Noting that speech instruction as a liberal study must include significant subject matter, rigorous intellectual application, high ethical standards, and responsibility, this paper describes the humanities core course at Allegheny College (Pennsylvania) as providing such a climate for speech instruction. The paper first describes the course goals as helping students to develop an understanding and appreciation of the importance of the humanities, and to further develop writing and speaking skills. The paper then describes the two assignments, from each of the three course terms, that involve oral performance, as well as the accompanying texts and resources. The paper concludes with remarks concerning the value and success of the program made by an evaluator from the National Endowment for the Humanities, from which the college had received a grant for the program. (HTH)