Abstract
This empirical study examines the status and trends of the basic course in speech communication across U.S. colleges and universities during the mid-1980s. Drawing on survey data from 552 institutions, the analysis assesses enrollment patterns, instructional practices, faculty assignments, credit hour production, administrative support, and competition from other academic units. The findings indicate that the public speaking orientation remains the dominant model for the basic course, followed by combination formats integrating interpersonal and small-group communication. Enrollment trends show overall stability or moderate growth, particularly at universities and mid-sized colleges, with smaller institutions experiencing minor declines. Class sizes remain small, typically under thirty students, and instruction is distributed among faculty ranks, with professors teaching slightly more than half of all sections. The study reveals that the basic course contributes substantially to departmental credit hour generation, though reliance on it varies by institutional size. Administrative support is generally adequate but uneven, with larger institutions reporting weaker commitment. The authors conclude that the basic course remains central to the vitality of communication programs, serving both pedagogical and institutional functions, despite challenges in funding and competition from other divisions.
Recommended Citation
Gibson, James W. and Hanna, Michael S.
(1986)
"How Vital Is the Basic Course in the 1980's?,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 57, Article 6.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol57/iss1/6
