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Course 21W: Writing |
 | | | 21W.000-21W.749 | | | 21W.750-21W.999 plus Thesis, UROP | | |  |
First-Year Writing SubjectsFirst-year writing subjects provide a foundation for future communication-intensive subjects, and also function as a starting point for concentrating, minoring, or majoring in Writing. While the topical focus of writing assignments varies across these subjects, all first-year writing subjects develop students' understanding of genre, audience, argument, discourse, source use, and writing process. All written work goes through stages of drafting, peer review, and revision. Because these subjects are limited to 15 students per section, students receive detailed feedback at all stages of the writing process, and have many opportunities for individual conferences with instructors. Active class participation and short oral presentations are required. 21W.011 Writing and Rhetoric: Rhetoric and Contemporary Issues
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.012, 21W.013, 21W.014, 21W.015, 21W.016 Lecture: TR3-4.30 (8-119) or TR EVE (7-8.30 PM) (8-119) 
Provides the opportunity for students - as readers, viewers, writers, and speakers - to engage with social and ethical issues they care deeply about. Explores perspectives on a range of social issues, such as the responsibilities of citizens, freedom of expression, poverty and homelessness, mental illness, the challenges of an aging society, the politics of food, and racial and gender inequality. Discusses rhetorical strategies that aim to increase awareness of social problems; to educate the public about different perspectives on contemporary issues; and to persuade readers of the value of particular positions on, or solutions to, social problems. Students analyze selected texts and photographs, as well as documentary and feature films, that represent or dramatize social problems or issues. Students also write essays about social and ethical issues of their own choice. Limited to 15. Fall: A. Walsh Spring: A. Walsh No required or recommended textbooks 21W.012 Writing and Rhetoric: Food for Thought
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.011, 21W.013, 21W.014, 21W.015, 21W.016 Lecture: MW3-4.30 (E17-136)
Explores many of the issues that surround food as both material fact and personal and cultural symbol. Includes non-fiction works on topics such as family meals, food's ability to awaken us to "our own powers of enjoyment" (M.F.K. Fisher), and eating as an "agricultural act" (W. Berry). Students read Michael Pollan's best-selling book In Defense of Food and discuss the issues it raises about America's food supply and eating habits, as well as the rhetorical strategies it employs. Assignments include narratives, analytical essays, and research-based essays. Limited to 15. L. Roldan No required or recommended textbooks 21W.013 Writing and Rhetoric: Introduction to Contemporary Rhetoric
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.011, 21W.012, 21W.014, 21W.015, 21W.016 Lecture: TR11-12.30 (1-134)
Considers how rhetoric shapes current events in politics, science, and society. Students study rhetoric as a theoretical framework for developing persuasive arguments, as a method of analyzing written, oral, and visual texts, and as a mode of human inquiry. Assignments include analytical, persuasive, and research-based essays, as well as oral presentations, group discussions, and debates. Readings drawn from political speeches, scientific arguments, and popular media. Limited to 15. L. Harrison-Lepera Textbooks (Fall 2025) 21W.014 Writing and Rhetoric: Exploring Visual Media
() Not offered regularly; consult department Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.011, 21W.012, 21W.013, 21W.015, 21W.016
Explores the rhetoric of visual media and the meaning of the digital revolution. Students analyze readings and films and discuss the power of media in defining social issues and shaping ideas of self, family, and community. They also write essays that sharpen skills in analyzing visual rhetoric, developing and supporting arguments, and using sources. Limited to 18. Staff 21W.015 Writing and Rhetoric: Writing about Sports
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.011, 21W.012, 21W.013, 21W.014, 21W.016 Lecture: TR12-1.30 (E17-136)
Examines the role of sports in our individual lives and American culture at large. Considers a broad range of issues, such as heroism and ethical conundrums, gender equality, steroids, and the proper role of sports in college life. Examples of high-quality, descriptive and analytic sports writing serve as the focus for class discussion and as models for student essays. Limited to 15. Fall: A. Karatsolis Spring: K. Clavin No required or recommended textbooks 21W.016 Writing and Rhetoric: Making Change
() Not offered regularly; consult department Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.011, 21W.012, 21W.013, 21W.014, 21W.015
Explores how we use rhetoric in text, visuals, and other modes to make meaning. Uses analysis, composition, and debate about rhetorical strategies to develop theoretical and empirical knowledge of how design choices shape our texts and our understanding of the world. Limited to 15. J. Stickgold-Sarah 21W.021 Writing and Experience: MIT Inside, Live
