The class doesn't actually have any exams, but 2 papers around the same weeks as midterms and a final paper during the last week. Lectures mostly taught about the book's historical context/themes that needed explaining, but I didn't really attend the lectures since we weren't required to. If I had, I think it would have been a little helpful but the lectures didn't really pertain to the essays that much. The main thing is just to read the books, and go to discussion (discussion attendance was 40% of the grade). You have to talk during discussion, so try to at least skim. I had Brandon Archambault as my TA, and I think he was really helpful with teaching about the book context and facilitating deep discussions about the book (both content and themewise). He was not too harsh of a grader either. I will say that this class does not teach you how to write. If you are not confident in your writing skills, it would be better to take a ENGCOMP class or something where they actually teach you about structure. The class is more critical thinking on the topic of borders and immigration (at least for my quarter) and it's reflection in books around the world.