- •I. Scan the text and
- •II. Comment upon the following words of Alexander II: “It is better to abolish serfdom from above than to wait for the time when it will begin to abolish itself from below.”
- •III. Read the text once again and discuss the following questions:
- •Text 2 The Liberation of Peasants
- •I. Scan the text and explain the words in bold:
- •II. Study the text and summarize the information presented there mentioning the following points:
- •III. Work with your partner and make up a dialogue discussing the importance (pros and cons) of Alexander’s reforms. Text 3 The Foreign Policy during Alexander II
- •II. Read the text again and explain the words and word combinations in bold. Make up your own sentences with them.
- •III. Make up 10 questions to the text for your group mates. Summarize the information on the foreign policy of Alexander II. Text 4 Education, Science and Culture
- •I. Scan the text and explain the words in bold:
- •II. Discuss the following questions:
- •I. Render the following text into English:
- •II. Find information and present a report on one of the following topics:
II. Find information and present a report on one of the following topics:
Idealists and positivists. Compare the two generations.
Changes brought about by the Great reforms.
The spectacular scientific achievements of the 19th century and their impact on the Russian society.
Nihilists and the attitude towards them.
Socialism and Christianity.
Bolshevism and intelligentsia.
III. POSTER: Make a poster showing the life of people in the 19th century. Show your poster to your group mates.
IV. MAGAZINE ARTICLE: Write a magazine article about Alexander II. Include an imaginary interview with him. Write about what he does every day and what he thinks about.
Read what you wrote to your group mates. Give each other feedback on your articles.
V. LETTER: Write a letter to Alexander II. Ask him three questions about his life. Give him three suggestions on what he should do in his future. Read your letter to your partner(s). Your partner(s) will try and answer your questions. Make up a dialogue on the basis of your letters.