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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
3,153 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

SG

Mar 16, 2018

It was a good introductory course for the special theory of relativity. But being from an engineering background i wished it was a bit more quantitative but an excellent course nonetheless.

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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901 - 925 of 1,089 Reviews for Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity

By Iulian D

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Aug 13, 2025

Excellent. Well explained.

By Syed S U R

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Oct 27, 2023

Amazing Course. I love it.

By GE

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Jul 31, 2023

Clear, easygoing, complete

By David Z

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Nov 28, 2021

Everything was wonderful.

By Souradeep D

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Jul 7, 2020

This course is wonderful.

By 董博文

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Jan 20, 2020

在中国因为网络问题，学习有一定障碍，不过内容很好。

By MARCIA C

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Jan 16, 2018

Wonderful and really hard

By sushant s

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Aug 11, 2017

Amazing . time is suspect

By Mark C

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Jun 15, 2017

Very well conduct course.

By Alok O

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Jan 11, 2017

Classic style of teaching

By Boguslaw M

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Feb 12, 2022

Great course. Thank you!

By tugay a

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Jun 2, 2019

That's amazing course...

By Som D

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Sep 9, 2018

the course was very easy

By Amol D

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Sep 12, 2020

Very very strong course

By Sanduke E

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Sep 11, 2019

A course for everybody!

By Mohammad M Z A

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Jul 16, 2017

This Course was amazing

By Ricardo F P F

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Apr 24, 2017

Top, easy to understand

By Salman M

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Aug 17, 2025

Absolutely brilliant!!

By Alonso C G

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Nov 14, 2024

Excellent information!

By Carlos O

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Jan 13, 2022

Incredible course!!!

By 簡太辰

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Jan 1, 2021

fantastic experience.

By Tim O

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Feb 1, 2020

Brilliantly presented

By Dominika-Olga V

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Aug 23, 2019

Great course! Thanks!

By Daher N

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Jan 2, 2018

genreral and complete

By ioannis p

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Apr 12, 2022

Outstanding teacher!