In an effort to determine how students themselves perceive social studies and the society, two questionnaires were developed and administered to 797 seniors in 19 high schools across the country. The first questionnaire surveyed student comparison of social studies with other school subjects; assessment of preference for various teaching methods and materials; and evaluation of such course characteristics as realism, analytic emphasis, and objectives. The second questionnaire measured student attitudes toward contemporary and future American society and included questions on family, marriage, and sex roles; physical needs and public services; social class and status; social implications of religion; jobs and education; racial and ethnic relations; and crime and violence. The results indicated a generally positive view of social studies courses in comparison to other courses in the curriculum. Most students preferred discussion to any other form of teaching method and liked lectures the least. In viewing present and future society, all students, except for those of lower socioeconomic background, anticipated highly significant changes in the future. The students saw job preparation as a major purpose of contemporary education. (Author/DE)