This study was designed to discover content, teaching methods, organization, and trends occurring in introductory courses in speech communication in Illinois junior colleges, colleges, and universities. One hundred and thirty-five questionnaires were mailed to the department chairperson or coordinator of fundamentals of each college in Illinois offering A.A., A.S., B.A., B.S., and B.F.A. degrees. The study concluded that a large number of colleges and universities in Illinois which offer undergraduate degrees also offer a basic course in speech communication which is required either for all students or for specific major fields; generally, the content appears to be a combination of communication theory and oral performance rather than being primarily oriented toward public speaking; the most widely used textbooks reflect the theoretical and oral performance emphasis; and the instructors are optimistic about maintaining enrollment. (RB)