Absence from class is a serious matter.
Any absence requires a very good excuse.
More than one absence seriously jeopardizes the value of the course and your grade. The most reliable way to contact me is by e-mail. On the other hand, do not e-mail me your assignments unless I have given you permission to do so. There will be weekly homework questions, mostly about the reading. Answering these questions will direct your attention to the important concepts in the reading and also prepare you for discussion in class.