Grothendieck's duality theory for coherent cohomology is a fundamental
tool in algebraic geometry and number theory, in areas ranging from the
moduli of curves to the arithmetic theory of modular forms. Presented is
a systematic overview of the entire theory, including many basic
definitions and a detailed study of duality on curves, dualizing
sheaves, and Grothendieck's residue symbol. Along the way proofs are
given of some widely used foundational results which are not proven in
existing treatments of the subject, such as the general base change
compatibility of the trace map for proper Cohen-Macaulay morphisms
(e.g., semistable curves). This should be of interest to mathematicians
who have some familiarity with Grothendieck's work and wish to
understand the details of this theory.