ABSTRACT
Most academic disciplines offer an introductory course that presents an overview of the discipline and introduces students to the fundamental principles and core competencies of that discipline. In communication studies, several context-based courses may qualify as “introductory,” e.g., public speaking, introduction to human communication, interpersonal communication, group communication, business and professional communication. Rather than proposing a single, standardized introductory course, this paper advocates the adoption and application of a set of core competencies for all introductory communication courses. This approach justifies the diversity of introductory courses and helps legitimize communication studies as a significant and unique academic discipline. In making the case for applying core competencies to all introductory courses, this essay also describes the benefits of this approach and responds to several common arguments claiming that introductory communication courses are neither appropriate nor critical as general education or graduation requirements.
