The theory program consists of a core curriculum devoted to the theory and analysis of tonal and 20th-century music, complemented by seminars in a wide variety of topics. The topics reflect musicological as well as theoretical interests. Recently they have included the music of Stravinsky, Berg's operas, sketch studies, Schenkerian analysis (introductory, intermediate, and advanced), "Tristan and its Crisis," the theories of Ernst Kurth, contemporary and historical issues in aesthetics, chromatic harmony, and the history of music theory from 900-1935. The normal length of study is two years for the M.A., five years for the Ph.D. Three years are normally required to complete the necessary coursework for the Ph.D. degree.