GOOGLESCHOLAR: Geo Assignment 3
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module_3_overview.docxModule 3 Overview
Russian Realm and Regions
In this module, you will learn about the Russian realm and the Russian regions. You will begin by describing the topography of Russia and comparing it to other topographies. In addition, you will learn about the historical geography of Russia. This module will review the political geography of Russia and will analyze it in comparison to other political systems. The economic geography of Russia will also be addressed along with the diverse religions. Lastly, you will evaluate the differences between the cultural geography of Russia and that of the rest of the world.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this module, you should be able to:
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3A |
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identify the major geographic features of Russia in relation to Russia’s difficult natural environment and human adaptations to it. |
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3C |
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describe the events that made possible the expansion of the Russian Empire through the 17th to 19th centuries. |
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4C |
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analyze the political and economic growth and demise of the Soviet Union. |
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4D |
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identify the regional components of Russia’s core and its influence on the rest of the country. |
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5C |
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describe the industrial areas that dominate the rail corridor of trans-Ural Russia. |
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5D |
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discuss the challenges and resource-development opportunities of Russia’s largest region. |
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5E |
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explain the development of Russia’s Pacific Rim and opportunities for increased trading ties with China and Japan. |
Module 3 Reading Assignment
de Blij, H. J., & Muller, P. O. (2012). Geography: Realms, regions, and concepts (15th ed.). New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons. Chapters 2A and 2B.
Topography of Russia
Russia is the largest land mass on the planet. This is evident from some of the largest changes in surface temperatures known. The Russian topography is very diverse. The western region is dominated by the Russian Plain, which is flat to very gently rolling, poorly drained, and made up of bogs and marsh land. The Russian Plain is separated from the Siberian Plain by the north-south running Ural Mountains. To the east and south of the Siberian Plain is the Mountain Rim region made up of various mountain ranges. To the extreme north are the tundra and permafrost zones and the Arctic Ocean. To the extreme east are the Sea of Okhotsk, Bering Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. Three large seas make up the Southwestern region, the Black, Aral, and Caspian. The Volga, Dnieper, and Dvina rivers run through the western part of this region while the Lena, Ob, and Yenisey Rivers run in the central region. The Amur River runs in the far eastern region. Lake Baikal is located in the southeastern region and boasts the deepest lake in the world at 5,310 feet. For a great overview of the geography of Russia, please view the Russia's Geographic Challenge video.
Historical Geography of Russia
This region is most famous for the collapse of the former Soviet Union. Today, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia are more developed than Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. The Russian Federation is mostly in control today, but this region’s future is still unpredictable. Please visit the History & Culture of Russia website to explore the geography of Russia through history.
Political Geography of Russia
Communism has ruled the region for a large part of its history. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, this region has been transitioning to more of a democracy. Please visit the Political Geography of Russia, the Soviet Union, and Communism website.
Economical Geography of Russia
This region has been transitioning its overall economy from Socialism to Capitalism. Many environmental problems have hindered this region from much economic growth. Large scale industrialization has caused extreme pollution in large areas of the land and water; the most famous was the Chernobyl disaster. Many areas of the Aral Sea are now dry lake beds due to overuse. However, this region does have a lot of natural resources if managed correctly, and these can be very beneficial. For example, Russia has a lot of untapped oil reserves. Visit Russian Economic Geography website for more information.
Religions of Russia
Eastern Orthodox Christianity is the dominant religion in Russia and Central Asia, with Islam spreading throughout the region from the south. Before the Cold War, religion was largely censored, thus creating a culture of Atheism. Please view a Russia-Albina presentation on the Religious Geography of Russia.
Cultural Geography of Russia
Much of the culture of this region has been under constant change and uncertainty. Increased freedom has caused a more positive culture in this region as of late. This region is also home to many diverse languages (Indo European, Caucasian, Altic, Uralic, and Paleo-Siberan). Please view a Cultural Geography of Russia presentation for more information.
Required Presentations:
Click on each of the following links in order to view the presentations.
