Why is this class set up in this type of grading system? In other classes I haven't done all of these things.

The LRO is used in a number of Rhetoric and Writing classes along with classes in other departments and other universities. The system allows students to reflect on their learning processes and to think about the strategies they employ as they move through a course. The system is definitely different than most other evaluation systems, but there is a "method to the madness." You are always welcome to ask questions about the Learning Record as long as you recognize that this is the system that we'll be using throughout the semester.