The booklet describes a social studies field study seminar which utilizes a direct experiential approach to increase high school student comprehension of federal and international politics. The first chapter explains the objectives of the seminars; the second and third chapters discuss the two major seminars which build upon previously taught social studies skills. In the first phase of the program, students are involved in classroom study of the basics of governmental operations and politics. Then, in order to gain direct experience, the students interact and talk with individuals directly involved in politics in New York City and Washington, D.C. In New York, students participate in the United Nations-Middle East Seminar and examine the workings of international politics. The Washington, D. C. seminar focuses on an inside view of government through student investigation of a specific bill, issue, policy, or problem. Both project activities involve students in newspaper analysis, reading assignments and frequent conferences with the teacher before the field trip, and in tours, meetings, and interviews at the field study site. For each project, information is presented on the following: reason for the study; classroom preparation; parental involvement in planning for the field study; scheduling field study interviews; lodging; establishing guidelines for student behavior on the field trip; and debriefing. The last five chapters present information on: implementing and developing field study curricula and recruiting students; budgeting for a field study project; follow-up activities; and student reflections on the program. (Author/DB)