Be on top of your reading and be prepared, understand what your reading and participate. READ THE DOCUMENTS ON THE ESSAY STRUCTURE. She does not go over them in class and expects everyone to know theses things like its the standard way of writing but its really not

read everything she assigns, be prepared for class, take notes on what she says.

Stay organized. The class is pretty easy if you have your head in the game.

Based on the novel you're supposed to be reading, there would be a quiz every other class. Don't arrive late, she does not accept any excuses. You will be asked to read many chapters for each class which could be a lot if you have a heavy course load. Personally, I wouldn't skip her class or else you could important information about the book for your final paper. Write everything she says or what you understand because she does not use the board.