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

4.9
stars
3,145 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 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.

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.

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826 - 850 of 1,088 Reviews for Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity

By Radhika T

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Jun 15, 2017

Beautifully explained and extremely engaging!

By Vika M

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Aug 24, 2020

It was an amazing course.It was very helpful

By Eva G

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Jan 23, 2020

Clear and complete. Very good for beginners.

By Jason M

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Jun 24, 2019

absolultely brilliantly taught course - wow!

By Saurav B

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Jun 12, 2017

EXCELLENT DEMONSTRATION AND A PERFECT COURSE

By Joaquín C M

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Jan 18, 2017

Amazing concepts and very interesting course

By MARCO J A L

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Oct 19, 2024

excelente curso muy didáctico e interesante

By Zygimantas V (

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May 31, 2024

Much better than the regular YouTube video.

By Clara E

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Jan 18, 2024

Spectacular! Great teacher, amazing course!

By Thomas W

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Jun 8, 2018

I enjoyed the focused detail of the course.

By Fabio B

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Jun 27, 2017

Excellent course with an excellent teacher!

By Chayon G

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Jun 29, 2020

Good course indeed. Thanks Mr. Lagerstorm.

By Nyam-Ochir B (

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Nov 29, 2016

One of the courses that i have taken ever!

By José J A R

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Jan 27, 2025

Por fin entiendo Relatividad Especial :')

By Hatef M A

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Aug 10, 2021

Absolutely joyful to complete this course

By Rob A

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Jul 19, 2020

Exceptionally well organized, very clear.

By Michael W

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Feb 13, 2020

A very enjoyable course very well taught!

By ANKIT T

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Apr 2, 2019

Great..... Learn many new things here....

By JORGE V R

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Apr 29, 2017

quite enlightening! Great job Mr. Randles

By Alan F

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May 30, 2019

Best Physics for Poets I have ever seen.

By Alex R

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Aug 25, 2018

Excellent course. I enjoyed it immensely

By Anil C

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Sep 14, 2017

ONE OF THE BEST COURSE

COURSE FOR MASSES

By mahatheswaran

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Jul 8, 2017

Awesome course learnt a lot from my Guru

By Bushra S

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Aug 30, 2024

Very interesting and informative course

By shafin k

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Jul 15, 2023

Learning was much easier with professor