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

4.9
stars
3,032 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

RC

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Excellent course. The instructor did a wonderful job, using a white board and simple props. He made it interesting and made these complex principles understandable. I enjoyed the experience.

KK

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Wonderful course on STR. Mr. Larry explained the complicated things in a very easy way using lots of diagrams. I was motivated throughout the course because he kept me on track so I lost nothing.

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551 - 575 of 1,049 Reviews for Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity

By Maulik

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Jul 8, 2020

This was really amazing. I would like to do another advanced relativity course with Prof. Langerstrom as the instructor.

By Tarunkumar C

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Sep 11, 2020

It is very informative from level zero to highest. Every topic covered sufficient knowledge. Overall very interesting.

By Noah D

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Jan 5, 2020

Very thorough, but relatively easy to understand, due to the use of appropriate analogy and well described explanation!

By Michael F

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Nov 4, 2018

Fantastic insight into Einstein's special theory of relativity. Great food for thoughts and excellent teaching methods.

By Leo K

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Mar 12, 2017

Excellent introduction to the Special Theory of Relativity: steady pace, lucid explanations and thorough comprehension.

By Yash T

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Apr 2, 2020

Great course if you want the intuition behind the special theory of relativity

Prof. Lagerstrom is a brilliant teacher.

By Rahul M

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Jul 21, 2017

Very well taught, explored a little in less in depth than what I thought it would. But a brilliant course all the same

By Yugesh B

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Dec 4, 2017

Thank you Coursera for providing such a excellent course with such a master prof. from such a prestigious university.

By Navneet J

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Jun 4, 2017

Awesome course!! Professor explained the concepts in a very simple manner and yet explained them in great details....

By Ken B

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Jul 10, 2022

This is a good conceptual overview of Special Relativity. The math is light and the course material is fairly broad.

By Preeti M

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Jun 29, 2021

The best Special Theory of Relativity classes I have ever attended. Very informative and easy to understand course.

By Dave M

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Jul 22, 2020

The instructor for this class has a way of making the material very understandable and enjoyable. Excellent course!

By Natarajan D

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Jul 21, 2017

one of the best courses I have attended. Have explained complex concepts well enough to understand and think about !

By lui l

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Jul 15, 2017

This course is outstanding in every way. Very accessible,enjoyable and taught superbly. I can't recommend it enough.

By Tingna W

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Aug 15, 2020

contents are interesting. the explanation is clear. really a good introduction on the special theory of relativity.

By Mark K

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Jul 15, 2020

Excellent. With just a little bit of Algebra I now feel comfortable with Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity.

By Deleted A

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Oct 5, 2017

Very good course and great teacher, he really does his best to make things easy to understand but still with humor.

By Glen S

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Mar 14, 2022

Totally enjoyed this course and the instructor. Ready to move onto General Relativity course if one is available.

By Yaron K

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Apr 10, 2020

A step by step explanation of Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity from the basic concepts, with many examples.

By Jyoti M

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Dec 20, 2017

This course is good enough but so lengthy content and sometimes is is difficult to recall and answer the question.

By Sakthi A

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May 28, 2020

This is the best course I've seen , the professor teaches such a difficult in an understandable way!! Hats off...

By gokcer a

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Dec 18, 2022

The professor is great! Thanks to him and all the people who make this course.

I enjoyed it from start to finish.

By Roberto C

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Aug 18, 2021

I warmly thank Prof. Larry Randles Lagerstrom for his exposition of the theory of relativity. Sincerely. Roberto

By Ezequiel M J

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Mar 28, 2021

(BR) Um dos melhores cursos que eu fiz na minha vida!!! // (US) One of the best courses that I did in my life!!!

By Timothy S D

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Aug 27, 2020

One of the best online courses I've ever taken! Loved it. Prof. Larry Randles Lagerstrom's lectures are awesome.