One of the most significant activities undertaken by members of small college speech departments has been the development of the Essential Undergraduate Curriculum in Speech Communication at the Small College. This paper reviews six aspects of this curriculum: (1) the "statement of domain"; (2) iterdisciplinary aspects; (3) questions of methodology; (4) changes in certain of the courses listed; (5) the role of communication theory; and (6) faculty preparation for staffing such a program. Among the conclusions is the following: a clearer articulation of the field's "domain" is needed. This articulation needs to consider interdisciplinary and multi-methodological aspects of the discipline. Thought should be given to replacing several of the courses with others more reflective of the central ideas of the discipline (specifically, are oral interpretation and voice and diction more central to the curriculum than communication theory, listening, and multi-cultural diversity?) Finally, ongoing opportunities for faculty development in the content areas of the discipline need to be provided. (SM)