The class is largely dependent on participation and contributions from the students in terms of what class content covers. In the beginning class time is spent discussing our own thoughts and reactions to the assigned readings of the book. The final grades are dependent on participation, as well as 2 separate essays (one analytical and one alternative writing format), which you are allowed to work on all quarter until they are due at the end of the quarter. I believe that the class was a little difficult at times for a first quarter class, but I found how to cope with deadlines and time management. Overall, I enjoyed the class, which might contradict some of the feelings my peers had. I also recommend going to office hours with questions that could help you refine your essays, which is what I did.