Russia+and+Neighboring+Nation-States

= = = = =__//Russia//__= Russia as you well know is the largest nation in the world. It is considered a world power, but this, at times, is seen a dubious distinction. It does not have a powerful economy and its nation is fraught with a myriad of problems. Those problems, though, are very important to understanding Russia. They include, but are not just limited to crime, severe pollution, civil war, unequal distribution of wealth, and all the challenges faced by being so incredibly large. We need to understand, though, that Russia was a very important world power. That power came from its military might, specifically its nuclear arsenal. It was, during the Cold War, the other global power that would contend with the USA for world domination. Finally, Russia still holds its permanent seat in the Security Council of the UN thus giving it veto power. This power should not be dismissed because to understand Russia means we can understand why and when she will exercise her power in the UN and in the world. Below are a list of topics about Russia. When you have completed your section, you will be editing another. Your grade will be determined by how well you address the topic given, your level of creativity and thought put into your work and how well you cooperate in aiding another group improve their work. Here are the stages: Time: This should be completed by April 23rd at 8:00 Grading Criteria: __**Links & Notes for Russia [|CIS]**__ For this assignment you should start with your text book and ABC-CLIO. See [|World Geography Russia]
 * 1) Get together with your group and attack the problem. How can it be addressed? What are your resources? Evaluate those.
 * 2) Organize your wikispace. What would be the most informative and effective way to set it up? Where should the footnotes be placed for easy access by those who wish to do further research from your site? What images and videos should be inserted and to what purpose? How should this be shared.
 * 3) Complete your wiki for editorial review (the new ER).
 * 4) ER of another group's wikispace. Use the discussion tab? Provide oral response on the spot? Edit English issues? Are the sources credible? Has the textbook been employed?
 * 5) Revise your wikispace for final review by your teacher.
 * INFORMATION: Is your information accurate and of value to understanding your question? Is there evidence that the information has been digested by the students in the group? That is, have they fully understood what they have written (and not copied) from their sources? Have they cited their sources. Are the sources credible?
 * CREATIVITY: Is the information presented in a format that shows continuity and creates a coherent final product? That is, it is not a mishmash of ideas haphazardly put together without any thought or reason for doing so. The format is neat, easy to understand and is creative. There are links that make comprehension of the topic even more enjoyable.
 * GEOGRAPHICAL ELEMENTS ARE PRESENT: Geographers look at maps, charts and graphs. This really works in presenting information. Kudos to the people that create their own maps and graphic information. These must be present in your wiki for this to be a geography assignment.
 * COLLABORATION: First, you can work together and provide each other with meaningful feedback. Look we all bring different gifts to the table. Some people like to work alone, but can still be part of the group. You need someone to take a leadership role in rounding up the troops. As well, you must be honest in your assessment of your classmates work (see below whose work you will be editing). As well, you have to respect what other people say about your work. Note: I will be evaluating these with a very critical eye.

=Map of Russia Assignment=

=The Geography of Russia: Where you should visit in Russia if you ever get the chance to go?=

You and your partners have just been given the responsibility to sell Russia as a tourist destination to people flying out of Seoul. I know it's a big place, but you have to come up with something to sell. You have to create a wiki pamphlet that provides people with some information in geographical terms what they ought to see and do in Russia. There must be at least two human and two physical geographical features that you want them to see and experience. Be sure to be brief and succinct in what they will be able to do and see in Russia. This should be posted here **Geography of Russia Tours.** Be sure to include: map(s), pictures, descriptions of the places and things that can be done in those places. Your editing assignment is The History of Russia.

=The History of Russia=

You and your partners have just been asked to create a wiki pamphlet providing a brief over view of Russian history. This pamphlet is intended for people who are reading at about a Grade 8 level. Be sure to explain some key terms and be able to make sure you cover all of the material mentioned in your text book. This should be posted here **History of Russia by KIS.** Be sure to provide some pictures etc. in your wikispace. Your editing assignment is The Russian Economy.

=The Russian Economy=

You and your partners have just been asked to provide a [|brief] on the Russian economy. Be sure to provide explanations where warranted why the economy is the way it is. Your brief must conclude with a forecast of how the Russian economy will fare in the coming years, and why this will be so. Be sure to include graphic information about this topic. Be sure to offer explanations for each piece of graphic material you find (or better, create). Be sure to include a map which provides that viewer with information about the Russian economy in terms of types of economic activity (this could also be created). This should be posted here **The Economy of Russia by KIS.** Your editing assignment is The Russian Environment.

=The Russian Environment=

There are many problems with Russia's physical environment. This is one of the more seriously polluted and damaged places on the earth. Indeed, some people speculate that the worst is yet to come in terms of environmental catastrophes due to the dumping of radioactive waste into the oceans. You and your partners have been hired by Green Peace to prepare a [|brief] regarding this and many other environmental problems in Russia (and, if need be, other nations in the CIS). In it you must describe at least three serious environmental issues impacting on Russia, their causes (be specific as possible here), their effects, and how Russia (or the CIS nation) is attempting to handle it (if at all). This should be posted here **Problems in the Russian Environment.** Your editing assignment The Society of Russia.

=The Society of Russia=

You and your group have been hired by a fashionable men's magazine to report on what is going on with Russia's society. You are to report on the demographic issues impacting on Russia. Look at their underground economy, that is, the criminal underworld, what sort of power to they exert in Russia (even around the world). Quickly examine their political situation. Who really is in charge at the Kremlin? Make a prediction of the future for Russia's future based upon what you observe in its society today. This should be posted here **The Society of Russia**. Your editing assignment is The Geography of Russia.