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.022 URL: http://cmsw.mit.edu/21w-021-inside-mit Lecture: TR10-11.30 (1-379)
Acting as participant-observers, students investigate MIT's history and culture through visits to the Institute's archives and museums, relevant readings, and depictions of MIT in popular culture. Students chronicle their experiences and insights through a variety of writing projects, culminating in the completion of a portfolio. Limited to 15. J. Graziano Textbooks (Fall 2025) 21W.022 Writing and Experience: Reading and Writing Autobiography
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.021 Lecture: MW9.30-11 (E17-136) or MW1-2.30 (E17-136) or TR2-3.30 (56-169)
Draws on a range of autobiographical writing as examples for students to analyze. Students write essays that focus on their own experience, exploring topics such as intellectual growth and development, the childhood and high school years, life at MIT, the influence of place upon one's personality and character, and the role politics and religion play in one's life. Emphasizes clarity, specificity, and structure; investigates various modes of writing (narrative, analytical, expository) and their suitability for different purposes. Limited to 15. Fall: C. Beimford, L. Harrison Lepera, N. Jackson Spring: L. Harrison Lepera, A. Walsh Textbooks (Fall 2025) 21W.031 Science Writing and New Media: Explorations in Communicating about Science and Technology
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.034, 21W.035, 21W.036 Lecture: TR2-3.30 (E17-136) or TR3-4.30 (56-162)
Examines principles of good writing, focusing on those associated with scientific and technical writing. Considers the effects of new media as an avenue for communicating about science. Students discuss scientific articles and essays and work in small groups to critique each other's writing. Assignments include a critical review, a science essay for the general public, and a research or service project proposal. Students choose topics that reflect their background and interests. Formal and informal presentations and group discussions develop oral communication skills. Limited to 15. Fall: M. Trice, J. Melvold Spring: J. Melvold No required or recommended textbooks 21W.034 Science Writing and New Media: Perspectives on Public Health
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.031, 21W.035, 21W.036
Instruction provided in effective communication about public health and in conveying specialized knowledge to a general audience. Through writing and revision, students explore concepts of genre, audience, and purpose and how to structure their arguments. Students discuss alternative viewpoints, analyze written texts, give talks, and peer review each other's work. By communicating in class and in assignments, students are encouraged to envision creative solutions to some of the most pressing issues in public health. Topics for discussion include climate change, urban housing, agricultural practices, and emerging infectious disease. Limited to 18. K. Pepper 21W.035 Science Writing and New Media: Elements of Science Writing for the Public
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.031, 21W.034, 21W.036 Lecture: MW9.30-11 (1-134) or MW12-1.30 (56-162) or TR11-12.30 (66-168)
Introduces ways of communicating scientific information meaningfully to public audiences, and teaches features that distinguish science writing for the public from scientific writing aimed at experts. Discussions analyze various forms of popular science communication to identify rhetorical strategies that engage and educate readers of varying backgrounds and identities. Students write about topics they are genuinely interested in related to science, medicine, technology, and/or engineering. Assignments incorporate primary and secondary background research, drafting, presentations, peer review, and revision. Limited to 15. Fall: A. Carleton, R. Thorndike-Breeze, E. Kallestinova Spring: E. Kallestinova Textbooks (Fall 2025) 21W.036 Science Writing and New Media: Writing and the Environment
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.031, 21W.034, 21W.035
Develops written and oral communication skills through the study and practice of environmental science writing. Covers a wide range of genres, including such standard forms as the scientific literature review. Students adapt the content of their papers and oral presentations to the distinctive needs of specific audiences. Assignments provide thematic coherence and a basis for independent student research. Limited to 15. Staff 21W.041[J] Writing About Literature
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(Same subject as 21L.000[J]) Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 URL: https://lit.mit.edu/21l-000j-writing-about-literature/
