Research in the area of learning has substantiated the positive effects of group study. When carried out with serious effort the returns to group study can be great for all members of the group. I would strongly encourage you to form study groups, then set a weekly meeting time to discuss this course and the material covered since the previous group meeting. All work handed in must be done alone. To do otherwise will be regarded as plagiarism.
Plagiarism is a rampant problem on college and university campuses today.
I will set out a schedule in the Current Assignments link at the top of this page. The following passage is in all of my traditional syllabi. My attendance policy is laissez-faire . In other words, you are allowed to do whatever you want to do with regard to attendance. I am not your parent and I promise to treat you as an adult - after all, only you can decide what your opportunity costs are.