Introduction to mapping class groups
Mini-course: 20-24.11.2025, University of Wrocław

We are pleased to announce a 6-hour mini-course given by Jing Tao (University of Oklahoma), taking place at the Mathematical Institute of the University of Wrocław on 20-24 November 2025. Everyone is welcome!

Title: Introduction to mapping class groups

Abstract:

This mini-course will introduce the mapping class group of an orientable surface, starting from basic definitions and examples and building up the key toolkit: Dehn twists, generators and relations, and action on curves and arcs. We will discuss the Nielsen–Thurston classification of surface homeomorphisms into periodic, reducible, and pseudo-Anosov types, highlighting the geometric and dynamical features of each.

The mini-course will take place over 3 days – 20th, 21st and 24th November – with a 2-hour talk on each day. All talks will take place at the Mathematical Institute of the University of Wrocław (plac Grunwaldzki 2, 50-384 Wrocław).

Thursday 20 November: 16:15–18:00, room 603

Friday 21 November: 14:15–16:00, room 601

Monday 24 November: 14:15–16:00, room WS

Before Monday's talk (from 13:45), there will be cake and coffee provided in the common room (room 311).

Monday's talk will also be followed by the Geometry Seminar (16:15–17:15 in room WS), where Jing Tao will give a talk on Tame maps of surfaces of infinite type.