MTH 3326 - Topics in Representation Theory

Winter 2002


Course Information


Course: MTH 3326, Topics in Representation Theory (Kac-Moody Lie Algebras)
Instructor: Professor Andrei Zelevinsky
Time and Place: Tue., Fr. 1:00 - 2:30 PM, in 544 NI
Prerequisites: Basic algebraic concepts, elements of Lie theory 
Textbook: Victor G. Kac. Infinite dimensional Lie algebras. Third Edition. Cambridge University Press, 1990. 


Course Description

The course provides an introduction to the modern theory of infinite dimensional Lie algebras and their representations. We shall focus on Kac-Moody Lie algebras which provide a natural generalization of (finite-dimensional) semisimple Lie algebras. Discovered independently by V. Kac and R. Moody about thirty years ago, Kac-Moody algebras found many important applications in such diverse areas as mathematical physics, non-linear differential equations, and number theory. We are going to discuss in detail basic properties of these algebras and their representations. An important part of the course will be presentations by students on more advanced structural properties and applications of Kac-Moody algebras.


Students'  Presentations  (Wednesday, March 13, 10:00am - 3:00pm, in 544 NI):

Ahmet Seven: Coxeter groups and Tits systems.

Valentin Silantyev: Hyperbolic lattices.

Michael Nathanson: The Gabber-Kac theorem.

Stephen Lovett: Generalized Kac-Moody algebras.


Department of Mathematics

Northeastern University
Boston, MA, 02115
Office: 431 LA
Phone: (617) 373-5648
Email: andrei@neu.edu

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Created: January 1, 2002. Last modified: March 8, 2002.