his students feel stupid for asking questions and changed our final paper requirements from 8 pages to 12 pages a week before it was due. 0 stars.

Group projects
So many papers
Lecture heavy
1.0
3.0
SOSC235
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 18, 2024

if you can avoid having him as your professor, do it. he does NOT use Canvas. everything we do is submitted through our Ramapo gmail. He assigns everything through Canvas, but like a day or 2 before it's due. So, I had no idea if I was passing or not because he doesn't send out grades. also all he does it mumbles and that's the entre class

Group projects
Lots of homework
1.0
5.0
HISSOCTHOU
Grade: A-
Feb 17, 2025

His lectures are textbook-heavy and very analytical. Be prepared for him to disprove your thoughts. He speaks very quietly, so he is very hard to hear or pay attention to, and he gave instructions for midterm and final papers very late to complete 12+ page papers (single-spaced). Very pretentious, very impersonal, and no rubrics in this course

Get ready to read
So many papers
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
HISSOCTHOU
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 24, 2025

Do not take this class. I'm currently taking this course, it is so unbearable. He shows up 8-15 minutes late. He doesn't respond to emails. He has no canvas. Assigns homework evening before class. No rubric. A lot of reading & doesn't provide titles. He expects you to figure it out. He's always on his phone in class. He doesn't give you grades.

Participation matters
Lots of homework
So many papers
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

96%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

86% confidence
Based on 12 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (6)
A (4)
A- (3)
Grade Distribution
A(4)B(3)C(1)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(4)
Based on 18 reported grades
Not sure yet: 6
A: 4
A-: 3
B: 3
Common Tags
Lecture heavy (12)
Participation matters (9)
Lots of homework (6)
Get ready to read (6)
Group projects (6)
So many papers (4)
Graded by few things (3)
Tough Grader (2)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.14 avg change
Dec
Apr
May
Dec
Feb
Mar
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

SOCHIST

5.0

(1)

63

4.0

(1)

SOCIALMVMNTS

4.0

(1)

PSYTHEO

4.0

(1)

SOCI332

4.0

(1)
+33 more courses
Difficulty by Course

101

5.0

HIST

5.0

HISTOFSO

5.0

SOCTHOUG

5.0

SOCMOVEMEN

5.0

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