Intensive focus on the reading and writing skills used to analyze literary texts such as poems by Emily Dickinson, Shakespeare or Langston Hughes; short stories by Chekhov, Joyce, or Alice Walker; and a short novel by Melville or Toni Morrison. Designed not only to prepare students for further work in writing and literary and media study, but also to provide increased confidence and pleasure in their reading, writing, and analytical skills. Students write or revise essays weekly. Enrollment limited. Fall: C. Doyle Spring: N. Jackson 21W.042[J] Writing with Shakespeare
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(Same subject as 21L.010[J]) Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 URL: https://lit.mit.edu/21l-010j-writing-with-shakespeare/ Lecture: TR1-2.30 (1-375)
Focuses on writing and speaking using Shakespeare as a model and means for mastery of English language skills. Emphasizes the development of students' ability to write clearly and effectively in a range of genres with an awareness of audience. Designed to increase students' confidence and pleasure in verbal communication and analysis of language. Students write frequently, give and receive feedback, improve their work through revision, and participate actively in class discussions and presentations. Enrollment limited. D. Henderson Textbooks (Fall 2025) 21W.051 Emotional Intelligence and Team Communication
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Lecture: TR3-4.30 (56-191)
Examines the role of emotional intelligence in both our individual lives and our collaborations. Considers a broad range of topics and communication strategies, including self-awareness, listening, trust, habit formation, conflict, negotiation, and constructive dialogue. High-quality writing and video presentations serve as the focus for the class discussion and as models for student essays and presentations. Students produce both individual and collaborative work. Limited to 15. J. Abbott No required or recommended textbooks English Language Studies (ELS)21W.217 Workshop in Strategies for Effective Teaching (ELS)
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Prereq: None Units: 1-0-2 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.218
A mini-module for international teaching assistants. Covers special problems in teaching when English is a second language and the US a second culture. Videotaping of practice sessions for feedback. Individualized programs to meet different needs. Graduate TAs have priority. Limited to 18. A. C. Kemp 21W.218 Workshop in Strategies for Effective Teaching (ELS)
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Prereq: None Units: 1-0-2 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.217
A mini-module for international teaching assistants. Covers special problems in teaching when English is a second language and the US a second culture. Videotaping of practice sessions for feedback. Individualized programs to meet different needs. Limited to 18. A. C. Kemp 21W.219 Foundations of Academic and Professional Writing (ELS)
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.220 Lecture: MW EVE (5-6.30 PM) (14E-310) or TR12.30-2 (1-379)
Writing module for high-intermediate ELS students who wish to review and practice accurate grammar, effective sentence and paragraph structure, punctuation, and word choice. Short weekly writing assignments with extensive editing required. Meets with 21W.220 when offered concurrently. Limited to 18. Fall: I. Makysmjuk; O.Szabo Spring: O. Szabo No required or recommended textbooks 21W.220 Foundations of Academic and Professional Writing (ELS)
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.219 Lecture: TR12.30-2 (1-379)
Writing module for high intermediate ELS students who wish to review and practice accurate grammar, effective sentence and paragraph structure, punctuation, and word choice. Short weekly writing assignments with extensive editing required. Meets with 21W.219 when offered concurrently. Limited to 18. Fall: O. Szabo Spring: O. Szabo No required or recommended textbooks 21W.221 Communicating in American Culture (ELS)
()  Not offered regularly; consult department Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9
Designed for international students who wish to refine their academic communication skills through the study of mainstream American culture. Using a variety of materials in different media, students explore how the country's history, geography, institutions, traditions and values have shaped contemporary communication styles and responses to critical events in the world. Students examine and practice principles of effective communication in genres common to the humanities and social sciences. Explores how discourse practices vary within and across cultures. Assignments include an educational memoir, project proposal, annotated bibliography, research-based cultural analysis of a current event of choice, and presentation. Limited to 18. Staff 21W.222 Expository Writing for Bilingual Students
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Lecture: TR3.30-5 (1-379) or TR2-3.30 (1-379) or TR3.30-5 (56-180)
Formulating, organizing, and presenting ideas clearly in writing. Reviews basic principles of rhetoric. Focuses on development of a topic, thesis, choice of appropriate vocabulary, and sentence structure to achieve purpose. Develops idiomatic prose style. Gives attention to grammar and vocabulary usage. Special focus on strengthening skills of bilingual students. Intended to be taken during the student's first year at MIT. Priority given to students recommended for 21W.222 based on summer FEE results. Limited to 15; undergraduates only. Fall: E. Grunwald, O. Szabo, AC Kemp Spring: O. Szabo Textbooks (Fall 2025) 21W.223 Listening, Speaking, and Pronunciation (ELS)
