The main goal will be to present a proof that mapping class groups have finite asymptotic dimension. This will give me a good excuse to talk about projection complexes, asymptotic dimension, curve complexes and subsurface projections. Most of this will be self-contained, with few "black boxes".

Reading list:
Hyperbolic groups and spaces, from the standard books like
Bridson-Haefliger or Kapovich-Drutu
Some familiarity with mapping class groups, e.g. the first 3 sections
of Farb-Margalit

The main goal will be to present a proof that mapping class groups have finite asymptotic dimension. This will give me a good excuse to talk about projection complexes, asymptotic dimension, curve complexes and subsurface projections. Most of this will be self-contained, with few "black boxes".

Reading list:
Hyperbolic groups and spaces, from the standard books like
Bridson-Haefliger or Kapovich-Drutu
Some familiarity with mapping class groups, e.g. the first 3 sections
of Farb-Margalit

The main goal will be to present a proof that mapping class groups have finite asymptotic dimension. This will give me a good excuse to talk about projection complexes, asymptotic dimension, curve complexes and subsurface projections. Most of this will be self-contained, with few "black boxes".

Reading list:
Hyperbolic groups and spaces, from the standard books like
Bridson-Haefliger or Kapovich-Drutu
Some familiarity with mapping class groups, e.g. the first 3 sections
of Farb-Margalit

I am planning to briefly describe these two classes of groups, their most important properties, and spaces on which they act. I will try to explain how these different spaces fit together in a form of a dictionary relating the two theories. I will finish by listing some of the outstanding problems in the two subjects