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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
3,096 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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1051 - 1073 of 1,073 Reviews for Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity

By Callum B

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Jul 4, 2018

Really good to get a grasp of what relativity is all about

By Dave W

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Dec 19, 2020

Too much work in weeks 4 and 5. Explanations very clear.

By Maartijn S

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Nov 14, 2017

Really great course, the teaching was excellent and fun.

By Shayar S

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Sep 12, 2018

Really interesting topic but can get a little boring

By Wilson O

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Oct 9, 2022

GOOD INTRODUCTORY MATERIAL, ENTHUSIASTIC LECTURER.

By Luis L

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Sep 7, 2020

A bit long, too much time to cover easy themes...

By Yasoda R

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Aug 26, 2017

Nicely presented, but pace was very slow.

By Rajendraprasadbabu M

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Jul 19, 2019

a little bit more advanced required.

By chandra T B

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Oct 2, 2023

very good course. im thankfull.

By MAHALAKSHMI S

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Apr 5, 2022

very interesting andinformative

By kwok w k

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Sep 3, 2024

Detail step by step approach

By Darren H

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Feb 16, 2021

very well explained

By Don M

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Jul 23, 2020

good course

By Wellington D P

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Apr 30, 2017

good course

By rverker

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Apr 21, 2024

It's really too slow! The subject is interesting but the videos are too long. The teacher's lesson with a marker in front of a whiteboard is no longer relevant. In addition, the teacher goes into too much detail and constantly repeats himself. There is no PDF support, which is also a negative point.

By Pratheek T

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Mar 4, 2017

Rather easy questions and not many difficult ones even in the optional exercises.

By Devika M

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Jun 24, 2020

It was a very informative and interesting course.

By Peter Z

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Feb 15, 2017

The professor is so slow I have to have him at 1.5x speed when listening to his lecture and am still falling asleep. I am very interested Special Theory of RElativity but I ll just get a book. Will be faster.

By BHAVYA C

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Aug 3, 2020

This Coursera was very usefull for students,this special theory of relativity is interesting topic,

By Ildar S

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Mar 29, 2020

The worst course. Very slow and unuseful

By Caroline I

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May 9, 2021

i wanna enrolling this course.

By Plato 3

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Jul 20, 2020

boooooooooring

By Paul I

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Jan 18, 2017

too easy