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.224 Lecture: TR1.30-3 (66-168) or MW12-1.30 (5-234)
Designed for high intermediate ELS students who need to develop better listening comprehension and oral skills. Involves short speaking and listening assignments with extensive exercises in accurate comprehension, pronunciation, stress and intonation, and expression of ideas. Includes frequent video- and audio-recording for analysis and feedback. Meets with 21W.224 when offered concurrently. Limited to 18 per section. Fall: AC Kemp Spring: AC Kemp Textbooks (Fall 2025) 21W.224 Listening, Speaking, and Pronunciation (ELS)
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.223 Lecture: TR1.30-3 (66-168) or MW12-1.30 (5-234)
Designed for high-intermediate ELS students who need to develop better listening comprehension and oral skills. Involves short speaking and listening assignments with extensive exercises in accurate comprehension, pronunciation, stress and intonation, and expression of ideas. Includes frequent video- and audio-recording for analysis and feedback. Meets with 21W.223 when offered concurrently. Limited to 18 per section. Fall: AC Kemp, AC Kemp Spring: AC Kemp Textbooks (Fall 2025) 21W.225 Advanced Workshop in Writing for Science and Engineering (ELS)
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(Subject meets with 21W.226) Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Lecture: TR12-1.30 (34-303)
<p class="Default">Designed for advanced bilingual students who wish to build confidence and skills in writing in a variety of academic and professional contexts in the sciences and engineering (including mathematics and computer science). Writing contexts covered include personal statements and cover letters, texts for general audiences, proposals, emails, theses, and journal articles. Intended primarily for students in their second year at MIT or beyond, the class encourages students to use their research as material for their assignments. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. Limited to 15 per section. Listeners not permitted. Fall: E. Grunwald Spring: E. Grunwald Textbooks (Fall 2025) 21W.226 Advanced Workshop in Writing for Science and Engineering (ELS)
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(Subject meets with 21W.225) Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Lecture: TR12-1.30 (34-303)
<p class="Default">Designed for advanced bilingual students who wish to build confidence and skills in writing in a variety of academic and professional contexts in the sciences and engineering (including mathematics and computer science). Writing contexts covered include personal statements and cover letters, texts for general audiences, proposals, emails, theses, and journal articles. Intended primarily for students in their second year at MIT or beyond, the class encourages students to use their research as material for their assignments. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. Limited to 15 per section. Listeners not permitted. Fall: E. Grunwald Spring: E. Grunwald Textbooks (Fall 2025) 21W.227 Advanced Workshop in Writing for Social Sciences and Architecture (ELS)
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.228
Focuses on techniques, format, and prose used in academic and professional life. Emphasis on writing required in fields such as economics, political science, and architecture. Short assignments include business letters, memos, and proposals that lead toward a written term project. Methods designed to accommodate those whose first language is not English. Develops effective writing skills for academic and professional contexts. Models, materials, topics, and assignments vary from term to term. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor. Limited to 18 per section. Staff 21W.228 Advanced Workshop in Writing for Social Sciences and Architecture (ELS)
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.227
Focuses on techniques, format, and prose used in academic and professional life. Emphasis on writing required in fields such as economics, political science, and architecture. Short assignments include business letters, memos, and proposals that lead toward a written term project. Methods designed to accommodate those whose first language is not English. Develops effective writing skills for academic and professional contexts. Models, materials, topics and assignments vary from term to term. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor. Limited to 18. Staff 21W.232 Advanced Speaking and Critical Listening Skills (ELS)
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Prereq: None Units: 3-3-6 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.233 Lecture: TR9.30-11 (1-277)
