You will not be marked off specifically for missing lectures, but regular attendance is taken as an indication of your earnestness and thus can't help but enter into the subjective aspects of grading. Also, you are responsible for all material presented in class, much of which will not be duplicated in the readings. Likewise, absences due to illness should be documented by a note from the Student Health Service. If some calamity keeps you from taking a test, either you can let me know beforehand, or I can verify through some independent observer that it was only because you were in traction or a coma that you couldn't get to a phone. In any event, ex post facto excuses are highly suspect and usually unacceptable.
Students can expect to be tested on all assigned readings.
Also, as scholars, you surely would go beyond the requirements in any assignment, getting a grasp on the author's viewpoint and sources by reading the preface, introduction, etc. We can also meet at other times by prior appointment. Most times are available, except just before class, Wednesday mornings, and late Tuesday afternoons. Still, I do welcome the opportunity to talk with you and find out more about your background and interests. I'd appreciate it if you could take the initiative to schedule some time toward the beginning of the semester to come by and tell me more about yourself.