This 4-day supplementary curriculum unit is designed for use in social studies classes at the upper secondary (9-12) and community college levels. The curriculum unit seeks to explore the roots of contemporary relations between the United State and Soviet Union through an examination of how that relationship evolved from the 18th century to the 1930s. Three lesson plans form the framework of the unit: (1) A historical and geographical introduction to U.S.-Russian relations; (2) The evolving complexity of U.S.-Russian/Soviet relations; and (3) Early 20th century relations. Fifteen student handouts to be used in the lesson plans are included. Five appendices also are included: (1) Related activities; (2) Connections to social science textbooks; (3) Connections to California's history/social science framework and model curriculum standards; (4) Bibliography; and (5) Educational philosophy. Connections to California's history/social science framework and model curriculum standards; (4) Bibliography; and (5) Educational philosophy. (DB)