Having success in this class is all about trying. Know the vocabulary of the units and make flashcards over the topics in the unit. Also go to the study sessions he has before tests, they help a lot and it gives you a chance to let him help you with what you are struggling with. Read over all of the cram packets he gives you and the review sheets, because they sum everything up and they are real easy to understand. Talk to other classmates that understand something better than you, honestly that helped me more than anything. Bottom line is try. Listening class, do your homework, take notes, study the right way, and ask for help if you need it. In class he doesn't require you to take notes, but if you see something or he says something that is interesting, write it down it may help in the long run