For advanced students who wish to build confidence and skills in spoken English. Focuses on the appropriate oral presentation of material in a variety of professional contexts: group discussions, classroom explanations and interactions, and theses/research proposals. Valuable for those who intend to teach or lecture in English. Includes frequent video- and audio-recording for analysis and feedback. Develops effective speaking and listening skills for academic and professional contexts. Models, materials, topics and assignments vary from term to term. May be repeated for credit with permission of the instructor. Meets with 21W.233 when offered concurrently. Limited to 15 per section. Fall: O. Szabo Spring: A. C. Kemp Textbooks (Fall 2025) 21W.233 Advanced Speaking and Critical Listening Skills (ELS)
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Prereq: None Units: 3-3-6 Credit cannot also be received for 21W.232 Lecture: TR9.30-11 (1-277)
For advanced students who wish to build confidence and skills in spoken English. Focuses on the appropriate oral presentation of material in a variety of professional contexts: group discussions, classroom explanations and interactions, and theses/research proposals. Valuable for those who intend to teach or lecture in English. Includes frequent video- and audio-recording for analysis and feedback. Develops effective speaking and listening skills for academic and professional contexts. Models, materials, topics and assignments vary from term to term. May be repeated for credit with permission of the instructor. Meets with 21W.232 when offered concurrently. Limited to 15 per section. Fall: O. Szabo Spring: A. C. Kemp Textbooks (Fall 2025) 21W.237 MIT Out Loud: Public Speaking for Bilingual Students
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Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9
Develops oral communication skills for bilingual students through the lens of the MIT experience. Speaking assignments in informative and persuasive speech forms draw on examples of popular culture and MIT touchstones, such as "alternative" campus tours, interviews, MIT 100K pitches, and TED talks. Explores the role of voice and body language through improvisation and impromptus. Focuses on spoken accuracy and vocabulary through oral exercises designed for bilingual students. Frequent video-recording will be used for self-evaluation. Limited to 15. A. C. Kemp 21W.238 Professional Communication in the Digital Realm: Social Media and Artificial Intelligence for Bilingual Students (ELS)
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(Subject meets with 21W.239) Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9
Explores the opportunities and risks of social media and generative AI, especially for those communicating in a second language. Provides opportunities for advanced bilingual students to build confidence and skills in using social media in English-speaking contexts and in using generative AI effectively and ethically. Assignments include written analyses of social media across disciplines and cultures, tests of chatbots' abilities and limitations, comparisons of their output with students' own writing, and short in-class presentations. Culminates in the creation of a long-term social media plan for students' careers. No listeners. Limited to 15 total for versions meeting together. E. Grunwald 21W.239 Professional Communication in the Digital Realm: Social Media and Artificial Intelligence for Bilingual Students (ELS)
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(Subject meets with 21W.238) Prereq: None Units: 3-0-9
Explores the opportunities and risks of social media and generative AI, especially for those communicating in a second language. Provides opportunities for advanced bilingual students to build confidence and skills in using social media in English-speaking contexts and in using generative AI effectively and ethically. Assignments include written analyses of social media across disciplines and cultures, tests of chatbots' abilities and limitations, comparisons of their output with students' own writing, and short in-class presentations. Culminates in the creation of a long-term social media plan for students' careers. No listeners. Limited to 15 total for versions meeting together. Staff 21W.240 Imagining English: Creative Writing for Bilingual Students (ELS)
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Prereq: 21W.222 or other CI-H/CI-HW subject Units: 3-0-9
Guides advanced ESOL and bilingual students in writing short stories and poems in English. Students read fiction and poetry by American, British, and non-native writers, using them as inspiration for their own work. Explores "the limits of English" through discussions of student writing to polish advanced grammar and appreciate the freshness that non-native writers bring to the language. Also includes building both academic and non-academic vocabulary, translating short works from students' native languages, and workshopping creative work. Limited to 15; undergraduates only. E. Grunwald Undergraduate Subjects21W.725[J] Gender, Myth, and Magic
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| | | 21W.000-21W.749 | | | 21W.750-21W.999 plus Thesis, UROP | | | |
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Subject Cancelled
