A course on the watershed musical techniques that dominated classical musical composition in the 20^th century. We’ll trace serial thought from its roots in late 19^th century through Schoenberg’s discovery of the dodecaphonic technique.  We’ll analyze the works of the Second Viennese School and explore the aesthetic domination of so-called post-Webernian serialism, as well as its resonances in the aleatoric music of the 1960s.  Students will be expected to listen to and analyze pieces deeply, as well as compose several pieces in the dodecaphonic idiom.  Students are encouraged to take this course together with Minimalism for a 4-credit suite.