This class uses group activities and discussion so attendance is mandatory. Thus, missed classes will affect your grade. Each 3 unexcused absences will result in a 1/2 grade deduction in the final grade. Thus, 3 unexcused absences would knock a grade of B to a BC, 6 unexcused absences would change a B to a C, ... Further, any more than 9 unexcused absences will be an automatic failure.
Notice that these penalties are in addition to any other loss of grade during the days missed - for example, if you miss a quiz.
Valid excuses include documented illness, documented death or illness in the family, and a note from the coach or other professor for an athletic event, a play, or other such university activity where you are a participant. This does not include practices or simple attendance at an event. You must be a participant!