Q: Can I complete the course without any class attendance?
A: No. I usually require 70-75% attendance. If you skip more classes, you need to ask for extra work.
Q: In our law school it is the rule that you can take the exam without classes.
A: The rule does not apply in my courses. - You are usually required to return assignments that are then discussed in the class. If you would just take the exam you wouldn't do half the work others did. Besides, some of my courses do not even have a list of books you could just read.
Q: But I work from 9 to 5 so I don't have time!
A: It's your value judgment - do you want to get the degree or just go on working. I'm teaching mostly in full-time programs where the assumption is that you are studying from 9 to 5.
Q: I have previously studied this topic in courses X and Y. Why don't you just give me the credits for this course based on my previous accomplishments.
A: But I don't.
Q: As you know, I have worked for years in the field and have extensive practical understanding of this topic. So I think I should not read that much / attend that many classes.
A: I disagree. While I agree that formal degrees are more or less unimportant in practise, the whole idea of getting the formal degree is to do some formal studies. Why do you want to study in the first place?
Q: Is it out of question to have any exceptions?
A: Of course not. Everything is negotiable!