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

4.9
stars
3,099 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

SS

Dec 9, 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.

AP

Aug 12, 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.

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576 - 600 of 1,073 Reviews for Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity

By Glen S

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Mar 14, 2022

Totally enjoyed this course and the instructor. Ready to move onto General Relativity course if one is available.

By Yaron K

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Apr 10, 2020

A step by step explanation of Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity from the basic concepts, with many examples.

By Jyoti M

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Dec 21, 2017

This course is good enough but so lengthy content and sometimes is is difficult to recall and answer the question.

By Sakthi A

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May 28, 2020

This is the best course I've seen , the professor teaches such a difficult in an understandable way!! Hats off...

By gokcer a

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Dec 18, 2022

The professor is great! Thanks to him and all the people who make this course.

I enjoyed it from start to finish.

By Roberto C

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Aug 18, 2021

I warmly thank Prof. Larry Randles Lagerstrom for his exposition of the theory of relativity. Sincerely. Roberto

By Ezequiel M J

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Mar 28, 2021

(BR) Um dos melhores cursos que eu fiz na minha vida!!! // (US) One of the best courses that I did in my life!!!

By Timothy S D

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Aug 27, 2020

One of the best online courses I've ever taken! Loved it. Prof. Larry Randles Lagerstrom's lectures are awesome.

By Élyse L

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Apr 4, 2018

Love this. Everything is so clear and extremely well organized, I like the fact that sheets are available to us.

By Tim M

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Jul 16, 2022

A very clear & interesting introduction to Special Relativity - I thoroughly reccomend this course to everyone

By Pauline F

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Apr 19, 2020

Thank you Professor Lagerstrom for the very interesting course on the Special and General Theory of Relativity!

By Taya P

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Apr 9, 2020

Отличный курс! Я очень плаваю в физике и геометрии, но, приложив усилия, смогла осилить и понять каждый урок :)

By Tomaz K

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Aug 20, 2019

Understandable for one with fair skills in mathematics and physics.

Simple explanation of non-intuitive reality.

By Andre D

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Nov 11, 2017

A bit tedious sometimes but quite rewarding once completed, especially topics covered during last week (Week 8)

By Akash S

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Dec 11, 2016

Amazing course! If you're looking to broaden you're knowledge in Physics then this course won't disappoint you.

By Matthew G

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Aug 23, 2017

This course provides a clear and accessible introduction to a theory that can otherwise be difficult to grasp.

By Federica C

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Dec 18, 2016

An interesting course, the special theory of relativity easy for anyone to understand and very well explained.

By Andrew L

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Nov 20, 2024

What a fantastic course. Tremendous lecturer and something I will build upon in the future. My sincere thanks

By Leônidas G

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Sep 16, 2024

Curso com excelente didática permitindo uma fácil compreensão para problemas físicos tão complexos. Parabéns!

By Marcellinus A M G K

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Mar 16, 2023

Well presented, really enjoyed this, but it might help that I already have a background in Physics and Math

By Martha G

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May 1, 2021

I was finally able to understand the special theory of Relativity. I am very happy to have taken this course.

By Gerardo M

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Aug 28, 2024

Excelente material, bien estructurado, excelente docente, material de soporte adecuado y bien estructurado

By Ahad A

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Apr 11, 2020

This course was great and I finally can understand the concepts of the special theory of relativity! Thanks!

By Shubham S D

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Feb 25, 2018

Good material and great Tutors. Response from the moderators and mentors on discussion forum is very helpful

By Mudith W (

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Apr 26, 2020

This is the best course to learn relativity for a beginner. Hope to see more courses from the same lecturer