Differential forms in algebraic topology

Abstract

This text, developed from a first-year graduate course in algebraic topology, is an informal introduction to some of the main ideas of contemporary homotopy and cohomology theory. The materials are structured around four core areas- de Rham theory, the Cech-de Rham complex, spectral sequences, and characteristic classes-and include some applications to homotopy theory. By using the de Rham theory of differential forms as a prototype of cohomology, the machineries of algebraic topology are made easier to assimilate. With its stress on concreteness, motivation, and readability, "Differential Forms in Algebraic Topology" should be suitable for self-study or for a one- semester course in topology.