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Back to Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity

Learner Reviews & Feedback for Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity by Stanford University

4.9
stars
3,063 ratings

About the Course

In this course we will seek to “understand Einstein,” especially focusing on the special theory of relativity that Albert Einstein, as a twenty-six year old patent clerk, introduced in his “miracle year” of 1905. Our goal will be to go behind the myth-making and beyond the popularized presentations of relativity in order to gain a deeper understanding of both Einstein the person and the concepts, predictions, and strange paradoxes of his theory. Some of the questions we will address include: How did Einstein come up with his ideas? What was the nature of his genius? What is the meaning of relativity? What’s “special” about the special theory of relativity? Why did the theory initially seem to be dead on arrival? What does it mean to say that time is the “fourth dimension”? Can time actually run more slowly for one person than another, and the size of things change depending on their velocity? Is time travel possible, and if so, how? Why can’t things travel faster than the speed of light? Is it possible to travel to the center of the galaxy and return in one lifetime? Is there any evidence that definitively confirms the theory, or is it mainly speculation? Why didn’t Einstein win the Nobel Prize for the theory of relativity? About the instructor: Dr. Larry Lagerstrom is the Director of Academic Programs at Stanford University’s Center for Professional Development, which offers graduate certificates in subjects such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, data mining, nanotechnology, innovation, and management science. He holds degrees in physics, mathematics, and the history of science, has published a book and a TED Ed video on "Young Einstein: From the Doxerl Affair to the Miracle Year," and has had over 30,000 students worldwide enroll in his online course on the special theory of relativity (this course!)....

Top reviews

AP

Aug 11, 2020

It was wonderful experience to know the special theory of relativity from Larry, who has presented the course in very simple way to understand. Thanks a lot to Larry for providing such a good session.

SS

Dec 8, 2019

Almost anyone can learn about the special theory of relativity from these lectures. I actually can't believe that I studied from a professor who teaches in the USA and in so simple way. I am grateful.

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651 - 675 of 1,061 Reviews for Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity

By Jennifer S

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Mar 18, 2017

Excellent Course!! The instructor took abstruse concepts and made them accessible and fun!

By Oleksii K

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Oct 2, 2017

Very interesting course. It gave me a basic understanding of Special theory of relativity.

By Darius K

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Apr 30, 2017

Fantastic course that is designed for anyone with at least basic knowledge of mathematics.

By Akio M

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Oct 30, 2024

This is the best course of Introduction to the Special Relativity that I've ever learned.

By Hassaan A

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Jan 24, 2022

Covers a very wide range of topics in a very well put together and understandable manner.

By Michael R

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Jan 7, 2018

I did not know physics could be so easy.

A really great course but the lecturer is better.

By Rodolfo N

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Jan 30, 2020

Great course! Finally understood how to interpret the principles of Special Relativity.

By Daniel P S d S

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Mar 22, 2018

The teacher is great. He explains all the concepts very well. It was a wonderful course.

By shubham m

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Oct 18, 2017

Very well taught and will definitely increase viewer's interest in theoretical physics.

By Pierre M

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Jun 21, 2020

Very detailed content and many examples. I learned a lot in an always entertaining way.

By Chamara S

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Sep 5, 2018

Great to begin to learn special theory of relativity. Love the way of everything flows.

By Rene G

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May 23, 2018

second time in my life I had a course at this level of clarity.

Extremely gifted teacher

By Anton G

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Feb 23, 2017

great course.just enough math .repition of key points really helped.will miss it.thanks

By Adesh P

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Sep 23, 2017

Although the lectures get a bit repetitive, the course is still awesome! Thanks a lot!

By NIRAJAN G

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Jun 29, 2023

I really enjoyed the course but It would be awesome if more mathematics was involved.

By GIRI S S

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Jan 11, 2020

This course provides a fundamental understanding of the Special Theory of Relativity.

By Brett W

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Jan 20, 2019

Sometimes a little too thorough on the explanations, but overall an excellent course.

By Alexandrino N

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Feb 23, 2024

Excelente explicación del profesor Larry, buenos ejemplos de manera clara y precisa

By Alfredo V

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Sep 14, 2023

Excepcional, interesante, del nivel adecuado (difícil pero no excesivamente difícil)

By Dongho S

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Jun 13, 2020

Really awesome course. Very well explained and well structured. Thank you Professor!

By Peter B

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Jul 6, 2022

well presented accessible to those with high school maths

focused on understanding

By Marc F

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Apr 27, 2020

Un cours clair, précis qui permet de comprendre intimement les bases de la théorie.

By Jose S

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Dec 10, 2016

An experience of discovery into the perspective of 1905, and the path of reasoning.

By B H C

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Feb 4, 2020

Very well done, and reasonable amount of information delivered at the right pace.

By Paul G P

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Jun 28, 2020

Great introduction to Special Theory of Relativity. Challenging yet accessible.