Center for Russian and East European Studies
University of Michigan
2009 Post-Secondary Curriculum Development Program in Russian
Geography 412/512: Geography of Russia
Dr. Joshua Hagen
Department of Geography – Marshall University
Spring 2010, 3 hrs
235 Harris Hall
Harris Hall 235, Mon 4:00-6:20
Harris Hall 207
Office Hours: Mon 11-11:50, 1-3:50; Wed 11-11:50, 1-2:50; Fri 11-11:50; or by appointment
Email: please use the Mail Tool in the Blackboard course website (or hagenj@marshall.edu)
Phone: 696-2505
Course Credits: Students who successfully complete this course will receive three credit
hours toward the Multicultural/International General Education Requirement.
University Mission Statement: “Marshall University will educate a citizenry capable of
living and working effectively in a global environment.”
Student Learning Objectives: Students will be able to describe, discuss, and analyze the
key geographical features, characteristics, and patterns of Russia and its neighbors,
including Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, the Caucasus Region, Central Asia, and Mongolia.
Students will be able to describe, discuss, and analyze a wide range of historical and
contemporary patterns, trends, and processes that are shaping Russia and its neighbors,
including the spatial aspects of region’s natural landscape, environmental issues, economic
development, cultural features, domestic politics, demographic trends, international
relations, and everyday life. Although students may be familiar with some of the course’s
content from other classes, this course will be approaching these diverse topics from the
spatial perspective of human geography by emphasizing the varied relationships between
people, society, and place around the globe.
Readings: Goldman, Russia, the Eurasian Republics, and Central/Eastern Europe, 11th ed.
Shaw, Russia in the Modern World: A New Geography.
Supplemental readings will be posted in Blackboard.
The exact readings will be assigned in class for the following week. Students are expected
to have completed all the assigned readings before they come to class.
Computer Requirements: Students must be able to log on to the Marshall University
campus computer system and Blackboard at MU Online. The course syllabus, supplemental
readings, assignments, tests, test scores, and any announcements will all be available
though Blackboard course website.
Student Grades: Assessment of student performance in this course will be based on a
summative sequence of active learning assignments, including a syllabus quiz, three exams,
and three essays. These assignments will assess students’ ability to recognize, analyze, and
interpret introductory level concepts, features, processes, and trends in human geography
with a focus on placing and understanding this material within a global context.
Syllabus Quiz: This short quiz will requires students to acknowledge that they have read,
understood, and agreed to abide by the course policies outlined on the course syllabus.
Students will not have access to the other course materials until they successfully complete
the syllabus quiz. The exams will be identical to the syllabus quiz in appearance and
functionality. If students have no prior experience taking exams in Blackboard, they can
use the syllabus quiz to familiarize themselves with the test taking functions in Blackboard.
Exams: The exams will be in a multiple choice format and taken online in Blackboard. For
each exam, students will have 50 questions to answer in 50 minutes. Each question is worth
one point, so each exam is worth 50 points for a total of 150 points for all three
exams. Only one attempt per exam is allowed. Time will be scheduled in class to review
the course material and answer specific questions about taking exams in Blackboard before
the first exam.
Essays: There will also be three essays assignments. Each essay will be based on one of the
supplemental readings posted in Blackboard. The exact questions and other instructions for
each essay will be posted in Blackboard. Student submissions will be graded on their
ability to demonstrate that they have read and thought critically about the article and how it
relates to topics covered in the lectures and textbook. Each short essay is worth 50 points,
for a total of 150 points. Only one attempt is allowed.
There will be NO other extra credit assignments.
Final grades are determined by the following scale:
A = 300-270 points (100-90%)
B = 269-240 points (89-80%)
C = 239-210 points (79-70%)
D = 209-180 points (69-60%)
F = 179 points or less (59% or less)
Attendance: Attendance will be taken periodically. Late arrivals may be counted as absent.
More than 2 unexcused absences will result in one letter grade reduction. If unavoidable
circumstances arise, such as illness or family emergency, you are expected to contact me
before missing class. Even if excused ahead of time, you are still responsible for the
material covered during your absence. For inclement weather, see the MU policies in the
Undergraduate Catalog.
Late Assignments: Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a zero. Late
assignments will only be accepted if the student provides a university-approved excuse.
Make-Up Exams: Exams must be taken at the scheduled time. Make-up exams will only
be allowed if the student provides a university-approved excuse.
