In the United States, educators have had difficulty teaching about the Soviet Union. Students are often ignorant of the historical circumstances that have affected the U.S./Soviet relationship, and they are often miseducated by stereotypes they encounter in popular culture. This curriculum explores the government and economy of the Soviet Union, the nature of communism, human rights, Glasnost and Perestroika, and U.S. schools of thought about the Soviet Union. The pedagogical emphasis is on dialogue, critical thinking, and informed decision making. Students analyze political cartoons, media reports, philosophical and political writings, and government documents to achieve a new understanding of the Soviet Union, and so develop alternatives to the Cold War view of U.S./Soviet relations. A broad range of U.S. and Soviet perspectives is provided, allowing students to form their own opinions and enabling teachers and students to remain flexible in the face of dramatic, fast-breaking changes in the Soviet Union. Black and white photographs are included. (JB)