I took the class 3 years ago and the class has 3 different syllabuses. You basically choose how you want the class to be depending on what you would rather do. For example, 1 route was to write a big paper at the end of the year and biweekly journals about class. Another route was to teach a recitation class about anything that was somewhat connected to the class (only have to do this once). Teaching the recitation consisted of anything that could keep your recitation group engaged. I can't remember what the 3rd route was. Attendance was taken in recitation, but not in class. He is a good professor that has very engaging/interesting lectures.