OLLI of Greater Birmingham presents Russia: History and Controversial Leaders with instructor Jackie Nuby, retired Professor of History, University of Montevallo.  Over the four sessions, topics will include an overview of Russia, including geography, government, languages, national symbols, and diversity of people and culture.  Ancient Russian history, the Savs and Mongol invasions, and key historical figures will be covered.  Also, the Czars and the Romanov Dynasties from 1635 to 1925, including Ivan the Terrible, Peter the Great, and Catherine the Great and others.  The Revolution and Soviet Era, including Lenin, Trotsky, new economic policies, and post Communism to the present.  Finally, an assessment of US/Russian involvement will be discussed.