Classical theta functions

Abstract: §I.1, §1.6-7 in Mumford's "Tata Lectures on Theta I"

Functions on an elliptic curve are periodic in the complex plane with respect to a lattice. Theta functions are entire functions that are quasiperiodic and are used to give periodic meromorphic functions. We discuss these theta functions which will be used in following talks to define the elliptic gamma function.

algebraic geometrynumber theory

Audience: advanced learners

STAGE

Series comments: STAGE (Seminar on Topics in Arithmetic, Geometry, Etc.) is a learning seminar in algebraic geometry and number theory, featuring speakers talking about work that is not their own. Talks will be at a level suitable for graduate students. Everyone is welcome.

Fall 2026 topic: Explicit class field theory.

Some topics might take more or less time than allotted. If a speaker runs out of time on a certain date, that speaker might be allowed to borrow some time on the next date. So the topics below might not line up exactly with the dates below.