The best literature or topical courses I had were seminars. Each class was about an hour of lecture followed by an hour of discourse and prompted discussion.

The best literature or topical courses I had were seminars. Each class was about an hour of lecture followed by an hour of discourse and prompted discussion. Assignments were reading and often papers, but with an open format. The essays would be coupled with a brief presentation that may or may not prompt discussions. This was in first and second year undergrad as well (U of Toronto).