I have noticed that most schools allow the professors to design the class however they would like to. My AP1 class was just like that and I look a semester off from the course because I couldnt take the stress. Looking back, the decision I should've made was withdraw from the class and take it next semester. I'm not saying thats what you should do. But if you think you are not going to get the grade you want, it might be a good idea. In my AP class their was no essays. Wow thats amazing!