Cultural Geography of Russia: Population and Culture

Essential Questions: How has physical geography affected where people have settled in Europe? Learning Target: IWBAT explain how Russia’s culture is unique. Formative Assessment(s): What are three aspects of Russian culture?

Bellwork Write down anything you know about Russia.

St. Petersburg Fun Facts This city was founded in 1703 It served Russia as a capital city for 206 years ( ) Name of the city was changed thrice in the history. (Petrograd and Leningrad were its two old names.) The city normally has ”21 White Nights” in summer from about June 11 to July 2. During these days, the sun does not set.

Classwork TOGETHER, read about Population Patterns on pages Write and answer the following questions in your notes: 1.How many ethnic groups are found in Russia? 2.Which ethnic group makes up the majority in Russia? 3.What are three Caucasian groups in Russia? 4.What is the largest Turkic group in Russia? 5.What region do only 15% of the Russian population live in? 6.What two major cities that many Russian live in?

Saint Basil’s Cathedral Fun Facts Ivan the Terrible commissioned the building of the cathedral to commemorate the capture of the Tartar stronghold of Kazan When it was built St Basil’s exterior walls and domes were not as colourful as they are today. This colour and detail was added during the 200 years after construction Since 1990 the church has been part of the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square UNESCO World Heritage Site

Classwork TOGETHER, read about Culture on pages What is the official language of Russia? 2.What religious belief is common in Russia? 3.What is the main religion in Russia? 4.What religious group has been discriminated against in Russia? 5.What is the intelligentsia? What topics do they focus on? 6.How does life expectancy and infant mortality in Russia differ from that in the United States?

Classwork continued TOGETHER, read about Culture on pages What are three health problems found in Russia? 8.Name three well known Russian artists. 9.What kind of housing do most Russians live in? 10.What is the Russian word for grandmother? 11.What do Russians do for fun?

Formative Assessment What are three aspects of specifically Russian culture? ◦Reminder, aspects of culture include: Social organization, Customs and traditions, Languages, Arts and literature, Religion, Forms of government, Economic systems, Food and clothing, Music and dance