You will receive a mid-term participation grade. (Note that this grade will reflect only your in-class discussion, and not your overall performance in the class.)
You are allowed three absences -- no need for excuses or doctors notes. Any more than three, excused or not, will affect your grade in the course; more than five will result in a failing participation grade. If you miss more than 50% of the class meetings, you will fail the course. Coming to class on time is a courtesy to your fellow students; please allow plenty of time to get to campus or from your other classes. Lateness will count as an absence.