If you are unfamiliar with a term used in class, or need clarification, explanation, etc., of what has been covered, ask questions. Odds are that others have similar questions. Take advantage of office hours. In addition to the Writing Center there are a number of outside sources of help available on campus. There is no limit to the number of people who can attain a given grade in this course, i.e. grades are not curved.
Exams cover assigned readings plus material introduced in class.
This may include material introduced by any participant in class discussions. Exam 2 will address only material covered after Exam 1. The final exam is comprehensive-it covers the entire course. There is no guarantee that you will be able to make up any missed exams. I may permit you to make up one missed exam by scheduling a makeup date, probably on the Sunday before the final exam.