I would get hold of whatever textbook the class is going to use and start working through it.
Although linked lists are very simple, and I found easy to implement in Assembler and BASIC, looking at the c++ examples they have become very cryptic and exotic and not a beginner's project until you have thorough grasp of the c++ nomenclature and the concepts involved.
I have this book and it helped me alot. Its not the most advanced reading but it is aimed at the beginner. It can help you get started writing code before you start the class.
Beginning C++ Through Game Programming, Third Edition
CodeWriter has a good answer as well as its best to understand the class textbook.