I hadn't meant to keep posting, but I want to clarify: my only discomfort with informality was with the midterm & final project requirements. As long as minimum goals are clear, I'm fine. I enjoyed the freedom to explore. I can't imagine a textbook that would frame this class, and I was pleased with all of the sources provided. And like Leslie, I preferred being able to choose a book for a midterm and learning about the other books from classmates. This class did not feel any less structured to me than any other class.