Discrete Subgroups of Lie Groups

This is an introduction to the theory of lattices in semisimple Lie groups. I plan to cover the following topics:

1. Overview of Riemannian locally symmetric spaces;
2. semisimple Lie groups;
3. basic properties of lattices;
4. arithmetic lattices;
5. rigidity and arithmeticity;
6. amenability and property (T);
7. normal subgroups of higher rank lattices;
8. some ergodic theory, as needed.

The main prerequisite is to share a strong liking for groups in general, and infinite groups in particular. It would help greatly to also have taken the qual. courses in algebra and geometry-topology.

For most of the course, I plan to use the (unfinished) set of notes by Dave Witte-Morris: "Introduction to Arithmetic Groups." It can be downloaded from here. (Scroll down to "books in progress.") I may also take from "Discrete Subgroups of Semisimple Lie Groups," by G. Margulis.

Classes will be held in a room to be announced, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 2:00PM till 3:00PM. If you have questions, please contact me at feres@math.wustl.edu or in Cupples I room 17 (phone 5-6752).

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