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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

JD

May 24, 2018

Outstanding course, by far the best MOOC available. I really enjoyed listening to prof. Lagerstrom lectures and his clear explanations of a subject which is not so obvious to understand.

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.

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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 11, 2017

EXCELLENT DEMONSTRATION AND A PERFECT COURSE

By Joaquín C M

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Jan 17, 2017

Amazing concepts and very interesting course

By MARCO J A L

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Oct 18, 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 17, 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 26, 2017

Excellent course with an excellent teacher!

By Chayon G

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Jun 28, 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 26, 2025

Por fin entiendo Relatividad Especial :')

By Hatef M A

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Aug 9, 2021

Absolutely joyful to complete this course

By Rob A

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Jul 18, 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 1, 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 29, 2019

Best Physics for Poets I have ever seen.

By Alex R

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Aug 24, 2018

Excellent course. I enjoyed it immensely

By Anil C

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Sep 13, 2017

ONE OF THE BEST COURSE

COURSE FOR MASSES

By mahatheswaran

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Jul 7, 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