Societies and Cultures: Russia takes a comprehensive look at one of history's most influential powers, one whose controversial actions have brought it back to the forefront of global politics. With this comprehensive book, students will grasp the full extent of Russia's cultural contributions, geopolitical importance, and historical impact.

Table of Contents

• The Culture of Russia
• INTRODUCTION
• THE ROOTS OF RUSSIAN CULTURE
• THE RUSSIAN PEOPLE
• THE PERFORMING ARTS
• THE VISUAL ARTS
• RUSSIAN ARCHITECTURE
• RUSSIAN LITERATURE
• CONCLUSION
• The Geography of Russia
• INTRODUCTION
• LAND AND WATER
• CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL ZONES
• NATURAL RESOURCES
• SETTLEMENT PATTERNS
• MOSCOW
• WORLD HERITAGE SITES
• CONCLUSION
• The History of Russia to 1801
• INTRODUCTION
• THE EARLY RUS AND THE MONGOL PERIOD
• RURIKID MUSCOVY
• ROMANOV MUSCOVY
• PETER THE GREAT AND HIS SUCCESSORS
• CATHERINE THE GREAT
• CONCLUSION
• The History of Russia from 1801 to the Present
• INTRODUCTION
• THE REIGNS OF ALEXANDER I AND NICHOLAS I
• FROM ALEXANDER II TO NICHOLAS II
• THE LAST YEARS OF TSARDOM
• SOVIET RUSSIA
• POST-SOVIET RUSSIA
• CONCLUSION
• GLOSSARY
• BIBLIOGRAPHY