Materials

• Photographs of cultural sites and cultural symbols of the region
• PowerPoint presentation on “Russian History and Culture”
• Copies of Travel Brochure assignment (Attachment E)

Instructional Activities

1. Have the students list examples of symbols, buildings, sites, and ideas that reflect the culture of Russia and Central Asia.
   
   
2. Show the PowerPoint presentation on “Russian History and Culture,” and discuss the elements of culture included in the slides. Discuss the symbols, buildings, sites, and ideas that are part of the culture of Russia. Make sure to include the following:
   • The region is composed of diverse ethnic groups, customs, and traditions. Many of these are of Turkic and Mongol heritage.
   • Cultural heritage
      - Ballet
      - Fabergé eggs
      - Music
      - Icons
      - Matrioshka dolls
      - Oriental carpets
      - Samovars
   • Cultural landscape
      - Russian Orthodox churches
      - St. Basil’s Cathedral
      - Red Square
      - Kremlin
      - Mosques, minarets
      - Siberian villages
      - Soviet-style apartment blocks
   • The following cities are centers of culture and trade
      - Moscow
      - St. Petersburg
      - Novosibirsk
   
   
3. Distribute copies of the Travel Brochure assignment (Attachment E), and review the directions with the students, answering all questions. Supply the students with a due date for this assignment.