Lost! Sociology Island

The task is for small groups each to create two short stories of life on a desert island known as Sociology Island.

It takes a chance flight by a diverted aeroplane only ten years on to spot and notify civilisation that missing people are here. Until then, the survivors do not know if or when they might be rescued, and they have to live. There might be some technology from the aeroplane and their unbroken possessions.
There are two locations to consider. One 10 year old has ended up after the daze of the crash alone and never meets anyone else. What happens as he/ she survives and acts until offered rescue?

Twenty other characters are also lost but together on this desert island, and you should discuss and write about how they develop until they are offered rescue. They only hope to be rescued, and have to make the best they can for themselves and the children. There are at least two families with children (you decide the make up of these families), and you have to:
Draw a simple map of the island and decide where places like shelter go.

This drawing can indicate changes over time, as informed by the next part...
Decide what they do in terms of:

  • Making decisions.
    • How and who, what means.
  • Giving notice of these decisions (media).
  • How they feed themselves and provide for essential needs (economy).
  • Setting up education.
    • What system they might develop.
  • Having entertainment and culture.
  • Creating groups, significant others, and identities.
  • Carrying out any religious rituals.
    • What purpose might the religion serve?
  • Whether they accept rescue, especially if their society is functional.

Here is my version of the island after some living by the lost community:



The task involves a plenary of each small group describing their story to the class.
During these descriptions questions will be asked such as, 'What might here be seen as "sociological"'?

 

 

If you don't believe your own stories, remember Pitcairn Island as the escape place of nine men who mutinied from The Bounty in 1789. The additional Polynesian men taken to Pitcairn did not enjoy the women that the remaining whites possessed. Five whites were killed in 1793, and all of the Polynesian men too. After they started brewing alcohol the women killed two men leaving two men, and one of those died of asthma in 1800. They were first visited in 1808 by an American ship and by Britons in 1814. John Young was the last survivor and leader of the women and descendents, dying in 1829. Descendants still exist.

 

Adrian Worsfold

Pluralist - Liberal and Thoughtful