The article considers the place of the course "Culture of Speech" in the curriculum of non-philological faculties of higher educational institutions, as well as its role from the point of view of students and teachers. It analyzes the current situation in society in connection with poor mastery of the norms of Russian literary speech and the reasons for this situation. Examples of common violations of speech norms are given, the influence of the speech environment on native speakers is evaluated. The main goal and objectives of teaching the course "Russian language and culture of speech" are set, which are illustrated by tasks of various types. Conclusions are drawn about the necessity of teaching such a course to students of non-linguistic specialties of universities in connection with the requirements for a university graduate not only as a specialist, but also as an intelligent person.