The minicourse in foreign language teaching is an outgrowth of the diversified curriculum that is based on the personal-benefit theory. The importance of the individual and the need for a differentiated program designed to foster individual interests and maximize individual potential is stressed in this theory. The rapid growth of alternative schools and the introduction of secondary level electives is discussed. A minicourse is a course shorter than the standard academic unit; it may be phased, sequential, nonsequential, or terminal. The majority of foreign language minicourses are offered at advanced levels of instruction and vary in length from one to twelve weeks. Minicourses have significantly broadened content at the advanced levels of foreign language instruction, and the greatest impact has been in the area of "everyday" culture. Minicourse programs tend to use a combination of instructional modes, especially small group instruction. Positive attitudes have been expressed by students and teachers, and program enrollments have increased significantly. The viability of minicourse programs depends on a sound rationale, planning that includes student input, and the establishment of systematic evaluation procedures. Guidelines for implementing a minicourse program are provided. (SW)