You could get around needing the textbook if you had a friend to give you the homework problems. The class itself was generally pretty interesting and straight forward. I never felt like I didn't know what they wanted from me. I felt like the effort to result was very linear and not too steep, because I rarely had to do anything too taxing.

The second midterm hit me like a truck. They'll probably try to balance it more, but don't get lulled in by the first midterm.

Ajmal is great. I don't know much about the others but I would certainly recommend him.