The guide focuses on a rationale for exploratory foreign language courses in middle or junior high school, and on the goals and objectives for such courses. An exploratory course may serve a number of purposes regardless of whether or not a pupil elects a foreign language at a later time. These purposes include: (1) acquainting pupils with a language they may study later; (2) enhancing their understanding of English; (3) providing a glimpse into other cultures; (4) increasing the level of general linguistic awareness. Various possible models of organization are presented as aids to administrators contemplating establishing such a course. Suggested basic linguistic cultural content is presented for the exploration of French, German, and Spanish. The guide stresses the reinforcement of English skills through the study of prefixes, suffixes, roots, cognates, and borrowed words coming from a variety of languages, including Latin and Greek. The course attempts to combine the "general language" approach with the teaching of expressions from specific languages. The development of language and language families is stressed. Sections on appropriate methods, materials, and testing are included. (Author/CFM)