Academic Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this class. All
assignments are to be completed individually, meaning you may not be assisted by another
person regardless of whether that person is enrolled in the class or not. Plagiarize on the
essay assignments, whether one phrase, sentence, paragraph, or the entire assignment, is a
form of academic dishonesty and will not be tolerated. Students who plagiarize or receive
any form of assistance while completing any assignments will receive a final course grade
of F and referral to the Office of Academic Affairs, without exception. The Academic
Dishonesty Report Form that I will use to report any and all cases of plagiarism or other
forms of academic dishonesty is posted on the course homepage. See the definitions and
policies for academic honesty and dishonesty in the MU Undergraduate Catalog.
Policy for Students with Disabilities: Marshall University is committed to equal
opportunity in education for all students, including those with physical, learning and
psychological disabilities. University policy states that it is the responsibility of students
with disabilities to contact the Office of Disabled Student Services (DSS) in Prichard Hall
117, phone 304 696-2271 to provide documentation of their disability. Following this, the
DSS Coordinator will send a letter to each of the student’s instructors outlining the
academic accommodation he/she will need to ensure equality in classroom experiences,
outside assignment, testing and grading. The instructor and student will meet to discuss
how the accommodation(s) requested will be provided. For more information, please visit
http://www.marshall.edu/disabled or contact Disabled Student Services Office at Prichard
Hall 11, phone 304-696-2271.
Tentative Schedule
Week 1 – Intro to Course and Blackboard Course Website
We will review the syllabus, course policies, and the course website in Blackboard. We
will also discuss the course’s learning objectives and assessments.
Week 2 – The Physical Environment
We will describe the major natural features of the region, including variations in climate,
landforms, waterways, natural resources, plant, and animal life. We will discuss and
analyze the implications these natural features may have on human activity across the
region.
Week 3 – From Czarist Empire to Soviet Union
We will discuss the major historical events and trends in the region with an emphasis on
the Soviet period. We will discuss and analyze the implications these events and trends
for the region in the early twenty-first century.
Week 4 – Russian and its Neighbors Today
We will discuss the major characteristics, patterns, and trends in the region today,
including basic data concerning demographic trends, culture diversity, economic
development, etc.
Week 5 – Test 1 and Essay 1
Week 6 – Population and Demography
We will describe the region’s contemporary demographic patterns and trends, including
population size, fertility, mortality, life expectancy, and migration. We will discuss and
analyze the reasons for these differences and their implications for the future of the
region.
Week 7 – The Economy and Everyday Life
We will describe the region’s contemporary economic patterns and trends, including the
distribution of agriculture, resource extraction, industry, services, corruption, and overall
standards of living. We will discuss and analyze the legacy of communism on the
region’s economy today, as well as its connections with the broader global economy.
Week 8 – Environmental (Mis)-Management
We will describe the region’s major environmental patterns and trends, including air and
water quality, sustainability of natural resources, and nuclear contamination. We will
discuss and analyze the legacy of the Soviet economic policy on the region’s
environment, as well as contemporary government policies and public attitudes toward
environmental challenges.
Week 9 – Urbanization and Architecture
We will describe the historical evolution of urban form and function, with an emphasis
on official governmental policies. We will discuss and analyze the future of the region’s
urban areas in light of the demographic, economic, and environment issues previously
discussed.
Week 10 – Test 2 and Essay 2
Week 11 – Government and Political Life
We will describe the basic structure of the Russian constitution and federal system
since 1991. We will discuss and analyze the implications of Putin’s presidency on the
role government in the economy, media, and public political discourse. We will discuss
and analyze the status of democracy within Russia and among neighbors.
Week 12 – Nations, Nationalism, and States I
We will describe the process of national identification among Russians and other ethnic
groups beginning in the nineteenth century. We will discuss and analyze the Soviet
Union’s policies toward ethnic minority groups with an emphasis on the role of
nationalism in the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Week 13 – Nations, Nationalism, and States II
We will discuss and analyze relations between ethnic groups within the Russian
Federation since 1991. We will discuss and analyze the significance of ethnic Russian
populations outside the Russian Federation. We will discuss and analyze governmental
policies and public opinion toward minority groups throughout the region.
Week 14 – Russia’s and the Rest of the World
We will describe, discuss, and analyze the main patterns, trends, and objectives in Russian
foreign policy since 1917. We will discuss and analyze the legacy of Soviet policies on
contemporary international relations. We will discuss and analyze current international
events from the perspective of the Russian government, as well as neighboring countries.
Week 15 – Test 3 and Essay 3