Observing that speech communication, by whatever term it is called, is now a popular major among the traditional liberal arts, this paper proposes an essential speech communication curriculum for the small, comprehensive college. The first part of the paper presents a rationale for the curriculum by exploring how the curriculum reflects (1) its identity as a component of a comprehensive college, (2) a viable concept of liberal education, and (3) the postulates that identify the unique character of the speech discipline. The second part of the paper presents the hypothetical curriculum, which would require students to complete 12 hours in inquiry, including argumentation, logic, and rhetorical theory; 12 hours in literacy, including public speaking, linguistics, and composition; 3 hours in numerical data, including behavioral science methodology; 3 hours in historical awareness, including history and criticism of American public address; and 6 hours in values, including ethics and persuasion. The curriculum also includes course listings for recommended 18 hours in a minor track, with courses in organizational communication and mass communication. (HTH)