This teaching unit, one of a series of curriculum guides on different world areas for use at the secondary level, treats the culture and history of Russia, oftentimes comparing it with that of the United States. Major teaching objectives are to have students compare and contrast basic geographic, cultural, and historical information on Russia and the United States; name several geographic factors that have played an important role in Russian history; identify causes of the Russian revolution, analyze the philosophies of some Russian leaders; and recognize the degree to which the Communist Party controls the Soviet government. Teaching strategies suggested include small group projects, readings, classroom discussion and reports, debates, games, and field trips. Lessons on the following topics are provided: (1) geographic overview of Russia, (2) life in Russia, (3) early history and exploration, (4) how the Bolsheviks gained control and the meaning of Marxism, (5) communism and government in Russia. Rationale, teaching objectives, teacher background reading material, and suggested class activities are provided in the teacher's manual for each lesson. Student readings and other resource materials are included in a separate booklet. The series of guides on world cultures include these titles: American Teenage Subculture, Africa, Japan, Latin America, Scandinavia, the Middle East Crisis, and Inquiry and Discovery. Write to the Intercultural Understanding Project for further information. (Author/RM)