A model basic speech communication course is described in this paper, along with guidelines for developing and maintaining a cognitive-basic skills approach to such a course. The course outline describes the university environment where the course is taught; the structure of the department offering the course; the philosophy and course objectives; the faculty and administration of the course; the teaching media, methods, and testing procedures; additional special programs; and the course evaluation procedure. Eight problem areas of course development are discussed, including the initial problem of dealing with the philosophical differences of various faculty members over what should be included in a basic course. Appended are the course guidelines and requirements for the teaching faculty, a listing of the course director's responsibilities, a series of information handouts to use in recruiting students to take the course, and sample evaluation schedules. (AEA)