The Viking Project

 

Introduction

The Viking project asks you to use all that you have figured out so far in the nature of Power and Authority. On a Viking boat, however, you have power like you never dreamed of.

 

The Assignment

You are in charge of twenty to thirty foot, unpowered, pulling boat. On board the boat, there are twenty-four people. Included are you, three other "officers" and twenty "rowers." Somehow, you and twenty-three others have to go from Ireland to Maine.

 

The main problem is in controlling the twenty rowers, while at the same time surviving. You can do this either by setting up the boat as a Utopia or an Anti-utopia.

 

Restrictions

You are welcome to use anything that is unpowered or powered by battery. This means you could have a solar oven, lit compass or battery powered cattle prod. You may not wire up the microwave oven or electro-shock machine.

 

Your Viking boat is about 45 feet long, with two floors. The men sleep in hammocks. You have two bulkheads, front and rear. You have a simple mast and a small sail.

 

Expectations

In terms or writing, you must come up with four things.

 

First, you must come up with a simple handbook or rulebook for your boat. You must account for anything that might happen to your boat, including storms, diseases, and revolts.

 

Second, you must do two journals for the trip. Figure it will take three weeks to travel across (of course that is far too short, but assume a storm or two). The Captain’s or officer’s log should contain location, condition of the ship, and a summary of any actions.

 

The Crewman’s log contains emotions, reactions and everything else.

 

Third, you will be asked to write an essay based on your trip.