Geometric Invariant Theory (GIT) deals with the construction of quotients of group actions in algebraic geometry. I will first explain what we do in the affine case and then when we move on to the quasi projective case, I will show how the notion of semistability naturally arises and how the set of semi-stable points admits a good quotient. If time permits, I will then give an outline of how the question of classifying (semistable) vector bundles of a given rank and degree over a curve can be phrased as a GIT question (James has actually already done this in his talk!). The talk will only require familiarity with the language of varieties. No scheme theory would be required. Speaker(s): Sridhar Venkatesh (UM)