AGN, host galaxies, and starbursts

AGN by definition live in galaxies. Despite a long history of studies, there is still much ongoing research into the interplay of the nucleus and the host galaxy, how do they affect each other, how is their evolution intertwined. This review will briefly go over the historical developments behind the current understanding of AGN host galaxies, their types and characteristics. It will discuss the starburst and AGN connection in particular, and how these phenomena may be connected or influence each other by means of e.g. gas flows. Finally, some examples of AGN/starburst evolution studies from SALT and other large telescopes will be presented.