This workshop aims both to introduce people to a broad swath of the field and to frame its most important problems. Each day will be organized around a basic topic, such as how to count holomorphic curves with boundary on a Lagrangian submanifold (which leads to various versions of Floer theory) or how to understand the general structure of symplectic and contact manifolds. There will also be an introduction to the analytic and algebraic aspects of symplectic field theory, and a discussion of some applications. Bibliography (PDF) Accommodations: A block of rooms has been reserved at the Rose Garden Inn. Reservations may be made by calling 1-800-992-9005 OR directly on their website. Click on Corporate at the bottom of the screen and when prompted enter code MATH (this code is not case sensitive). By using this code a new calendar will appear and will show MSRI rate on all room types available. The cut-off date for reservations is July 31, 2009. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hotel Durant. Please mention the workshop name and reference the following code when making reservations via phone, fax or e-mail: 0908MSRIIN. The cut-off date for reservations is July 16, 2009. We also hold a block of rooms at the Doubletree Hotel. Please mention the MSRI as a reference when making reservations by calling 510-548-7920. The Doubletree Hotel offers complementary shuttle to and from MSRI. The room rate is $99 per night. New, completely renovated Hotel Shattuck Plaza has rooms available for you as well! Click here to book online Or, you can make reservations calling the main line, 510-845-7300, and asking for the rate for Connections for Women: SCGT/ Intro to SCGT. The room rate is $119 per night plus tax.