This course surveys classical music developed in Europe and in the United States during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. The class begins by untangling the confusing, and often conflicting, terminology associated with “modernism” and “post-modernism.” It then explores these concepts in practice by addressing the conceptual, stylistic, and geographical shifts that have influenced western classical music. This course concludes with a discussion about the future of classical music.

In this course, students will study the movements and stylistic schools of nationalism, neo-classicism, twelve-tone music, serialism and experimental music. They will also learn about contemporary practices such as minimalism, computer music, and even the work of our own active college composers. Over the course of the semester, students will be exposed to the music of composers such as Debussy, Ravel, Mahler, Copland, Cage, and members of the Second Viennese School.

MUS 313 is not open to students who have taken MUS 213.