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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 11, 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 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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701 - 725 of 1,086 Reviews for Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity

By Francois J

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Dec 5, 2020

Larry Randles is an excellent Instructor.

I would take other courses from him.

By Mayank S

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Sep 3, 2020

Best beginner course to know about relativity and in turn understand Einstein

By Alejandro P

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May 7, 2018

Muy interesante el curso, además, las explicaciones muy claras. Curso genial.

By Robert B

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Aug 29, 2017

Very clear and understandable from an algebraic math background. Thank You!!

By Anton B

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Aug 11, 2017

I never knew I would understand the Special Theory of Relativity. Until now!

By Sandip Z

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Sep 30, 2024

A difficult concept was explained very well and clearly . Thanks very much

By Nishant S

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Jul 18, 2021

excellent course ,I have got many idea through this course about relativity

By E D S

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May 24, 2020

Very professional presentation. Arranged for easy understanding. Well done.

By Wiktor J

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Sep 20, 2018

Great course, gave me a really good understanding of this wonderful theory.

By Christopher B

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Dec 5, 2017

On week 2, LOVING this so far! I will get this certificate, I am confident.

By Achyut K

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Jul 17, 2020

Awesome methodology for teaching students not even from science background

By Fabio C

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Jun 13, 2020

Excellent choice for a beginner on this matter. Clear, insightful, course.

By Venkataramana K

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Aug 12, 2019

This course really help me to satisfy my quest to understand time dilation

By Marco Q

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Sep 25, 2017

Excellent course, It lets You understand clearly the strange nature works.

By Steven R

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Sep 11, 2021

Excellent instructor who generated a great deal of enthusiasm for course

By Alan L

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May 24, 2020

Concepts all very clearly explained. Diagram and notes were very helpful.

By Helena H

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Jul 2, 2018

Except from the slow pace of teaching, everything is clearly illustrated!

By Беркутбаева Р А

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Dec 9, 2024

Благодарю за такой курс! Очень удобный, интересные лекции, просто супер!

By Neeraj G

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May 23, 2024

Excellent course and very well explained lectures with pictorial details

By Ramon F

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Apr 25, 2021

It was such an interesting experience to learn the theory of relativity

By ADITYA V

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Jun 28, 2020

Most complicated things explained so easily. A true mind changer course.

By Aishik B

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Dec 4, 2016

A very useful insight into Einstein and his Special Theory of Relativity

By Daniel W

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Jan 20, 2023

Randle is an amazing teacher; he explains everything in extreme detail.

By malavika s

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Feb 12, 2017

Very well paced, with very clear explanations and interesting insights.

By David M

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Mar 1, 2023

A great course for someone new to studying physics. Loved the teacher.