Knowing the course requirements makes any class easier. Not knowing what the professor expects of you is often the main reason for poor grades. If you don't know what is expected, you will miss deadlines, and you will waste valuable time trying to guess what the assignment is about.

The requirements are written in the syllabus given to you by your instructor. A syllabus is an outline of the main points of a course of study; it is an academic contract between you the student, and the instructor. It lists all the class rules regarding attendance, grades, assignments, etc. It will help you to do your job, i.e., attend class, do the assignments, and study for exams. (If students fail to perform the duties in their job description, they will not be paid, i.e., receive a passing grade.)

Review the requirements of the course in the syllabus whenever you are unsure about something regarding the course.