In Sections 2 and 3 of the course we will cover material that is in Chapters 2 and 3 of the textbook. We won't go in quite the same order as the text, but probably it is easiest to read the text in order rather than match to the order in lecture.
Bottom line: you should read chapters 1, 2, and 3 by Wednesday, September 5.
Bonus points: The crosswords at the end of each chapter are a good way to check that you have picked up the basic points, at least at the level of terminology. If you turn in the crossword for Chapter 1 (on p. 22) by Wednesday, September 5 (beginning of class), then I will add 4 bonus points to your score on homework assignment 1. You can either photocopy and fill in the crossword or turn in a list of the words for each of the numbered across and down entries (but it has to be clear what your answers are for each entry).
The homework assignments are graded on a standard 100-point scale, so 4 points is enough to, say, raise a B+ to an A-. Each homework assignment is worth 10% of the total course grade. You won't get bonus points for the Chapter 2 or 3 crosswords, but they are still a good way of solidifying what you have read for yourself.