We introduce a time-dependent self-consistent-field approach for studying the coupled rotational-translational motion of molecules subject to the macroscopic potential induced by a spatially inhomogeneous, polarized laser field. A hybrid classical-quantum-mechanical variation of the scheme is employed to investigate the possibility of simultaneously focussing the center-of-mass motion of molecules and aligning their figure axis in a field-free region of space. A semiclassical-quantum-mechanical variation is used to describe the rotational-translational dynamics of cold molecules confined to an optical trap. [S0021-9606(99)00633-9].